Opportunities are rife in more lucrative sectors such as entrepreneurship, entertainment, business process outsourcing, as well as outside of the country, but why do teachers in the public school system have stayed despite more promising, better-paying jobs?

On the celebration of National Teachers Month, we doff our hats to tens of thousands of teachers who have stayed and chosen to take care of our Filipino learners, over 28 million of them, despite personal challenges, career meltdowns, and emotional tailspins, of sorts.

Rowena Amor Fernandez, a public school teacher in Baybay City, Province of Leyte, said she stays because of her students.

“My students. It may sound cliché, or may give some the cringe, but it’s true. We all know that our salaries are oftentimes too meager to meet our personal and professional needs, which explains why so many teachers opt to teach abroad. Rumors of corruption, incompetence, politicization, and abuse of power within the system persist, adding to the burdens that are purportedly inherent in our job – multiple tasks, piles of paperwork, and lack of teaching-learning resources, among others. At times, our working environment can feel overwhelming and toxic, my stress level is through the roof. There are days when I must drag myself to school – and I do,” Teacher Rowena shared.

However, despite students with behavioral issues, this has not dampened her interest to keep going.

“I have to be in school because I have students. Yes, it is true that we encounter many students with behavioral issues, some with such low academic performance you wonder how they passed junior high school. Several senior high school students struggle with their Grade 3 reading level, but among these seemingly problematic students, there are those who crave the attention and guidance of a teacher. These are the students who, after receiving their paper peppered with red marks, will ask why and what can they do to improve; students who will wait until you’ve finished a meeting at 5:30 p.m. and are willing to stay until 8 p.m. to be coached for that extra-curricular activity they want to join; students who will request your free time to consult with you on an event they’d like to organize to benefit their peers. These are students who would make you forget the frustrations and annoyances you experienced from others and remind you of the joys of teaching,” Teacher Rowena conveyed.

Teacher Rowena pointed out that there are students who make the school their home. A teacher has to be there, no matter what.

“Moreover, after years of being a public school teacher, I have come to realize that for some students, school is not just their second home – it is their home. School is their refuge from parents who constantly fight, from a sexually abusive stepfather, from a sick grandparent, from a stressed single mother, from nagging hunger, from a house and a home that is falling apart. These are students who will volunteer for the most menial task just so you have a reason to give them that packet of soda crackers in your drawer; students who will ask if you’re busy and how they can be of help so they can feel valued by someone; students who will ask the most trivial questions just so they can talk to you and have someone listen to them. I go to school because I have students waiting for me and I want to be there for them. Even if that’s just one student in a class of 40, sometimes that is all the push I need to get myself to school,” Teacher Rowena further articulated.

Here are other public school teachers who have chosen to be with our Filipino learners despite the odds:

"I have been a teacher for 18 years. I have witnessed firsthand the system's flaws and inconsistencies. Despite these challenges, I have remained dedicated to teaching because it is my bread and butter, and I firmly believe in working diligently, even when feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities. Complaining about the system only drains and demotivates me. Instead, I have adopted a philosophy of serving my students with diligence and honesty, recognizing that their learning is deeply affected by my commitment to my duties. Teachers have diverse philosophies. As a student-centered educator, I choose to focus on my students and minimize complaining. It is a fact that complaining is a part of Filipino culture. We always ask for more but for me teacher's time is so precious. I often find myself pressed for time with lesson preparation, but my passion for serving my students keeps me going. I realize that my voice might not be heard in the national level, but to my students, it is a source of their learning educationally and morally. Therefore, I have decided to channel my energy into doing my part as a teacher and contributing to my students' learning goals, rather than dwelling on the shortcomings of the system." - Joan Roxas, Calape, Bohol

“It is when I see my students transform into a better version of themselves through the craft of teaching that I instill in them. It serves as my fuel to keep me motivated despite all the challenges that I may face in the public school system.” - Jhunrey Villanueva, Bantayan Island, Northern Cebu

“My role as a public school teacher is very significant not just for individual learners but to the community as a whole. What keeps me motivated to keep going is certainly my passion and commission for teaching, as well as having a supportive family and amazing stakeholders who always show recognition and appreciation for the hard work I put in. Let’s admit the fact that if we are recognized and appreciated, we feel valued and motivated to stay and keep going.” – Lilian Atis, Barangay Labangon, Cebu City

“My drive to keep going despite the challenges in the public school system comes from my faith in the Lord, which gives me a strong sense of purpose as a teacher. I believe I am meant to inspire my students not just in their studies but also in their spiritual lives. My family, including Mama Myrna, Papa Jimmy, Tiya Tessie, Tiya Elsa, my siblings Ate Jennifer, Michael, Joan, Mark, Jehan, Marvin, and my nieces and nephews, are a significant source of support for me. Additionally, my best friend Jaynore Tingal and my Christian Fellowship Church family led by Pastor Enzo provide a strong network of encouragement. I am also blessed to work at Tuburan Elementary School, where I have kind and supportive colleagues led by Rogedem Nemenzo. This friendly atmosphere enhances my work experience and motivates me to contribute positively to our school community. Ultimately, my desire to share knowledge and make a real difference in my students' lives drives my passion for teaching and strengthens my commitment to overcoming the challenges we face in education.” - Jinky Camonias Nemenzo, Barangay Tuburan, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental

“The learnings that the students will bring when they continue their lives outside school. That has kept me going. Knowing that I became a channel of learnings, wisdom, and good values motivates me in a much deeper sense. It feels like I have reached and have carried out my purpose exemplarily once I see my students' future endeavors despite the challenges in our public education system.” – Maribel Dalanon, Barangay Labangon, Cebu City