More than anybody else, teachers make a difference in

the education of children. Upon their shoulders rests the future of the youth. Committed, dedicated and competent they wield enormous influence in instilling upon the growing minds a zest for learning, thus providing them a firm foundation for lifelong learning.

 A sustained growth in professional knowledge,

competence, pedagogical skills and a consistent embodiment of worthwhile values satisfactorily address our quest. They must be caring, warm, enthusiastic and above all with a strong faith in the worth of children whose lives they affect and inflame.

The Quest for Quality Teacher

Quality is synonymous to competence, creativity and

commitment, contextualized in the teaching profession. Competence highlights a teacher's adequate knowledge, proficiency in a variety of teaching strategies and procedures and inherent trustworthiness. Creativity is akin to originality, flexibility and innovativeness. Worthwhile values of compassion and commitment provide the fine ingredients that make teaching truly humane and enriched with a sincere feeling of accountability.

The quest for a quality teacher rests on three important factors that need great concern: a) teacher preparation, b) continuing professional development and c) steep values formation.

Teacher Preparation
Teacher training institutions play a critical role in

preparing the future teacher. Its preservice program starts with a highly selective admission standards in order to be able to train the deservingly trainable in terms oI academic potentials, attitude and aptitude. Once admitted, strict retention policies allow them to continue on a rigorous preparation through a flexible, relevant and rcsponsi\ e curriculum.

Continuing Professional Development

A. School Based Training Program
B. Provision for modern facilities

C. Individual Initiatives

School Based Training Program

Formal sessions conducted with the assistance of

experts. Scheduled visits to learn form peers Conducting of meetings Holding assemblies with parents who are educators. Individual or group counseling sessions

Provision for modern facilities

Acquisition of new books in teaching and in all

disciplines. Provision for new classroom technologies Provisions for a wide and easy access to knowledge highways through new methods of acquiring information.

Individual Initiatives
Subscribe to educational journals
Collect new learning devices Travel to other educational and cultural

places to broaden outlook and academic horizon for ease in advancement.

VALUES FORMATION
The teaching profession is looked up to

as the cornerstone of the nation. It holds the key to the character of its people. It is long adjudged in history as the "noblest of all professions."

 Among the values and attitudes greatly expected of a

teacher are:
Love and care for the young Honesty and sincerity

Open-mindedness and critical-mindedness

Curiosity and Inquiring mind Creativity and flexibility Persistence Responsibility Humility

Can we find quality teachers in our schools today?

A resounding YES! Adequately prepared through quality

pre-service programs and continually motivated to grow while in the service, their competence to teach is assured. The attitudes and values that they project in and out of the classrooms, in the home and community, provide positively and satisfactorily the answer to the perennial search for quality teachers. As paragons of virtues and progressive attitudes, they truly deserve the priceless rewards, recognition and emulation of the whole nation. With full pride and confidence, every parent and community can lay upon their chests the growth and nurturance of their sons and daughters for a promising future.

A. Personal Traits
B. Attitudes and Values

C. Competencies
D. Professional Growth

Personal Traits
Pleasing
Friendly Approachable Neat and Clean Exude Self confidence Fair and Objective

Attitude and Values

Love and care for the young Honesty and sincerity Open-mindedness and critical-mindedness Curiosity and Inquiring mind Creativity and flexibility Persistence Responsibility

Humility

Competencies
Knowledge of Subject matter
Process Skills Pedagogical Skills