Written by: Marienel G. Ramos
Baguio City, Philippines– The school bells of Baguio are ringing with a renewed sense of purpose as eighteen University of Baguio (UB) Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.E.Ed) students began their pivotal 8-week journey into the heart of the city’s public elementary schools on February 10! Armed with knowledge, passion, and a hearty dose of anticipation, these aspiring educators are already hard at work, transforming classrooms into vibrant hubs of learning and discovery. The School of Teacher Education at UB recently conducted an orientation, organized by the Division of Baguio City Department of Education-CAR, to equip the student teachers for their roles and responsibilities.
Deployed in pairs, they’ve found their educational homes for this intensive training period in nine of Baguio’s dynamic schools:
- Baguio Central School
- Josefa Cariño Elementary School
- Emilio Aguinaldo Elementary School
- San Luis Elementary School
- Dominican Mirador Elementary School
- Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School
- Crystal Cave Integrated School
- Dontogan Elementary School
- Sto. Tomas Elementary School
The kickoff was nothing short of inspiring. Cooperating teachers and principals welcomed the interns with open arms, ready to share their expertise and guide them through the intricacies of classroom management, lesson delivery, and student engagement. And the highlight? The enthusiastic greetings from the pupils, their eager eyes reflecting the promise of knowledge and the excitement of new experiences.
“The energy is amazing! It was a bit scary at first, but now it’s really fun,” shared Angel Cabaltera, an intern from Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School, a determined glint in her eyes. “Eight weeks to make a real impact? We’re already working hard to make it happen!”
This 8-week out-of-campus training isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about plunging headfirst into the real world of education. It’s a chance to bridge the gap between theory and practice, to learn from seasoned professionals, and to discover the transformative power of a dedicated teacher. It’s a crash course in adaptability, resilience, and the unshakeable belief that every child deserves the opportunity to shine. The orientation program enhanced their pedagogical knowledge and instructional strategies to promote active learning and achieve educational goals.
“We’ve spent years studying pedagogy, but there’s nothing quite like being in the classroom, facing the realities firsthand,” Isobel Austin, an intern from Sto. Tomas Elementary School remarked thoughtfully. “It’s where we learn the true meaning of teaching – the challenges, the rewards, and the profound responsibility we carry.”
Prior to this immersive experience, the UB students honed their skills within the university’s walls, mastering lesson planning, classroom management techniques, and the art of engaging young minds. Now, they’re putting those skills to the test, innovating, collaborating, and growing alongside their students. They focused on good teaching practices and classroom management strategies for a productive teaching and experiential learning experience.
The University of Baguio, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence (as evidenced by its PACUCOA reaccreditation), is immensely proud to support these future educators on their journey. As they step into the classrooms of Baguio, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a generation.
Get ready, Baguio! Eight weeks. Eighteen passionate interns. Countless opportunities to inspire, learn, and transform. The future of education is here, and it’s looking brighter than ever!
