Summer In-Service Training: “Summer INSET for an Improved Workforce”

The new teachers listen attentively as the SOP’s are discussed

     While most IJAians spent their summer vacation by going to malls, beaches and resorts, their teachers and the rest of the school personnel had other ideas in mind.

     Roughly three weeks before the opening of classes, the administration, faculty and staff of Infant Jesus Academy went back to the working table for their in-service training.

     With the objective of preparing themselves for the challenges of the upcoming school year, the IJA personnel, headed by the school principals Mrs. Ana Marie Nobleza of IJA-Marikina and Ms. Janet Guzman of IJA-Antipolo together with the rest of school administrators, engaged themselves in various work-related activities.

     The first day of training started with a “getting-to-know-you activity”. This is usually included as part of the activities since new faculty members and staff would be working both in IJA-Marikina and Antipolo. The afternoon session ensued with the faculty from various departments working together to review and modify lesson plans and existing school curricula, identifying topics which need intensive implementation and to keep them updated with the Minimum Learning Competencies (MLC) set by the Department of Education.

     The succeeding days saw teachers work with their calculators and review their English grammar. New and seasoned faculty members were tested as everyone was given basic mathematical problems, most of which were work-related, for questions dealt with computation of grades, salary and the likes. A seminar-workshop on Intensive Review in the Use of English-Related Materials sponsored by VIBAL Publishing House was attended by all teachers. Mrs. Ana Maria Gloria Ward of the University of Sto. Tomas, discussed teaching and classroom management strategies that could be applied by all teachers, regardless of the subject they teach.

     The final leg of the training highlighted the roles and responsibilities of the faculty to their students, colleagues, and the school they serve. In regards to teachers’ responsibilities to their students, a seminar on “Developmental Stages” was conducted by Ms. Rory Catipon, a consultant for the school’s Guidance Services. Here, the teachers were made aware of the different stages students undergo which sometimes explain why they behave in ways that teachers could not understand. The said seminar was supplemented with an application activity which focused on situations and policies usually violated by students. Teachers exchanged opinions and shared insights as to how the given problems could be possibly avoided.

     Teachers and staff had the chance to enjoy themselves and each other’s company with team-building activities prepared by the organizers headed by Ms. Fe Penetrante, Student Activities Coordinator. Teachers’ mental and physical abilities as well as their hidden talents were showcased in various challenging activities, the goal of which was to develop the personnel’s camaraderie, teamwork and unity.

     The last activity of the in-service training was a recollection sponsored by the brothers of Marian Missionaries. The final activity made everyone realize their responsibility to the school of not only teaching the students different academic skills but more importantly their role as Christian educators - that it is everybody’s responsibility to inculcate to the students values especially those stipulated in the school’s VMO.

     With these trainings, the entire IJA administration, faculty and staff are confident and ready to face the challenges of the upcoming school year, 2009-2010.

     May the Holy Infant continue to bless us all!