Spirituality of Educators as Witnesses in Teaching Fraternity

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Webinar on “Spirituality of Educators as Witnesses in Teaching Fraternity” with our resource person Atty. Joseph Noel M. Estrada, Managing Director of Coordinating Council of Private Educational Association (COCOPEA).

The meeting discussed the Institute of Spirituality in Asia (ISA), founded in 1999, which offers academic programs in spirituality and conducts research. The Institute emphasizes the importance of spirituality in education, highlighting Pope Francis’s view on educators as community builders. Attorney Joseph Noel Estrada discussed the legal basis for educational institutions’ role in strengthening ethical and spiritual values, emphasizing the principle of reasonable supervision and regulation. He also addressed the challenges of student discipline, child abuse laws, and the importance of maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment, particularly in the context of faith-based schools.

Attorney Joseph Noel Estrada’s Presentation

  • Atty. Estrada begins his presentation, focusing on the spirituality of educators from a legal perspective.
  • He discusses the constitutional basis for the role of educational institutions in strengthening ethical and spiritual values and developing moral character.
  • Atty. Estrada emphasizes the importance of reasonable supervision and regulation of educational institutions by the state, differentiating it from control.
  • He highlights the flexibility provided by the K to 12 law for integrating spirituality elements into the curriculum and the curricular autonomy and administrative deregulation for accredited institutions.

Principles of Reasonable Supervision and Regulation

  • Atty. Estrada elaborates on the principle of reasonable supervision and regulation, emphasizing that it does not include the right to manage, dictate, or prohibit.
  • He references Supreme Court cases to clarify the supportive role of the state in overseeing educational institutions.
  • Atty. Estrada discusses the role of teachers as agents of constructive social, economic, moral, intellectual, cultural, and political change, and their ability to influence students beyond the classroom.
  • He addresses common inquiries from teachers about discussing political issues and electioneering in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between professional and personal views.

Case Law and Its Impact on Catholic Schools

  • Atty. Estrada discusses a Supreme Court case involving a teacher terminated for pregnancy out of wedlock, highlighting the distinction between public and religious morality standards.
  • He argues that the Supreme Court’s decision on public morality should not undermine the integrity and mission of Catholic schools.
  • Atty. Estrada mentions the Philippine Catholic School Standards (PCS) as a tool for assessing the unique identity and mission of Catholic schools.
  • He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the Catholic mission in policies, standards, and assessments of employees, especially in light of future Supreme Court decisions.

Role of Teachers as Special Parents

  • Atty. Estrada explains the concept of teachers as special parents, exercising parental authority over students under their supervision, instruction, or custody.
  • He discusses the challenges teachers face in balancing their role as educators and the potential for child abuse complaints when disciplining students.
  • Atty. Estrada references Supreme Court cases to clarify the intention required for child abuse and the importance of positive school discipline.
  • He emphasizes the need for clear communication of school rules and the importance of maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment for students.

Innovation in Education and Parental Choice

  • Atty. Estrada discusses the importance of innovation in education, particularly in the context of the pandemic, to future-proof students against societal ills.
  • He highlights the principle of parental choice in education, supported by laws like the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and the K to 12 law.
  • Atty. Estrada emphasizes the role of government grants and subsidies in empowering parents to choose schools for their children.
  • He calls for flexibility in designing curriculum and institutional policies to support the mission of faith-based schools and contribute to social transformation.

Q&A Session and Addressing Participant Concerns

  • Atty. Estrada addresses questions about appropriate behavior in schools, the role of teachers in disciplining students, and the balance between parental rights and school policies.
  • He discusses the importance of early intervention in addressing bullying and promoting a positive school environment.
  • Atty. Estrada emphasizes the need for teachers to increase their presence and influence among students to counteract the negative influences of social media and other external factors.