Photos: Mogi Mogado( Philippine Press Club of Ontario-PPCO -Canada)
 

"Filipino Canadian teachers and educators in Ontario are continually faced with employment challenges in seeking teaching assignments under the current  job environment". This may sound as a not -so encouraging picture as portrayed in the keynote speech by noted community leader and School Trustree Marlene Mogado at the 6th Annual Teachers Conference of International Trained Education Professionals and Practitioners on  May 26th, 2012. The yearly conference sponsored jointly by Philippine Teachers Association of Canada( PTAC) and Kababayan Community Centre Multicultural Services(KCCMS) was held at May Robinson Recreation Hall, Toronto, Ontario.

Marlene Mogado, a long- serving School Trustee at the York Catholic District School Board, addressed the 65 participants who are mostly Philippine-trained educators seeking professional certification in Ontario as well as practicing, registered teachers in the GTA school boards. Mogado described the various challenges and prospects for new teachers and those in the process of Ontario teacher certification. She, however, encouraged the attendees to diligently aspire and continue the process with solid determination as the trend points to a good picture in the near future, adding that they must "pursue their dream of building and reconnecting their career", elusive it may be but there is "always light at the end of the tunnel". Further, Mogado cited that independent or private schools as well as early- schooling programs are good venues in this "highly competitive, supply-and-demand based teacher job market".
 


 
Joining Trustee Mogado was Kathy Anstett, the Director of External Relations of the Ontario College of Teachers, the government's regulatory agency of the teaching profession in the province's secondary and elementary schools. Anstett specified the requirements and procedures involved in teacher licensing in the province.  Norma Bernal, an employment counsellor at Skills for Change-Toronto and noted columnist of Filipino Bulletin aptly outlined the many alternatives and opportunities open to teachers planning and applying their transferable skill sets to establish a related career or transition jobs.
 


 
At the conference open forum, 7 resource panelists shared their professional insights , teaching experiences and meaningful advice on  proven teaching-learning practices  . The experts panel include senior schoolteachers Rosario Apilado, Marissa Ciacico & Annalyn Galarion of Dufferin-PeelCDSB; Regina Lozano-Nuguid of PeelDSB; Marissa  Largo,TorontoCDSB; & Tony A. San Juan, TorontoDSB and Flor Dandal of KCCMS.


 
 KCCMS , led by its Executive Director Flordeliz Dandal  and  Board Chair Aguido Dela Cruz  were assisted by Settlement Counsellors Amy Basingan and Loida Gatchalian. PTAC President Tony A. San Juan, was ably supported by his officers & directors, namely : Redentor Andres, Arthur Apilado, Grace Avila, Sheryll Baoit, Maricon Bernasor, Pet Collantes, Rose Cruz, Cielito Drapeza, Bernadette Gapuz, Perly Laganas, Benedicta Madamba, Gigi Nicolas, Jesse Panem, and Erlyn Simanero. PTAC is a 6-year old volunteer- run socioprofessional organization of Ontario practicing certified educators and former education professionals & teachers in the Philippines, as well. (TSJ).

 

 

Munting Nayon News Magazine