Contribution
The changing context of the teacher's work
Struggling to manage the new realities of education isn't easy. People change, conditions change, the rules change. Education thought changes, too. It evolves whenever new curriculum is presented, new teaching strategies and practices are tried, or new grading systems are applied.
A teacher's job is complex and multi-dimensional that to become efficient and effective requires conceptual skills, human skills, and technical skills. Teachers are expected to perform activities associated with different roles. As an instructional expert, the teacher is responsible for planning activities that facilitate learning beyond instructional responsibilities. A teacher also takes on the role of manager performing the functions of planning, leading, organizing and controlling human and financial and material resources to foster the learning process. A role that is taking an increasing significance is that of teacher-as-counselor. Students bring various developmental issues as well as emotional or societal stressors. A teacher is a decision maker engaged in deciding how to respond to situations related to the teaching-learning process.
Research demonstrates that the new trend of educations such as the implementation of Basic Education Curriculum (BEC), the teaching strategies suggested in the School Based Training Program (SBTP) in the teaching of Math and Science, which are Cooperative Learning Approach and Practical Work Approach, are measures to improve the deteriorating quality of education. The success of implementation of new educational concepts depends on the support provided to the school and to the teacher.
The latest DepEd order on the selection of honor students using the 7-3 point scheme (7 points for academic performance and 3 points for co-curricular activities) has greatly challenge the Multi-Intelligence Sequence Teachers on the legal and ethical issues. There should be complete support from the policy makers and the parents so that the benefits and cost of implementing new guidelines are properly analyzed and evaluated in the selection of deserving honor students.
Teachers are directly responsible n the application of rules and procedures in the development of education. However, support mechanisms are needed. Such support systems are Policies/Administrative Support, Support of Local Government Units, and Parental/Societal Support.