Going Back to My First School Teaching Assignment

After 21 years, I have the opportunity to go back to my first school teaching assignment in Caiñaman Elementary School not as a teacher nor a school principal, but as a chief examiner of the first Division Unified Test for the Grades 2 to 6 pupils of the said school. This is something to reckon with, something to value and something to share it.

The gate of my first school

I couldn't control myself from shedding a tear upon entering the gate of Caiñaman Elementary School, Division of La Carlota City when I conducted the first division unified test there together with my present teachers in Cubay Elem. School.

CES was my first school assignment as a classroom teacher in 1991. I was a relief teacher, handling Grade 5 and Grade 6 subjects like English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Elementary Agriculture, Industrial Arts, P.E., Music, and Arts. I was also assigned as a property custodian, Boy Scout coordinator and Non-Formal Education coordinator of the school.

I was teaching there for 7 years and later was transferred to central school, La Carlota South Elementary School 1 for 2 years until I was promoted to head teacher 3 and finally principal 1.

After I supervised the conduct of testing in CES, I proceeded to her extension at Bagumbayan where grades 2, 3, and 4 are held there. It took me 20 minutes in going there as I rode tandem with motorcycle service of Mr. Gregorio Mahilan, one of the teachers in CES.

My pupils in Caiñaman Elem. School more than 20 years ago

When I arrived there at Bagumbayan, I was more emotional for I was reunited with my favorite pupils before like Jennifer Jalandoni, Noonday Salmorin, Demacuta and Jungco. I shoke hands and hugged them and felt very happy. I really miss our good moments and trying times when we were at the main campus of CES and I was their teacher.

Admin Officer Ireneo Sumugat inducted us into office
as faculty officers

What will be your feeling when you go back to your first school assignment, your first classroom after 21 years? What will be your reaction when you step again on your garden where you've planted all kinds of vegetables?

I got a mixed feeling of emotion. As I went straight to my first classroom, I checked the blackboard and looked for the spot marked by my right hand when I boxed it after getting fed up of non-comprehension of my grade 6 pupils on their mathematics subject. I dismissed them 15 minutes past noon.

I remember when one of my unperturbed boy pupils asked me saying: "Sir, masakit man?" [Sir, did it get hurt?] I replied, "Yes, it hurts!"

Happy moments with the pupils

I also went to the stairs near the principal's office heading to my classroom. That stairs were the usual venue where I spent my vacant time, pondering things about my teaching outcome, my problems in school and my personal and family matters.

CES was not only my first teaching school, but it was also my first school assignment as a head teacher. It was where I discharged my school administrative function as a head teacher, similar to a school principal. The only difference is the limited number of teachers being supervised.

My first classroom

My co-teachers like Mrs. Susana Nabor, Grade 1; Mrs. Ninfa Ganza, Grade 2; Mrs. Nelly Salvacion, Grade 3; Mrs. Pacita Gonzales, Grade 4; and Mrs. Girlie Cabrera, Grade 5; and  Mrs. Teresita Montales, Grade 6 were surprised that I took over the position of our former school head, Mr. Vicente Mental who retired. They never expected that their co-teacher will manage their school. They thought that I am just a regular classroom teacher with no educational management experience and skills.

As I entered the office of the school principal, tears gradually fell from my eyes. As I wiped those tears I told my 5 teachers whom I brought along with me as room examiners that this office was my office 13 years ago. This is where I had assisted and solved the problem of my grade 4 teacher about her hubby through a fervent prayer and faithful spiritual counsel.

CES has molded me as an effective and full-fledged school principal. It touches my life, my family and my outlook in life. Caiñaman Elementary School realizes my ambition as a teacher which was my first choice of vocation and later raised me to the height of a school administrator.

I consider this as the best life experience I ever had. Thank you, Lord that I was an instrument of molding these kids. I was inspired of doing this because of you. Going back to this school for 21 years later is a fulfilled task of being a teacher and a school head in the field of education.