Education shapes minds, but more importantly, hearts and futures. The impact of a teacher extends beyond the classroom. They are guides, mentors and advocates.

I am sharing stories of three educators whom I know personally — exceptional teachers who exceeded expectations to ensure that their students succeeded, both academically and in life. These are my personal connections with these educators who inspired me and others with their passion and commitment to education.

Dedication to students’ well-being

Teacher Lyn Tongco was my children’s teacher. Transitioning to a public school in Malabon, she consistently went above and beyond for her students. During the pandemic, with families financially strained, Teacher Lyn reached out to me for help with school supplies. It wasn’t just providing materials; it was about giving her students a chance to succeed despite the challenges. She also connected me to some students in need of tablets, which I was able to source through the Association of Government Internal Auditors Inc. (AGIA).

Teacher Lyn is the embodiment of a teacher advocating for her students’ futures, ensuring, though difficult, the availability of learning resources. Through her, I learned that an educator’s role extends beyond textbooks and lessons — it’s creating pathways to empower students to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

Innovating education for student opportunities

Marinella Pengson, Mam Sy as her students address her, is my wife’s first cousin. From an academic family, she has always been committed to her students’ success. As an administrator in Bulacan, she helped establish a collaboration between her school and a multinational company, providing her students with internships and job placements. When asked what motivates her, she said it’s a sense of responsibility to her students.

Her vision goes beyond the classroom. Working to open doors for her students, she ensures that they receive the exposure and opportunities that will prepare them for the future. For her, education isn’t just about academic achievement; it’s about guaranteeing that the students are prepared for life outside school. Through these partnerships, she is setting her students up for long-term success in a competitive world.

Role of values in shaping the future

The third educator is a young teacher and a cousin of mine. Omel, as we call her, has great promise ahead of her. Her maturity and depth of understanding have made a strong impression on me. Though younger than me, she has a remarkable level of maturity, especially in her approach to our shared faith.

I often turn to her for guidance on topics related to Islam. I am struck by her insightful answers and thoughtful reflections. She has helped me better understand our faith. Islam places great emphasis on education.

As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”

As a public school teacher, while not directly teaching about Islam, the values grounded in her faith are evident in how she approaches her students. For her, education is teaching academic content coupled with instilling values of kindness, discipline and respect for others.

Thus, the heart of education, as exemplified by these three teachers, is their commitment to more than academic success through shaping their students into well-rounded individuals with the values, skills and resilience to thrive.

In a world full of challenges, educators like Teacher Lyn, Mam Sy, and my cousin are beacons of hope. They teach and they transform, creating lasting change in their students’ lives and in their communities. Their dedication and willingness to lead through action, and their commitment to values-driven education serve as powerful reminders of the difference one teacher can make.