Teachers play a huge role in shaping our lives. From nurturing our growth to inspiring us during our student years, as parents, we are also entrusting our precious children to them. Every parent knows that once their kids go to school, the era of “Because my mom says so” will soon be replaced by “Teacher said…”
In honor of our beloved teachers this Teacher’s Month, Smart Parenting had the pleasure of sitting down with Teacher Kesser John Sibonga, a passionate science teacher at Pitogo National Science High School. With nearly six years of teaching under his belt, Teacher Kesser is not just an educator but also a proud Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) scholar and a product of the Department of Science and Technology Science scholarship program. Kesser shares his inspiring journey of how his heroes gave him the courage to pursue his passion for teaching.
Teaching dreams
Teacher Kesser recalls how his dream of becoming a teacher was ignited by people around him, particularly his high school physics teacher, Mr. Ernie Gensaya. Despite physics’ reputation as a difficult subject, Kesser recalls how Mr. Gensaya made the subject both easily understandable and enjoyable for his students. “Magaling siya magturo, very organized, at lahat kami within the classroom mabilis matuto ng physics, kahit na yung common na pagtingin ng ibang estudyante sa physics ay mahirap,” Kesser fondly remembers.
Teacher Kesser with his high school physics, Mr. Ernie Gensaya and classmates. Photo by Kesser John Sibonga
Mr. Gensaya’s passion for teaching and gift in making learning fun and engaging inspired Kesser’s decision to major in physical science. “We get to love the subject because of Sir Gensaya. Kaya I, myself, napili ko din yung physics na maging major,” he explains.
“My hero is actually my mother. She is also a teacher, an elementary school teacher, and she spent 10 years of her teaching career in the far-flung mountain schools. Masasabi ko na siya ang aking hero at siya ang nag-instill within me the values of a good teacher, a hero.”-Kesser Sibonga
To advocate and inspire
When asked what he loves most about being a teacher, Kesser emphasized that it’s the unique platform teaching provides to make a difference. He is particularly drawn to the power teachers have to influence and inspire their students beyond the confines of the classroom. “What I love most about being a teacher is that we are given the platform to amplify our personal advocacies and to bring awareness to our students,” he shares.
Teacher Kesser with his students. Photo by Kesser John Sibonga
Moreover, Kesser’s passion for teaching extends beyond academics. He tries to integrate social issues into his lessons, developing social responsibility and awareness in his students. As a research teacher to Grade 12 students, he uses his class to discuss current social and political issues, ensuring that his students are not only academically competent but also socially aware. He stresses the importance of fostering a sense of responsibility among his students to demand their rights and become active participants in society, saying, “Teaching in a barangay school, the very problem na nakikita ko is not only sa reading comprehension, or math, science, or english. Isa talaga sa pinaka-problema is that they lack awareness and they lack concern for what is happening in the country or the issues that are actually happening within our community. Aside sa wala silang alam, wala silang pakialam, they tend to be content with the things they have or kung ano natatanggap nila. Parang they don’t demand for their right to access social services. They don’t demand for access to services na sana ibigay sa kanila kasi right nila. So I tend to integrate this topic sa class ko in research.” Kesser believes as a teacher, he plays a crucial role in shaping and nurturing students to grow into informed and empowered individuals who understand their rights and responsibilities.
A hero’s influence
While Mr. Gensaya sparked Kesser’s interest in science; it was his mother, also a teacher, who instilled in him the passion and values that would guide his teaching career. “My hero is actually my mother. She is also a teacher, an elementary school teacher, and she spent 10 years of her teaching career in the far-flung mountain schools. Masasabi ko na siya ang aking hero at siya ang nag-instill within me the values of a good teacher, a hero,” Kesser proudly shares.
Kesser witnessed his mother’s dedication to her students firsthand as a child. He would accompany her as she prepared her lesson plans late into the night and as she walked several kilometers to reach her school–crossing rivers and enduring difficult conditions just to teach. These experiences deeply influenced Kesser’s understanding of the sacrifices and rewards of being a teacher. “Para sa akin, nanay is more than a teacher. She is a superhero. She gifted me my dream job, which is currently my profession,” Kesser reflects. “Yung pinaka-ultimate dream talaga siguro bilang isang guro, gusto ko makita yung isang community na paunti-unting nagiging mas maayos na citizens na yung naproduce natin.”-Kesser Sibonga
The power of education
For Kesser, one of the most impactful aspects of being a teacher is the ability to shape the future of his students by helping them recognize the power of education. From his experience, many students, especially in rural areas, tend to underestimate the value of education because they are already earning from farming or other trades. “One of my students, sabi niya, parang hindi niya nakikita how important education is. Kasi nakakakain naman daw siya sa kinikita nila sa farm or mayroon naman daw siyang mga alagang baka na pwede niya i-benta,” Kesser recounts. “Kaming mga guro, we have the power to instill in them na may mas better na opportunity or mas magandang kinabukasan that awaits you,” he explains.
Kesser emphasizes that education is not just a tool to secure a better-paying job, but it’s something that can shape people to grow into an informed and empowered citizen who can make better decisions for themselves and their community. “With that education, magagamit mo rin yun… Sa pag-vote mo, magiging educated voter ka sa pagpili mo ng tamang tao bilang leader,” he says.
Aside from this, Kesser wants his students to know that education can open up unlimited opportunities to everyone, “Maraming opportunities aside sa kinasanayan natin dito sa community,” he says. “If you are an engineer, or a doctor–with that education, you can explore the world. You have many opportunities and possibilities.”
As a young teacher, Kesser’s ultimate dream is to see his students succeed in life–not just academically, but as responsible, contributing members of society. He envisions a future where education is valued, not just by students but by the entire community. “Yung pinaka-ultimate dream talaga siguro bilang isang guro, gusto ko makita yung isang community na paunti-unting nagiging mas maayos na citizens na yung naproduce natin,” he says.
Challenges and fulfillment
As a teacher in a barangay school in a remote area, Kesser is aware of the challenges educators like him face everyday. And for him, one of the biggest hurdles is the struggle to stay inspired and motivated amidst the difficulties. “Yung pinaka-biggest challenge po talaga sa aming mga teacher ngayon is how to keep ourselves inspired,” he admits.
“Sana naman makaabot tayo sa time na teachers are being valued. Yung efforts and sacrifices of these teachers are compensated.”-Kesser Sibonga
Despite these challenges, Kesser says that he finds fulfillment in the small victories that come with teaching, such as seeing his students engaged and excited in class, watching them participate in laboratory activities, and hearing stories of his graduates who thrive in their chosen fields. “Masarap po sa pakiramdam,” Kesser says with pride. “They always seek our advice and help in the community activities, and it feels like you have done something right.”
Kesser is also hopeful that teachers, especially those in far-flung areas like him, get the recognition and support they deserve. “Sana naman makaabot tayo sa time na teachers are being valued. Yung efforts and sacrifices of these teachers are compensated,” he says.
Despite the challenges, Kesser is still optimistic and passionate about his role as an educator . His story is not just one of a personal triumph, but it’s of the countless lives he touches every day in the classroom. As he continues to carry the legacy of his mother and teachers, he also serves as an inspiration to his students and colleagues alike.
Teachers like Kesser carry a valuable role in forging the future of our nation. Their dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in the power of education make them true heroes, both in and out of the classroom.
This article was lifted from the Smart Parenting website.
Watch Teacher Kesser's interview here: