THE UNSTOLEN GOLD IN TEACHING

Dr. Amparo M. Muñoz

(Educator)

Man is always searching for something that he thinks would give

him fulfillment, a sense of contentment or the knowledge that he has
achieved, the “good life”. By good life would often mean having a
considerable amount of money, fame, recognition and even power. And
one’s profession often reflects what life he has.

Choosing a profession has always involved evaluating its worth

based on what it can give an individual. Would it bring financial
success? Is it good enough to afford the social recognition and public
approval? Does it bestow the person power to effect change in the
society?

Not many fellow educators would say that teaching as a

profession would answer yes to any or all these questions. Yes,
teaching is a noble profession but with the barely enough salary,
teachers are among the poorest professionals who are at the mercy of
the policy and decision makers.

Many of the most talented and hard working individuals are in

the teaching profession. Whom can they count on to shed light in how
fulfilling their role is? The government? The stakeholders? The
community?

Hardly. Real fulfillment does not come from hearing your name in
a ceremony harping about what you’ve done. Nor does it show itself in
a large amount of money to match your contribution to the community.
It does not even take the form of a much-coveted promotion.

Then what does? Simple. But it is the hardest to achieve. Real

reward in the teaching profession is finding happiness in transforming
lives, being a sculptor of personalities, being a master of humility and a
follower of greatness. A successful teacher is wealthy with love for
students. A person who is famous as a giver of valuable lessons in life
and has the unending power to transform lives for the better.

The find wealth within ourselves gives contentment that no

money can suffice, and no material reward can satisfy. If we find the
“real gold” in teaching, we would certainly be among the richest and
happiest professionals.