By: ANAJANE L. PEPITO and MARIBEL D. LENTEJAS
Do you work to live or live to work?
Anchored on this significant question, last October 21, a Primary Teachers’ Training was held virtually with the theme, “Equipped Teachers: Better Teaching, Better Learning.” All participants were welcomed with great motivation given by Dr. Gino Zafra, whose inspiring words were deeply rooted from Brian Herbert quote that says, ‘The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice. This gave the impression that kept all attendees on track for the training. Empowered by the inspirational messages delivered by Engr. Vismonte and Dr. Acosta, teachers were reminded of how noble their profession is, and that they are looked up to as superheroes performing roles in fulfilling life’s ultimate purpose.
We live in a global world today where the line between work and personal life is getting thinner by the day. For some, priorities have become blurred and there is no clear demarcation as to when work ends, and personal life begins. Hence, this teachers’ training specifically aimed to orient all the team members on how to balance work and life efficiently and effectively, and to achieve healthy work life balance.
The three level leaders discussed and shared significant and essential topics: Work-Life Balance by Ms. Sheila Barde; Work-Life Balance: Challenges and Solutions by Mr. Jayson De Chavez; Healthy Work-Life by Dr. Jun Tano.
Work-life balance is a very significant aspect in a person’s life. Without it, it would be very hard to excel in your career and even move forward in your personal life. Some causes of imbalance are societal expectations, extreme ambitions, desperation for perfection, and denied depression. We only have one life to live, it is essential to maintain this balance to sustain our mental health and increase our productivity rate. One must find things that give you energy instead of making more time for things that drain your energy.
It is easier said than done, though, as there are challenges to this such as unrealistic demands, lack of control (of time, workload, etc.), and unsupportive relationships (with the boss, with peers, at home), and lack of resources. However, these can be combated by proper time and people management, lowering our expectations, and right communication. Meditation can also help! It is important that one remembers stress is a personal response and you can take control of it, and to inculcate the subtle art of work-life balance, one must learn how to compartmentalize. This can be achieved by setting a mindset of boundaries, flexibility in attaining goals, and knowing what matters the most in achieving one’s sense of purpose.
The teacher’s training was completed with a Refresher Session on Test Construction. This was delivered and discussed thoroughly by Dr. Cleofe Macaraeg- Pascual who desires earnestly that teachers would plan and come up with effective tests. Along with her test construction orientation was the new format of the table of specifications (TOS) which provides specific learning experiences from developing skills to achieving and exceeding competencies.
It was indeed a fruitful Thursday for all the participants.
Congratulations to all who made this training full of wonderful learnings. God Bless, Primary! Soar High PSD!