Educators reminded of self-care

The shift to digital learning has triggered a variety of concerns among teachers and educators.

“Pagpapahalaga sa sarili natin bilang guro, pagmamahal sa ating pagtuturo at propesyon para ma-motivate tayong alagaan ang ating sarili.” This is one of the main lessons shared to educators all over the country who tuned in to a live webinar titled “Increasing Self-Awareness to Thrive and Excel in the New Normal”.

This session launched TAYO Naman! (Tulong, Alaga, Yakap at Oras para sa mga Tagapagtaguyod ng Edukasyon), Globe and the Department of Education’s (DepEd) 14-part webinar series.

Understanding educators’ need for psychosocial support

Dr. Jerry J. Jurisprudencia, resource speaker and volunteer counselor of the Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc., led the discussion and shared valuable insights into the challenges faced by educators such as the difficulty in delivering lessons/modules to homes, assessing the performance of students without face-to-face classes, getting infected by COVID-19, and fear of the unknown which can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and even depression.

A practicing clinical psychologist and a Professor at the Department of Psychology and College of Arts and Sciences of Miriam College, Dr. Jurisprudencia also gave inputs on how to counteract the negative effects of the pandemic and excel in the new normal by sharing the three “P’s” formula to increase self-awareness. He said that Pagpapahalaga (Value), Pagmamahal (Love), and Pag-aalaga (Care) are interconnected — essential pillars to effectively rise above challenges of the new normal.

“If we want to thrive and excel in the new normal, we have to see to it that all these three elements are present. Pagpapahalaga sa sarili natin bilang guro, pagmamahal sa ating pagtuturo at propesyon para ma-motivate tayong alagaan ang ating sarili,” said Dr. Jurisprudencia.

A panel discussion was held after to synthesize and dig deeper into the learnings. The panel urged educators to establish boundaries and be mindful of their role as teacher, parent, and member of the community while at home to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Openness to feedback is also a must as well as the need to pause and conduct daily reflection to cultivate mental and physical health.

“We are pleased with the turnout of the first webinar to care for the psychosocial health of our teachers. The video has garnered 33,000 views underscoring the importance of the overall well-being of our educators who inspire and influence millions of learners in their journey of discovery,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

DepEd’s TAYO Naman! is an online Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) program for all education advocates, including teachers, non-teaching personnel, and parents.

The webinars will be held every Friday until August 20 from 8:30 to 10:00 am and will be streamed live on:

DepED Philippines (https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfEducation.PH/)
Deped DRRMS (https://www.facebook.com/DepEdDRRMS)
Globe Bridgecom (https://www.facebook.com/GlobeBridgeCom)

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 4 on the provision of quality education and UN SDG No. 3 on providing good health and well-being. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs. To learn more about how to contribute to a #GlobeofGood, visit http://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html

Featured photo: Pexels/Ketut Subiyanto