By Pauline Huello Artango, BSEd 3; and Ismael Salarda
Photos by Teacher Education Student Leaders Assembly Batch 3
On Wednesday, 20 September 2023, the Teacher Education Student Leaders Assembly (TESLA), through the Arrupe Educational Center (AEC) of the School of Education at Xavier-Ateneo (XU-SOE), embarked on a meaningful visit to Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
The previous partnership agreement between XU-SOE and NBSC gave arrays of initiatives. These initiatives included research opportunities, support for pre-service teachers, assistance for alumni preparing for the Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT), and commitment to enhancing the student formation and development within the Teacher Education Program (TEP).
The AEC, serving as the social development arm of SOE, initiated this collaborative and exploratory meeting with a specific emphasis on student formation and development. Their objectives were clear and purposeful: a) Sharing Best Practices: The aim was to exchange knowledge and highlight the most effective student-led initiatives within the Teacher Education Program; b) Building Valuable Partnerships: The meeting sought to facilitate the establishment of meaningful partnerships among student leaders from both institutions. c) Identifying Critical Opportunities: The gathering provided a platform to pinpoint crucial areas and opportunities for future collaborative endeavors.
TESLA took center stage as the focal point for discussion brought forward by XU-SOE. This unique program stands as one of the pioneering leadership development initiatives explicitly designed for XU SOE students. TESLA's mission is straightforward yet profound: to engage, equip, and empower future teacher-leaders within XU-SOE with the leadership skills necessary to redefine the very concept of teacher-leadership. These teacher-leaders are envisioned as individuals committed to leading, empowering, and inspiring their peers with unwavering character, dedication, and ethical conscience within the teaching profession.
The event saw a distinguished NBSC delegation in attendance, led by Dr Jovely Delosa, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr Christine Royo, Dean of the College of Education; Ms Rowena Bagongon, Student Activities Service Director; Faculty members of the Teacher Education Program, and Mary Ann Charmaine Tapulayan-Dumana, the Moderator of the Educators’ Club. Selected student leaders from the Education Club and Central Student Government also joined the conversation. The XU-SOE delegation, led by Mr Ismael Salarda, AEC Director, and Ms Nathalie Grace Sta Elena, AEC Staff, along with core members of TESLA Batch 3, actively participated in the discussions.
Throughout the meeting, student leaders from both NBSC and XU-SOE engaged in a dynamic exchange of ideas. They shared insights into their personal strengths, identified areas where they required support, and brainstormed ways to commit to fostering a more sustainable and robust collaboration. The discussions within the plenary revolved around personal intentions for leadership training and workshops, avenues for increased leadership engagement, opportunities for growth and development, innovative practices, and strategies for ensuring the long-term success of their partnership initiatives.
The gathering between the TESLA of XU-SOE and NBSC marked a significant milestone in their partnership journey. This partnership, born out of a commitment to enhance student formation and development within the Teacher Education Program, has already yielded a multitude of valuable initiatives. The gathering was filled with excitement as attendees enthusiastically shared valuable ideas and collective commitment to empower the next generation of teacher-leaders. As both institutions look forward to a future of collaborative growth.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Ms Bagongon stated, “We are delighted that this collaboration is taking place. As a state college with students like ours, we eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on student formation and development.”
