How I Became A Professional Teacher

Teaching is the noblest of all human endeavors, the greatest of all privileges, and the most sacred duty that one can undertake. There was a time I thoroughly believe that being a teacher was my calling because when I was in college, I received a Best Student-Teacher Award though my course was Psychology (ironic eh?), which I mentioned in my previous post here.

Let me share you my short adventure on how I became a professional teacher.

It all started last April 2012. I am a fresh graduate, trying to land on a guidance and counseling job in a Montessori School at Cainta. At that time, I don't know what to do with my life, but I certainly want to have a job. I got accepted but not as a counselor, but as a preschool teacher.

I was excited, nervous, and at the same time overwhelmed by the life changing events that happened in just a short period of time. Honestly, I don't know how on earth I will going to teach kids. I have education subjects in college but the approach I learned was more applicable with adult learners. Dealing with children was entirely different since they doesn't have routine yet and their attention span was short.

When I realized those things, it was late, I have signed my contract already. I told  myself that I will just stay there for a year since I am not sure yet what am I going to do. I attended every seminar, workshop, and training that the school administrators have prepared for newly hired teachers like me. I also tried to enroll for Masters Degree in Psychology but unfortunately, I was not accepted.

A co-teacher of mine, who was a fellow Psych graduate, invited me to enroll at PUP

 for a Post Baccalaureate in Teacher Education (PBTE). She told me that after we have finished that course, we can qualify to take the Licensure Examination for Teachers or LET. After we enrolled, I began to think that maybe God really wants me to become a teacher.

School year 2012-2013 started. I was a preschool teacher in the morning and a student at night. It was not easy because sometimes I have to choose whether to attend my classes or not. 

After a year, I finished my PBTE degree and decided to renew my contract at work because I was aiming to take the September 2013 LET. All was running smoothly according to my plans but PUP didn't released my transcript of records on time. Frustrated, I decided to take the LET at January 2014.

I registered at the Professional Regulation Commission or PRC around November and started to attend review classes at MindGym Philippines. January 2014, I took the LET at Caritas Family College, Manila. Around March 2014, the results was released, and I passed! Glory be to God!

Last Sunday, May 11, 2014, all the LET passers, of course including me, took our professional oath at Cuneta Astrodome and our license card, rating sheets, and certificates was also released at that day. Kudos to PRC!

I thank God for giving me an opportunity to experience the fulfilling world of teaching.  It may not be financially/economically rewarding, but no one can deny the fact that a teacher's influence goes beyond the classroom, and for me, no monetary value can equal that. I may stop teaching now to give way for my ultimate dream, becoming a physician, but my passion for it will forever linger in my body, mind, and soul.

So now, if you're dreaming to become a teacher, here's what you have to do:

1. For incoming college students, finish the course BSEEd (BS in Elementary Education) or BSSED ( BS in Secondary Education).
2. For those who are 4-year course graduates just like me, have your transcript of records evaluated first at the PRC so you'll have an idea if you need to enroll for additional education units or not. You need to have at least 18 units of education subjects to qualify for LET. (click here)
3. Prepare for the following requirements: 

   

   The window envelope with metered stamp can be bought INSIDE the PRC grounds for Php20+ at their coop. Ask the guards there. DON'T BUY OUTSIDE!!!! Don't be tempted to buy anything from the makukulit na vendors outside. Its just a waste of money because the proctor during the exam will be checking the envelopes. They can detect whether it is original or fake.

4. Register online. Follow this link. Analyze the instructions carefully. As much as possible, don't leave any blanks. Make sure all the information are correctly typed and that you've saved your application form properly. You will not be entertained if you haven't done this step.
5. Go to PRC Morayta, Manila or at the 5th floor of SM Manila to pass all of your requirements. You also need to buy a documentary stamp there. Don't forget to bring your application requirements, black ballpen, glue, and stapler. It is very hassle to lend from your seatmate. Pano kung madamot katabi mo at ayaw kang i-save sa pila para lang iglue yung picture mo? Be a boy/girl scout. Always be prepared with water, candies, and cookies. Sometimes, the line there was very long, you'll be hungry for sure.
6. After passing all your requirements at Step 1, you will be asked to put your picture in a box at the front, do so. Don't be ashamed to ask the personnel there. You will also need to fill-up a white card while waiting for your application form. No erasures! Make sure to write neatly in ALL CAPS. Wait for your name to be called because they are going to release a your application form (the one you filled-up online).
7. Afterwards, you will going to pay Php900 at the cashier.
8. Then, you need to fall in-line to get your Notice of Admission or NOA in exchange for your application form, then you're done :) Make sure to staple your receipt at the NOA. This will be used at the actual examination day.
9. The examination months are January and July. You will be asked to register 2 months ahead. Update yourself. Always check the PRC site here. While waiting, review! You cannot pass the LET by just pure luck or just praying to God. Remember: Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa. You can enroll in a review center just like what I did. I reviewed at MindGym.
10. Two days before the examination, the PRC will release the testing sites. Always check the PRC website. If you are not familiar with the place, google map is your friend. Visit it ahead so that you can estimate your travelling time. You should not be late! Bawal ma-late! Okay?
11. The rules and regulations and other things you need to know about LET can be read here.
12. At the actual exam, relax, breath properly, exercise a bit and bring the following: long brown envelope, pencilssssssss, sharpener, eraserssssss, black ballpen (not the gel type please), calculator (check if your calculator is allowed here) and your NOA. Bring water, candies, and lunch. As much as possible don't go outside anymore. Don't eat chocolates in the afternoon because you will feel sleepy at around 1pm (hehe ako lang ata yun). Don't lose you NOA! Ask the proctor to sign it.
13. After the examination, the long wait begins. The results can be viewed online after 30-45 days. During those days, do something valuable. Apply for a job, start a tutorial business, write a blog, etc. Basta do something.
14. The results can be viewed at the PRC website. Check it as often as possible. If you passed, congratulations! If you failed, don't lose hope my dear, try to take the exam again. Things happen for a reason.
15. After a week, you can verify your board rating here.
16. After passing the LET, you need to register again online here. All the details you need to know about the oath taking is there :) Usually, the venue is at the Cuneta Astrodome, and you need to come in business attire. No jeans! You can buy your ticket at the venue itself. 
17. After the oath taking ceremonies, your license, certification, and board rating will be released at the same day. :)
    
18. If you think your journey is over, think again mahal, its just the beginning. What are you going to do with your license if you're not going to use it. Try applying in schools near your home. I suggest to work at least for two years in a private school before applying in a public school. Love your work. You've invested money, effort, blood, tears, and time to become a professional teacher. Don't waste the opportunity. Always bear in mind teacher bears a position of public trust. Be a good example. Teach not only the concept of the subject but also how are they going to use it in their daily lives. :)

"You're not only heroes, but also creators of heroes." 

- Atty. Manzala, Chairperson of PRC