ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEW NORMAL?

That is a big question!

New normal is real. This is the life that we must embrace. Gone are the days where parents used to go to the mall or Divisoria to buy school supplies, shoes, or uniform for their children. We could imagine the excitement of the students meeting their new teachers and classmates, the teachers busy cleaning and designing their classrooms. In just a snap of a finger, everything changes with the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic making a huge twist and turn of what we normally do especially at the onset of classes. We cannot go to school to study. Instead, we have to stay at home to be safe from the virus.  But that does not hinder us from learning. We adhere to the saying, “Kung may gusto, may paraan. Kung ayaw, maraming dahilan.” Our government has found a means of reaching out to our students and pupils by carrying the classroom to their houses into other platforms and modalities.

As a teacher, I have always been acquiescent at things or situations no matter how negative they are. Certainly, the pandemic will not stop me from discharging my duty as a teacher trying to make a difference to the lives of my learners. In fact, I have started working on the learning modules, activity sheets and budget of work in connection with the Most Essential Learning Competencies since summer vacation. I have researched and gathered resources from the different learning portals. In addition, the support of my principal, head teachers, division supervisors and co-teachers enthused me to overcome the challenges.

And I am just so lucky to be in the Schools Division of Parañaque City which looks after my wellbeing as a teacher. From the continuous trainings on the different learning platforms, the familiarity with the learning modalities up to the presentation of the simulations on the distribution, utilization, retrieval and replenishment of self-learning modules last July 31, 2020 via Facebook Live, and more. Those have somehow eased up my angsts in coping with my work in this new normal. I am even flabbergasted by the pledge of support from the Local Government Unit (LGU). Who would not get thrilled with the laptops for us teachers? For the Kindergarten and Grade One pupils to receive tablets? For the Internet connectivity which will soon be accessed free for both learners and teachers?   It is indeed amazing how our government and Deped leaders do whatever it takes to make everyone be ready for this school year.

I had the chance to interact with my students and their parents through Facebook Messenger. At first, they expressed apprehensions, but as time went by, they realized that conviction and guts will give them the audacity to face any hindrance. They assured me of their full support as to my willingness to help and assist them.

So, the answer to the question… ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEW NORMAL?

YES, I AM DEFINITELY READY!

For sure, we are still in doubt if this distance learning will work out or will be effective for both learners and teachers. There are ‘what ifs’, ‘buts’ and ‘maybes’ now and in the future, but if we have the courage to take the risk, we can do it.

If cars and phones are evolving, why can’t our education?

It is about how we challenge ourselves to think outside of the box. All we need to do is to help one another. Like a machine in a factory, it will never work if it lacks a missing material. Same with us, the government, the parents, the teachers, and the students should be in solidarity with DepEd to succeed.

By:  Vrenilli A. Bereber, Teacher 1, PNHS-Baclaran