ACADEMIC institutions should learn how to prioritize teachers amid challenges in learning brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, to fulfill their missions of providing quality education.
During the Passion for Scholarship And Love for Mission or “PSALM” Conference on April 23, UST Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Cheryl Peralta said teachers are the most important resource amid online learning.
“Teachers are our most important resource and partners in the mission of producing competent, compassionate, and committed Thomasians,” Peralta said.
“The realization of a school’s mission lies in the intensity of its teachers’ passion,” she added.
Peralta said UST faced many challenges, such as technology and internet limitations, adjustments in assessments, grading schemes, modifications in work arrangements and support services for faculty and students, but was able to weather them.
“Even prior to the pandemic, UST has put a lot of premium on the pursuit of excellence and continuous quality improvement in order to remain relevant,” she said.
Asst. Prof. Carmina Vicente of the College of Education said student-teacher interaction in the distance learning setup is “the cornerstone around which to build effective schools.”
Marilyn Tinio, vice principal of the Okinawa International School in Japan, urged teachers to be considerate in handling student matters.
Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization Director Ethel Valenzuela said the lack of well-trained teachers and the poor condition of schools in many parts of the world have been jeopardizing education quality.
“Clear expectations for teachers have to be set, high-performing and promising students should be encouraged to enroll. Teacher support is essential,” she said.
The inaugural PSALM conference was a confluence of the College of Education’s 95th anniversary, the 14th Fr. Antonio Gonzales, O.P. Memorial Lecture, the 6th Dr. Lourdes Custodio Memorial Lecture and the 2nd Nenita Caralipio Honorary Lecture.
