Media Log # 3 - Editorial

EDITORIAL - A call for teachers

Reference: The Philippine Star (2013). A call for teachers. Retrieved on 10 February 2014 from http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2013/10/06/1241995/editorial-call-teachers.

Summary:

Teachers play a vital role in developing national competitiveness. While others have been investing heavily in public education and strengthening institutions, for the past decades, the Philippines has lagged behind many countries because of its inability to be competitive. The government is currently trying to eliminate this trend by raising salaries and easing the workload; however, another phenomenon occurred which is the transfer of teachers from private to public schools since it's starting to regain its popularity. In 2010, the government was able to hire thousands of teachers causing the class sizes to shrink. More can be done for those who takes this type of job. Other countries persist to motion with better pay for educators. Apart from long hours and extra work, teachers in the Philippines need protection in conflict areas and during elections.

There is a shortage of teachers worldwide which is reflected in last year's slogan "A Call for teachers". UNESCO pointed out that for people to achieve global citizenship and cultural diversity, quality teachers are needed. This means that for a foundation for lasting peace, better status of living, and development, there should be quality education for all.

Evaluation:

The author of this editorial clearly states that people in the Philippines need quality education in order to attain peace, a better standard of living and to teach young people to conduct themselves honorably as an adult. I do agree with the statement of the author who implies that we need teachers so that we can catch up well with other countries.

I believe teaching is an honorable profession; however, with education becoming a very popular career and with our past experience in shortage of teacher, most people pass on being teachers even without having the proper classification in teaching. This should be addressed. Also, teachers deserve more benefits from the government but because of our government being so corrupt, they take care of themselves and their benefactors first instead of serving the citizens in the country.