Beyond the classroom: The struggles and dedication of teachers

As the school year draws to a close, the pressure on teachers reaches its peak. This is perhaps the most demanding time in the academic calendar. After administering the fourth-quarter examinations, teachers work tirelessly to compute final grades, assist struggling learners through remediation, prepare necessary forms, and organize graduation and completion ceremonies. On top of these, we must submit end-of-year reports and complete our individual performance commitment and review form, in alignment with the Department of Education’s performance management and evaluation system.

Despite these overlapping responsibilities, many teachers continue to rise to the occasion. Even beyond our designated schedules, we report to school—focused, determined, and giving our all. The culmination of the school year is marked by intense dedication, as we immerse ourselves in our tasks, fully committed to fulfilling every requirement with care and excellence. While these tasks are familiar, the pressure they bring during this time of the year is undeniable. At times, it feels like we’re spinning plates, balancing not only our teaching duties but also our responsibilities as event coordinators, sometimes even confidants and listeners to our students.

The increasing number of students each year adds to the challenge. Technology has certainly helped reduce some paper-based procedures, but the sheer volume of responsibilities often feels more intense. Even so, teachers persist—showing up day after day, focused and determined. We tell ourselves, “Kaya pa!” because we know that our efforts shape the future of every student we serve.

What makes this demanding period a bit lighter is the ability to find humor amid the chaos. Memes circulating on social media capture the everyday struggles of teachers—mountains of papers, late-night grading, and juggling multiple tasks—offering much-needed smiles. We’ve all seen the meme that says, “‘Pag teacher ka, walang holiday, walang weekend,” and it perfectly sums up our reality. Despite the exhaustion and emotional drain, we laugh it off because we know we’re not alone in this. And when we catch ourselves saying, “Wala nang kwenta ang tulog ko, importante grades nila.” In those moments, we remind ourselves that it’s not just about us—it’s about the future we’re building for our students.

It’s essential to recognize that each teacher contributes in their own way, and all approaches are equally valuable. Some may express their dedication through visible actions, while others serve with quiet strength. Regardless of how we choose to give, every teacher who shows up stays committed and works tirelessly to meet the needs of their students embodies the heart and soul of education. We’ve all heard the phrase “Tatay na guro, inay na guro,” and it couldn’t be truer.

As the school year concludes, let’s look beyond the deadlines, the forms, and the reports, and appreciate the people behind them—our teachers. The passion and resilience we share make us a powerful force in shaping the future. After the long days and even longer nights, we can still smile, knowing we’ve given our best.