14/10/2025
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ππππππ | Beyond the Blackboard: The Heart that Keeps Teaching
They say that teaching is the profession that teaches all other professions, but behind every teacher is a story deeply rooted within their values. One that reflects patience, perseverance, and the belief that any pupil can learn something new, even on the toughest of days.
Every October 5th, those stories take center stage. Classrooms turn into venues of gratitude as students and teachers gather to celebrate World Teachersβ Day, a time to honor the very people who make learning possible.
The event was first celebrated in 1994, when the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established it to commemorate the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. Since then, it has served as a global reminder of how educators shape lives and build futures, often with little recognition, but endless devotion.
At Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College (OLOPSC), the celebration was no different. The school gymnasium echoed with cheers and applause as students took the stage with performances of song and dance. Teachers, usually the ones leading the classroom, now found themselves laughing and playing games prepared especially for them, all in the spirit of fun and appreciation.
For one day, teachers were no longer just standing in front of a class; they were the guests of honor, applauded for their compassion and commitment.
"I've been teaching at OLOPSC for ten years, so my old students are already well into college and professionals by now," stated Joana ResueΓ±o, a math teacher for Grades 8 to 9, "To see them grow into the professional they are now is the most rewarding part about being a teacher," she added.
However, no story is complete without conflictβand for many teachers, the journey is far from easy. Behind every smile and every lesson plan are sleepless nights, heavy workloads, and moments of doubt that often go unnoticed.
Yet, it is precisely during Teachersβ Day that these struggles are seen, acknowledged, and celebrated. The applause, laughter, and sincere βthank yousβ become a reminder that their work, though exhausting, is deeply meaningful.
"Teachers are beyond just teachers," said Francine Panahon, a Grade 8 Student, "They teach us not only about academics, but more on life and how we can improve as a person." she added.
World Teachersβ Day is more than just a one-day celebration, itβs also a moment of reflection for both students and teachers alike. It reminds everyone that behind every lesson is a heart that cares, and behind every teacher is a story worth honoring.
As the celebration ends and the classrooms return to their usual rhythm, one truth remains: the heart that keeps teaching beats quietly, but its impact echoes for a lifetime.
Article: Zavrina Gonzales
Photos: Camille Rosario & Ravi Garcia
