New Beginnings and Beyond
Beginnings are both exciting and frightening. They signal change that often we are reluctant to fully embrace. And yet the new always presents possibilities we will never know until we take that leap of faith.
Woodrose strives to walk side by side with each staff member in her journey of learning and growing and discovering her full potentials. Here are personal accounts from some of our new teachers that give us a glimpse of a teacher’s life when you choose your beginnings with Woodrose.
RINA ARANETA
Grade 10 English Teacher in her first year in Woodrose
It’s been nearly five months since I joined Woodrose. One thing I greatly appreciate in the school is the sense of service of all the employees –from the auxiliary, to the management, to the faculty. My co-teachers’ dedication to teach the girls is so infectious, and they conduct themselves with professionalism but at the same time, they don’t forget to put in a laugh or two. I was also pleased by how they always try to build up the students. The Woodrose faculty is united in their commitment to uplift the girls. There are the usual complaints, but they don’t remain that way; they become areas for concern where teachers meet and discuss possible interventions.
I am also able to gather ideas from my co-teachers. So far, the ones I’ve worked with constantly seek to improve their craft and don’t hesitate to share their technology with others. It’s great to be around people who are as passionate as you. Even if the work can get overwhelming, I know I’m doing it with others. Another great thing is that I’m never short on guidance. I don’t have difficulty asking for help, but I like how others help you without you even asking. It’s a very caring and collaborative work environment. I also see this in the students. The girls are also a joy to teach because of their eagerness.
The training sessions for us newbies, under the Continuing Professional Education Program, have also been helpful, introducing me to techniques that I can adopt in the classroom. But more than the techniques, the fact that these sessions exist is more than enough. The fact that the school is spending time, money, and resources to educate the new teachers is reason enough to stay. It’s been a happy five months and I’m looking forward to the remaining months of the school year.
KATE ARNAIZ
Grade 5 Social Studies Teacher in her first year in Woodrose
Like anyone who is yearning to have a fresh start or eager to try something different, I had my hesitations. Yet, I was welcomed with so much warmth and joy that on my first day at work in Woodrose, I tried to hold back my tears. I was sad that I would be away from home, but happy that I felt welcomed and cared for. I know it is never an easy task to be new in a certain job, but the kindness and camaraderie that the people have shown me are beyond what I expected.
ABYGAIL MAGBAG
Grade 7 English Teacher in her second year in Woodrose
I have been teaching for 12 years now. Two of those 12 years have been spent here in Woodrose (and I fervently hope to continue doing so). What made these two years of stay feel so relevant in my personal and professional career is perhaps the feeling of empowerment that I get from this institution. As a mother juggling between career and family, I am glad to have found an institution that empowers me to do both without compromising one or the other.
I appreciate the Continuing Professional Education Program that the school offers. Since joining Woodrose in 2015, I have been given a multitude of opportunities to hone my professional practice, all while guiding my spiritual growth as well. I have attended seminars and trainings that significantly helped to develop my self-confidence and increase my morale as a teacher. I feel more competent in my abilities which I believe improved my classroom instruction.
It is in Woodrose that I was personally driven to take education units (which I have successfully completed) and it is here that I felt the resilient motivation to professionalize my practice and pursue graduate studies. With the moral and professional support that the school has given me in the past two years, I am even more encouraged to explore future experiences leading to my continued holistic growth.