DR. BARBA SPURS BEED INTERNS TO EMBRACE REALITIES OF TEACHING
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (ED)“Your classroom will be a microcosm of the world," Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Officer-in-Charge laid bare the realities of teaching before student-interns at BEED Mentoring Program, March 12 at the gymnasium. Speaking to Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) interns deployed in public schools, Dr. Barba urged them to embrace both the joys and struggles of the profession—balancing lesson plans, managing diverse learners, handling workplace dynamics, and shouldering unexpected responsibilities. “Minsan, mapapatanong ka rin: ‘Pinili ko ba ito o pinili ako nito?’” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. As a father of three, Dr. Barba likened teaching to parenting, saying educators shape not just academic knowledge but also values and character. He reminded the interns that every classroom mirrors the larger world, where they will face challenges requiring both adaptability and compassion. “Teaching is beyond textbooks. It’s about understanding your students, responding to their needs, and preparing them for the real world,” he said. He also gave a candid glimpse into school realities—handling parent-teacher relationships, managing professional dynamics with colleagues and superiors, and handling the inevitable pressures of the job. He ended with a call for resilience, reminding them that teaching demands both intellect and heart. “Kung may pagkakataong mapagod, magpahinga pero huwag sumuko.” The BEED Mentoring Program is spearheaded by the College of Education with its Dean Dr. Maria Sheila R. Gregorio and Teacher Education Chairperson Dr. Edna A. Pante. The program continues to equip student-interns with firsthand insights from experienced mentors who are alumni of the university.
