Teaching is the noblest of all professions, and nobody could really say that it's not, right? So, let's recognize outstanding teachers around, and learn a thing or two from each journey. First off, I would like to talk with my co-mentor in the region when it comes to passion and dedication, I think, Ma'am Cherry G. Vinluan has exemplified, –and still is – what with the award she received a year ago.
LIN :
How does it feel after you received the coveted Metrobank's Outstanding Teacher award?
Ma'am Cherry :
It will sound false humility if I'll say that I'm not happy. Definitely, I am extremely happy and fulfilled with my profession because I have already the legacy in the world of education that will mark my individuality.
LIN:
What comes to mind when you come across the following terms: literacy, teacher, learners, input, output, process, success, service? Kindly say your thoughts on each one.
Ma'am Cherry:
Literacy
–is not only a matter of the ability on how to read and write but deeper than these, because for me literacy deals with the knowledge and competence on a specific area you have mastered.
Teacher
–is the best, the major and the most competent tool for making people literate.
Learners
–are the major responsibility of educators like me in turning them to become functionally literate, productive and responsible citizens of our country who will become assets of our nation in the future.
Input
– this is what the teacher gives to his / her students to make them involve, participate, contribute, response and give feedbacks on the learning given them.
Output
– this is the result or the harvest you will have from the input you have given to your students. In business, this is what they call the production of what has been invested.
Process
– the strategy, technique, method or procedure used to achieve the success of what you have given your students.
Success
–for me is when I see changes for the better with my students, be it gradual or abrupt– for as long as I made them learn academically and mold them to the best character and attributes in life they will become.
Service
–this is the unselfish thing that I give and offer to my students. I serve because I believe that through service, my students will feel my love, my care and my deep concern on their growth and development.
LIN:
If you will be given another chance to live again, what generation, either past, present or future, would you like and why?
Ma'am Cherry:
I want to choose both; past and future. Past because I would always like to remember what I have done with my students, fellow teachers, the community, and to my country as a whole – this I believe made me a useful human being. I also prefer the future for I believe that in every thing that happened in one's life, there is a corresponding better future that awaits. And, I am still looking forward for more blessings, opportunities, and all in the future.
LIN:
What, to you, is a literacy warrior?
Ma'am Cherry:
For me a literacy warrior is the one promoting, endorsing and fostering lifelong love for learning so as to make the world a better place to live in.
LIN:
How would you like to be remembered in education, or what legacy would you like to leave us?
Ma'am Cherry:
I would like committed teacher who is willing to forget self. I offer my genuine service (in terms of academe and value formation) to my students – who are my life as an educator, for without them, there will be no Mrs. Vinluan who will be known as one outstanding teacher in the country!
LIN:
What is your take on each issues in education, a. K12 b. education budget c. salary d. NAT result e. new teacher's competence f. global education g. education and technology.
Ma'am Cherry :
No answers
LIN:
What would you advise teachers who are also willing to take road less traveled? Say, sacrificing personal comfort just to advance quality education, competence and service.
Ma'am Cherry:
I will advise them to go on! It's high time for the teachers of today's generation to keep on taking the right path for our students. Leave your comfort zone, for it will not make you grow. Give a little sacrifice for you to feel the needs of our innocent learners. If we all claim for quality education, do not be resistant for change. Change will only be our way to achieve quality education. Add competence and true service to your field of endeavor as a committed teacher and I strongly believe that quality education will be achieved.
LIN:
What projects / programs are you currently in? Explain in detail.
Ma'am Cherry:
At present I am still engaged with the different reading programs in my Reading Center. I am also busy with the DepEd's advocacy on the K-3 Literacy and Numeracy. In our community, I am an active partner of our community in the Clean and Green Project, Peace and Order, Child Protection Program. In our church, I am the head of the Church Projects and Programs such as Feeding the less fortunate children in our barangay, giving Christian Education to the kids and making our youth busy in the church activities such as fellowship.
LIN:
If ever, there are interested teachers, stakeholders out there willing to connect with you, where could they send queries, etc.?
Ma'am Cherry:
Yes, for as long as they trust me, it's an honor on my part if I will be of help to them. Through my FB account: Cherry G. Vinluan. Just send a friend request, and I'll surely accept you guys.
LIN:
Parting words / wisdom to keep our readers inspired or motivated.
Ma'am Cherry:
Let's all together work and walk hand in hand in the path of making the minds of the ignorant to become intellectuals and be a strong force in the so called literacy battle / war. To be functionally literate is the neighbor of being a productive citizen.
LIN:
Well said, Ma'am Cherry! Thank You for sharing your thoughts on education, literacy, among others.
Ma'am Cherry:
Thank you, Larry for having me here. May we have inspired other teachers around through my answers, and your effort to let these things out.
LIN:
P4p Everyone!
Ma'am Cherry:
Know, change, create @ share !!!
– Hey.
So there you go. Expect more outstanding teachers / people to be our next guests here, not only their journey are interesting to know, but also inspiring enough to emulate. Brace yourself for more!