Spirituality of Private and Public Educators in the Philippines

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Webinar on “Spirituality of Private and Public Educators in the Philippines” with Fr. Rico Palaca Ponce, O.Carm., Ph.D. as the resource person. Fr. Ponce is the Prior Provincial of the Philippine Carmelite Province of St. Titus Brandsma.

The webinar focused on the spirituality of private and public educators in the Philippines. ISA, founded in 1999, conducts research and academic programs on spirituality. The discussion highlighted the importance of spirituality in education, citing the 2024 licensure examination results where 44,764 elementary teachers and 85,980 secondary teachers passed. The research, involving 1,059 respondents, revealed that spirituality is integral to educators’ lives, influencing their teaching methods and personal growth. Recommendations included regular recollections, spiritual enrichment programs, and better provisions for teachers.

Father Rico’s Presentation on Spirituality of Educators

  • Father Rico outlines his presentation, which includes the theoretical perspective, empirical perspective, and conclusions based on research conducted by ISA.
  • The rationale behind the research is presented, emphasizing the recognition of teaching as a noble profession and the challenges faced by educators in the modern world.
  • The framework of understanding spirituality is introduced, drawing from the works of scholars like Professor Kees Waaijman.

Methodology and Research Findings

  • Father Rico explains the methodology used in the research, including a mixed-method design with quantitative and qualitative components.
  • The survey instrument developed for the research is described, covering demographic and socio-economic profiles, religious identification, and the role of faith in the lives of teachers.
  • The results of the research are presented, highlighting the demographic profile of the respondents, their educational backgrounds, and their teaching experience.
  • The monthly income of the respondents is analyzed, revealing a range of income levels and the challenges faced by teachers in terms of financial stability.

Life-Giving Experiences and Symbols of Teachers

  • Father Rico discusses the life-giving experiences of teachers, categorizing them into sharing values, giving advice, working beyond expectations, and experiencing gratitude from students.
  • The symbols chosen by teachers to represent their lives are presented, including sources of light, characteristics of a teacher, the need for professional growth, and primary roles of a teacher.
  • The importance of human virtues and values in the lives of teachers is emphasized, with many choosing symbols that represent light, humility, and the need for continuous learning.
  • The motivating factors for teachers are explored, including relational motivation, extrinsic motivation, determination, love for nurturing students, and the perceived impact of their teaching on students.

Transformative Events and Recommendations

  • Father Rico shares the transformative events that shape the lives of teachers, including teaching as a joyful vocation, dreams, acceptance and affirmation, academic success, and the experience of poverty.
  • The recommendations for the spiritual formation of teachers are presented, including regular recollections, Eucharistic celebrations, church sacraments, Bible faith-sharing seminars, faculty development programs, spirituality guidance, and outreach programs.
  • The importance of better provisions for teachers, strengthening Christian and moral values in schools, and fostering confident, valued, and happy students is emphasized.
  • The role of faith and connectedness with God in overcoming trials and challenges is highlighted, with a call for teachers to continue their services and enrich their academic, social, and spiritual needs.

Conclusion

  • Father Rico concludes his presentation by summarizing the key points and expressing gratitude to his colleagues and the participants.
  • The importance of the research in affirming the role of educators and the need for their spiritual and moral formation is reiterated.
  • The potential for ISA to organize workshops and retreats for educators to nourish their spirituality is discussed, with a call for continued advocacy and support for teachers.
  • The webinar ends with a short video that characterizes the life of a teacher, emphasizing the impact of their work on the lives of their students and the importance of their mission.