Teaching as a Vocation and Mission

Discussant: Clare Joyce C. Añasco BSE- English 1A

Teaching as a Vocation
Vocation
 Comes from the Latin word “vocare” which means “to call”
 If there is a call, there must be a caller and someone who is called. There must also a response.
 For Christians the Caller is God Himself.
 For Muslims, Allah.
 Believers – vertical dimension
 Non- believers- horizontal dimension
 Most often, when people use the word “vocation” they refers to religious vocation.
 Vocation includes other big callings like marriage and single blessedness.
 It can also refer to a call to do something, like to teach.
 Abraham, Moses, Marry, Muhammad and Buddha.

Teaching as a Mission
Mission
 Teaching is also a mission
 Latin word “misio” means “to send”
 TheWebster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines mission as “task assigned”
 You responded to the call to be a teacher and so your mission in the world is TO TEACH.
 “Once a teacher, always a student.”

What exactly is the mission to teach? Is it merely teaching fundamental skills or basic r’s, reading, ‘riting,
‘rithmetic, and right conduct? In the words of Alfred North Whitehead, is it to help the child become “the man
of culture and of expertise”? or is it “to provide opportunities for child’s growth to remove hampering
influences” as Bertrand Russel put it?

To teach is to do all of these more! To teach is to influence every child entrusted in your care to become
better and happier because life becomes more meaningful. To teach is to help child become more human.

Teaching and a life of meaning

 Most noble profession
 Dr. Josette T. Biyo
- 1st Asian teacher won Intel Excellence in Teaching Award
"Teaching may not be lucrative position. It cannot guarantee financial security. It even means
investing your personal time, energy and resources. Sometimes it means disappointments,
heartaches and pains. But touching the hearts of people and opening the minds of children can give
you joy and contentment which money could not buy. These are the moments I teach for." -Dr.
Josette Biyo

The “pwede na” Mentality: Enemy of Excellent Mission Preparation & Accomplishment
 “talagang ganyan ‘yan,” “wala na tayong magagawa,” “di na mahalata,” “di ko na yan sagot,” “dagdag
trabaho/gastos lang yan.”
 All indicators of defeatism and resignation to mediocrity.

Synapse Strengtheners
1. To be true to your vocation and mission as a teacher you have to “Have more, do more

in order to be more.”
2. The Greatest Teacher, JESUS CHRIST!

3. Some teacher education have a “Sending off” ceremony.

4. The True Decalogue of Apolinario Mabini

Third. Develop the special talents that God has given you, working and studying
according to your capabilities, never straying from the path of good and justice, in
order to achieve your own perfection, and by this means you will contribute to the
progress of humanity: thus you will accomplish the mission that God himself has
given you in this life, and achieving this, you will have honor, and having honor, you
will be glorifying God.