EXAM GRADE does not make one a better or worse teacher, according to this Education major.
Dale Aldrinn Pradel, a fresh graduate of the College of Education, topped the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) for secondary level last September 2013. He also received the Rector’s Award for the College of Education last year.
“While on my way home to Olongapo, I brought out my tablet to check if the results really were out,” he said. “I was so obliviously happy upon seeing the list that I wanted to hug my seat mate in the bus who probably didn’t know who I was and didn’t care about what just happened to me.”
Dale bested 128,082 other examinees who took the board exam last September, according to the results from Professional Regulation Commission.
But for him, LET was just another exam.
“It was really surprising since I really didn’t have high expectations for myself. I just took the exam with the sole desire of passing it.”
Growing up in Olongapo, the topnotcher said that from the start, he always had passion for teaching.
“A career in education has been on my mind for as long as I can remember,” said Dale, who is also a proud alumnus of the schools Holy Infant Jesus and St. Joseph where he finished his elementary and secondary education, respectively.
“I chose teaching because I want to do something worthwhile, and in my opinion, forming the knowledge of younger generations fit under that description.”
Gearing up for reality
“By February, I was already applying for teaching positions at several schools, so the exams were something out of my mind during the time,” said Dale, Math major said.
Dale also enrolled in once-a-week review classes that inspired and reminded him to pursue in taking the licensure examination even if he was already practicing the profession.
At present, Dale is teaching at Xavier School in Greenhills, handling 9th and 11th grade mathematics.
With his busy schedule, Dale said his preparation for the licensure exam was really simple and he dealt with it like how he would deal with exams during his college days.
“Back then, I really didn’t focus on the review because I would rather deal with my responsibilities in school on the weekdays and hang out with my friends on the weekends. I learned on my own phase and focused on the things that I know would help me out the most, rather than studying everything from cover to cover.”
Dale did not have specific study habits and spent too much time on his interests, such as listening to music and going out with his friends, while on review.
Despite his happy-go-lucky attitude during that period, he said that focusing on listening and taking notes were vital to learning.
“I make it a point to pay full attention to the professor and to consider whatever is taken up as something that is truly important and meaningful,” he said. “They are not just words, but meaningful ideas.”
Inspiration to others
Dale offered his feat to the most important people in his life.
“I offer my blessings to God because He has this habit of giving me much more than what I hope for, and to my family and friends, who taught me to appreciate every moment and to work hard to achieve my dreams.”
Dale also expressed his gratitude to his former professors at the College of Education.
“If they didn’t show me the traits that make a great teacher, I would have most likely transferred and pursued something else.”
He also acknowledged his teachers during his elementary and high school years who made him realize that the goal of teaching is not about earning to lavish oneself with luxuries in life.
“Teaching may not get me a big house or an expensive car, but the passion to change the world is all that one needs to continue this noble profession.” Mone Virma Ginry P. Gumapac
