05 October 2024 was a day of warmth, gratitude, and celebration at the Waldo Perfecto Building at Saint Louis University, Baguio City. In honor of World Teachers’ Day, the students and faculty of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) came together for a special event to recognize their teachers’ dedication, compassion, and hard work.
Organized by the STELA Mentors’ Guild, this celebration was about more than just formalities— it was a genuine expression of thanks to the teachers who go above and beyond for their students. The focus was on heartfelt appreciation.
Gratitude for Everyday Heroes
Teachers don’t just teach subjects—they change lives. They guide students through difficult times, challenge them to think critically and inspire them to pursue their dreams. The teachers at STELA have been doing this day in and day out, often without fanfare, simply because they believe in the power of education.
This World Teachers’ Day celebration is a chance to honor them. Students presented small tokens of appreciation—simple yet sincere gestures reflecting their teachers’ meaning to them. For the students, it’s a way to say “thank you” for the support, encouragement, and patience teachers offer daily.
One student shared, “Our teachers see potential in us that sometimes we don’t even see in ourselves. This celebration is a small way to give back and show how grateful we are for everything they do.”
Teaching: More Than a Job, It’s a Calling
The faculty of STELA are not just educators—they are mentors, role models, and advocates for a better future. Their influence extends far beyond the classroom. Whether they guide future educators, shape future leaders, or nurture artists and writers, STELA teachers have left an indelible mark on countless students.
Despite the challenges of the past years—shifting between online and in-person learning, adapting to new teaching methods, and supporting students through uncertainties—these teachers have remained steadfast. This celebration is a chance to acknowledge that resilience and passion.
Aligning with a Greater Purpose
The event was more than just a tribute to individual teachers. It reflected the core values of the CICM Advocacy of Justice and Peace, highlighting education’s essential role in promoting quality education and fostering peace, justice, and strong institutions, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
STELA teachers build a just and peaceful society through their work. Their impact is felt not just in the lives of their students but in the communities that their students will one day serve.
A Celebration of Connection
World Teachers’ Day at STELA is not just about awards or speeches. It’s about the connection between students and teachers, between the past and the future, and between the classroom and the world outside. The event served as a reminder that education is more than just books and exams—it’s about relationships, growth, and the shared learning journey.
One teacher said, “The most rewarding part of teaching is seeing students grow into their potential and knowing you had a small part in their journey. Moments like this celebration remind us why we do what we do.”
In this particular day, as students gathered to celebrate their teachers, the atmosphere was filled with appreciation, respect, and a sense of community. Indeed, STELA’s World Teachers’ Day celebration was not just an event. It was a reminder of teachers’ powerful and lasting impact on the lives they touch. (Article by Curt Keanu P. Villanueva)
