Pre-Service Teachers in Action It’s Time to Be In Front

By David Bryan Bobier

cooperating teacher offered support and constructive feedback, recognizing her as a work in progress. These constructive criticisms weigh on her, but she finds solace in the discomfort of growth. “I guess I found comfort to that specific saying that if you’re still in the same place as last year, then you’re not really growing.” Her passion for teaching goes beyond material gains and extrinsic validations, and witnessing her students thrive brings a fulfillment that words cannot capture.

was a tapestry of experiences, challenges, and personal growth, leaving an indelible mark on his path to becoming an exceptional educator.

“I felt like there’s a bit of a circle of life that has happened to me since I was the one who is being educated. Now, I’m becoming an educator who longs to create an impact on her students even for just a brief moment of time.” It was her significant experience when Jana Marie Reynaldo, one of the Pre-Service teachers, had undergone extensive teaching procedures during her internship as a senior. Embarked on a transformative journey, leaves a trail of inspiration and growth as she navigates the tricky spaces of challenges and triumphs of her internship— how it is to be the one in front.

Stepping into the University of Santo Tomas— Angelicum College (USTAC), the 20-year-old feels a mix of nerves and excitement. Considering the limited face-to-face interactions, she relies on a self-initiated mini field trip as her compass, guiding her to USTAC. She realized how different it is for her to enter a school no longer as a student, but rather as a student teacher. “It felt surreal because all throughout my life, I’ve been entering schools as a student. When I entered USTAC, I was a student teacher.” With that, Ms. Reynaldo embraces her role as a student-teacher focusing on shaping young minds.

During her first lead session, Ms. Reynaldo feels the weight of nerves creeping in, causing her teaching delivery to stumble. Challenges arised, but her

Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Reynaldo imparts wisdom to her younger self. She advises finding balance and avoiding overworking, assuring herself that genuine intentions and sincere effort will always yield favorable outcomes. Additionally, she encourages embracing the holistic nature of learning, not merely delving into memorizing education jargons but sincerely valuing the atmosphere of the classroom, to understand wholly the makeup of the classroom proper.

Challenging, eye-opening, and wonderful— these words encapsulate Ms. Reynaldo’s off-campus teaching internship. As she continues to forge ahead, her love for teaching, her resilience, and her unwavering dedication will undoubtedly inspire future educators, reminding them that being educator never stops, it is a life-long career of growth and passion. Coming full circle, it is time for Ms. Reynaldo and others like her to step into the spotlight with poise and confidence, ready to make a lasting impact in the lives of their students. It is time for her to be in front.