In the quiet town of Bacoor, Cavite, a young kindergarten teacher named Shannen, originally from Antique, dedicated her life to shaping young minds. At the tender age of 23, she was already shouldering responsibilities that went beyond her years.
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| Photo Courtesy of Titser Rubs Facebook Post |
Her co-teachers and family members recount tales of her unwavering commitment to her profession. Her school day began at 7:00 AM and ended at 4:00 PM, with an hour-long duty in the Principal’s office during lunchtime, often leaving her with no time for a meal.
Shannen was not just a teacher; she was also a creator. She crafted daily lesson logs, instructional materials, class records, and worksheets for her two kindergarten classes. Despite the pressure of frequent class observations, she managed to amass a collection of visually appealing aids for her students.
Born as the eldest of five siblings, Shannen had to part ways with her family as early as Grade 6 to pursue her education, supported by relatives. Her father, residing in the province, even sold their only cow to buy her a laptop when she needed one for her work. This was a necessity that the Department of Education did not provide, forcing teachers like Shannen to either borrow money or spend from their own pockets.
The challenges of her job eventually led Shannen to submit her resignation letter a week before her untimely demise. The cause of her suicide remains unknown, but it has raised questions about the pressures faced by teachers. It is a call to action for the Department of Education, especially since this is not the first time this year that a teacher’s life has been lost.
Many teachers share Shannen’s plight. They are burdened with a heavy workload and meager salaries, and are expected to comply with policies from the Department of Education that add to their struggles. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers calls for an end to the exploitation of educators and demands justice for Teacher Emelou and Teacher Shannen.