2011 TEACHERS' MONTH CAMPAIGN
SUGGESTIONS FOR INVOLVEMENT OF LCF MEMBERS
In 1993, UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization) inaugurated October 5 as World Teachers' Day, a day to celebrate teachers and the central role they play in guiding children, youths and adults through the life-long learning process.
Realizing the need to encourage heightened public participation, then De La Salle University President and now Education Secretary, Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC approached Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepeña to initiate the idea of institutionalizing the event through a nationwide advocacy campaign. Thus in 2008, the Teachers' Month Campaign (TMC) was conceived. Joining Metrobank Foundation and De La Salle University were Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), Campaigns Social Response (CSR), with the special participation of the Department of Education (DepEd) and some other key business institutions and major media partners. They constitute the Steering Committee. From its conception, the Committee encouraged not only its partners but also other organizations to take part in this endeavour.
Hand in hand with its partners, the TMC aims not only to disseminate information but also to create various venues for the public to be able to express their gratitude towards their teachers. The TMC aims to remind the public of the nobility and essence of the teaching profession and the role it plays in shaping an individual, families, the community and the nation as a whole. In 2008, the major show of gratitude was putting up the largest "Thank You Banner" composed of personally handwritten thank you messages and expressions of gratitude by students from several universities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces and cities.
The Teachers' Month Campaign was re-launched in 2009 with the theme "My Teacher, My Hero" and continued in 2010. ATMC Council of Leaders is chaired by Mr. Washington Sycip, Founder of the SGV Group, while the Steering Committee is co-chaired both by Mr. Sobrepeña and Secretary Luistro. More government education institutions, private companies, and major organizations have joined the Campaign. A Prayer for Teachers was formulated and recited nationwide on 10:05 A.M. on October 5, led by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III. Earlier, Malacañang has issued Presidential Proclamation No. 41 "declaring the 1stFriday of September to October 5, 2010 as National Teachers' Month".
In 2011, the TMC continues with the same theme and will be launched once again, during Metrobank's 49th anniversary celebrations on September 5, 2011 highlighted by the awarding of the 2011 Metrobank Foundation Exemplars, and will culminate on October 5 as World Teachers' Day.
To celebrate the Teachers' Month, various activities have been lined up by the Campaign organizers, one of which is the simultaneous saying of the "Prayer for Teachers" on 5 October 2011, 10:05 A.M.. Thus, we strongly recommend that you organize employees in your respective offices and other partners to join the nation in saying the prayer.
Moreover, as everyone can help celebrate the lives and work of those most instrumental in shaping our youth for a better future, students, businesses, NGOs and civic organizations are invited to develop their own activities in support of Teachers Month such as:
- On this day, everyone who has ever been a student is invited to say 'THANK YOU!' to at least 1 teacher who has made a difference in his or her life.
- Students can write a letter, send a card or gift, and let others know, by sending a copy of their thank-you note towww.teachersday.ph.
- Commercial and retail outlets can announce the day, offer discounts/freebies or special promos for teachers; stores can designate special Teacher Gifts and merchandise them.
- Print publications can have special Teacher's Day sections similar to Mothers' Day lifestyle sections, feature stories on teachers on that day, section on greetings.
- Radio and TV networks can feature the day in their shows, have hosts and celebrities greet their teachers, and develop special segments around teachers for the day.
- Business and civic organizations can announce the day to their employees and members and encourage everyone to thank their teachers.
- Conduct of teacher development activities (teacher-training programs/seminars)
Members may also wish to provide financial support for or participate in TMC-related activities/projects, such as the following:
- "This one Is For You" Fun Walk/Run for Teachers at the CCP Grounds on 1 October 2011, 4:30-7:00 P.M. (registration fee is P500; free for teachers and P200 for students)
- Encourage teachers/students of partner schools to participate in the various competitions, eg. essay-writing, singing, video presentation, poster-making, etc.
- Support the TEN Moves - 'Bayanihang Pampaaralan" campaign
LCF members are requested to inform the TMC Secretariat of their activities for teachers during the month so this could be enrolled in the TMC calendar of events and for documentation purposes.
_____________________________
For queries, please contact the
TMC Secretariat c/o Yani Alonto at tel. no. (02) 898-8898
Telefax no. (02) 818-5656 / (02) 750-0837
A PRAYER FOR TEACHERS
Giver of All Wisdom and Greatest of all Teachers,
Look upon our teachers with love
Grant them the resolve
To nurture our eager minds
And to never give up on us who fall behind
Bless their hearts
For they rejoice when we succeed
And encourage us when we fail
Endow them with gentle patience
For the path of learning is never easy
Kindle a spirit of passion in them
It is the flame that ignites the love of learning in us
Help them see the potential in each student
Their belief in us means much more than the grade we make
Instill in them a commitment to keep on learning
It shows us to not fear new knowledge and experiences
Inspire them to touch the future
They influence how big a dream we dream for ourselves
Bless our teachers who have come before
for their work endures to this day
Let the light of Your example shine upon all teachers:
To build up with their words
To love with their mind
To share with their heart
Amen.
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