The search is on for Region 8’s Outstanding Flexible Learning Teacher.

Aiming to recognize the exemplary performance of the teachers in flexible learning delivery, the Eastern Visayas Higher Education Institutions- Flexible Learning Management System Consortium, the Philippine Association of State Universities and  Colleges (PASUC) 8, and the Commission on Higher Education-Regional Office 8 (CHED-RO8) officially launched the Search for the Outstanding Flexible Learning (FL) Teachers in Eastern Visayas.

Highlighting the celebration of the 1st National Higher Education Day last May 19 at the Visayas State University, BiPSU President and EVHEIs-FLMSC Chairperson Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. led the launching of the said award. 

“This initiative mainly anchored on the premise of recognizing the selfless dedication of educators who have been in the frontline of the flexible learning implementation amidst this pandemic,” Dr. Cañezo, who is also the chair of the award, said.

He added that this award would bring out the commendable and diverse stories of excellence among the teachers in the region and affirmed that the consortium is looking forward to a better and quality implementation of flexible learning in the region.

"Simply put, this regional award is expected to flesh out the picture of what it takes to be a teacher who is responsive to the pandemic pedagogy and is positioned to serve as a springboard for feedback for the continual improvement of flexible learning schemes across the Eastern Visayas," he said.

Premised on the “5G Model Approach of Excellence in Flexible Learning” developed by Dr. Edizon A. Fermin of National Teachers College, the award will be the first in the region to be given to faculty members who embody the 5G – Ganda, Galing, Gahum, Giliw, and Ganda.

The said model is the framework in the formulation of the guidelines, mechanics, and criteria in assessing and evaluating the nominees. Dr. Fermin, who is also a member of CHED Advisory Council on Flexible Learning and Co-Chairman CHED Technical Panel in Teacher Education, explained that ‘Ganda’ pertains to the educator’s excellence in determining the most appropriate flexible learning design and delivery for specific learners; 'Galing' refers to the teacher's ability to address learners’ concerns on flexibility in engagement in terms of pace, place, process, and products of learning; 'Gahum' means establishing, negotiating and implementing rules, regulations, and routines that foster learner motivation and agency; 'Giliw' build and nurture connectedness with learners and other education stakeholders in order to sustain engagement despite the challenges of remote learning; and ‘Gugma’ foster and sustain a genuine love for learning and for reaching out to others with care and compassion given the challenges posed by remote learning.

The teachers who will apply or nominated by the SUC President will vie on the three categories based on the number of years in service namely: Outstanding Flexible Rookie Teacher, Outstanding Flexible Junior Teacher, and Outstanding Flexible Senior Teacher, and will receive cash prizes, certificates and a plaque of recognition during the awarding tentatively scheduled on December this year.

Ten outstanding teachers will be awarded in every category in the different educational disciplines such as Agriculture, Fishery, and Marine Biology, Humanities, and Communication, Engineering, Teacher Education, Social Sciences, Health Education, Science and Mathematics, Technology and Computer Sciences, Accounting, Business, and Management, Maritime Education, and Law.