Teaching is the teacher’s act of developing in the learner his knowledge, skills, attitudes, and/or behavior by infusing in him/her the contents necessary for such development. In the delivery of the contents, a teacher has to employ different techniques and/or strategies appropriate to the learner’s level. He/She likewise should possess and be adept with the contents he/she will be delivering. With these descriptions, four basic considerations in teaching are identified- the teacher, the learner, the contents, and the learning delivery system. 

Why teaching?

Learner’s development is the primary aim of teaching. The teacher is tasked of preparing the learner to become an active member of the society- working towards the attainment of societal goals. Teaching is not merely giving instruction, but more than it. Giving instruction is simple; one will just tell another what to do to accomplish the task. Teaching is not that simple. Aside from giving instruction, the teacher has to consider the basic factors for development to take place. It is a very complex and delicate role the teacher has to perform.

If one has to consider the societal goals, then he or she can perceive that teaching is deemed necessary. Society is composed of individuals of varied potentials and personalities. Its progress, therefore, commences with its constituents. Developing the individuals should be done first. Their potentials should be uncovered and enhanced. Appropriate environment should be provided to them to cultivate and/or shape their personalities. In teaching then, a teacher has to consider first the educational goals of the society and the nature of the learner.

Why teacher?

Not everyone could be a teacher. An individual may be logically or mathematically intelligent, but doesn’t have the art of delivering the content. Another may be very artistic and word smart, but lacks patience in dealing with the learners. Teaching is a very special skill of an individual. A teacher then should demonstrate possession in certain degrees of the multiple intelligences identified by Gardner. A teacher is expected to be logically and/or mathematically intelligent; otherwise it would be very difficult for him/her to grasp and master the subject matter and to resort to strategies and techniques appropriate for the learners. In teaching, common sense of the teacher is very important.

Moreover, a teacher should be linguistically intelligent; otherwise he/she would be facing difficulties in the delivery of the subject matter. In the Philippines, English is used as the medium of instruction in almost all subjects; hence, a teacher is expected to demonstrate his/her English proficiency skills.

The delivery of the subject matter calls for other intelligences such as musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, naturalist, and interpersonal. To facilitate and let the learners enjoy learning, a teacher has to sing and to act at times, he/she has to utilize the resources in the environment as instructional media, and most important, he/she should be able to relate himself/herself to the learners.

A teacher, like all other professionals, is a product of sensible and sound teaching. Before he/she becomes one, he/she has undergone rigorous and intensive training for the teaching task. He/She has been equipped with knowledge and pedagogical or andragogical skills prior to his/her induction to the field. Why teacher? The answer is simple: because he/she is the one trained for the job.

What is a teacher?

Gathering feedbacks from the learners is necessary for a teacher to exercise his/her role effectively and efficiently. When asked what a teacher is, a group of second year teacher-education students of Araullo University, Cabanatuan City, presented their ideas which if analyzed, are their expectations of the teacher’s roles and responsibilities.

            *A teacher is a role model to his/her students, an artist who enhances the talents and always finds means to bring out the best on them (Jeannette Bono, Team Presentation, June 13, 2006).

            *A teacher is a person who assists in the shaping and developing the students’ personality (Mario Reyes, Jr., Team Presentation, June 13, 2006).

            *A teacher is a provider of knowledge, a considerate person who is patient enough to rectify the weaknesses of the students- just like a parent (Angiel Sanchez, Team Presentation, June 13, 2006).

            *A teacher is a provider of firm foundations that would guide the students in attaining their dreams or ambitions in life. He/She is a compassionate person who cares for his/her students’ future (Mark Clester Rufino, Team Presentation, June 13, 2006).

            *A teacher is a public servant who is willing to render service without counting the remuneration. For him/her, the future of the young counts most (Kathlyn Joy Sacdal, Team Presentation, June 13, 2006).

            *A teacher is a missionary, trying to build the character of the young so they would be good assets to society. S/He is a facilitator of learning. (Lady Lou De Leon, Racquel De Guzman, and Donna Mae Seno, Team Presentation, June 13, 2006).