An item in DepEd is really a blessing. For some it is a miracle, for some it is a manna from heaven. I have started my path to Deped, 3 years ago. It began when I got pregnant and decided to stay in my birthplace for good. Teaching can be lucrative if you know how to manage your finances well.

At the start of the school year, I had gave up on that dream and refocus on my online job but things turned differently on the say of my 31st birthday. A woman came to my house to tell me to report to the school so I can sign my proposal and finally start teaching. I was already half-hearted but since the opportunity have already presented itself, I dared myself to jump in. The people who helped me and encouraged  me to pursue this job pushed me more to grab the opportunity.

My advisory class was originally handled by a retiring teacher. She only got to meet them twice then she went on a terminal leave.

There was no new employee orientation so I had to rely on my "asking" powers. There was an orientation organized by the Schools Division but not until October.

Going back to work that involves a lot of people and requires you to report on a given time requires a lot of adjustments. In addition to that, I have to prep myself and be in my best self as much a possible. Adjustment period depends on how good are you in coping up. If you are a people person like me, adjustment period will be a breeze. This school I am currently teaching in is my Alma Mater. I am now working with former classmates and teachers. :)

I am juggling two jobs until February 2018. I got really burnt out so I had to make a choice to give up the other job. My health is compromised, my time for my daughter is compromised, and I have to say stress is too much. My brother is helping me with my other gig but the work is really becoming a burden and my resources are no longer of help. During that season, I re-learned that you can only serve one master and that your true potential will only come out if you are focused - mind, heart, soul, body.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
Teaching will really bring out the best and worst of you. So you really have to be careful. That is especially true when dealing with the students. The Child Protection Policy is really a serious thing. When I first learned about the scope and its essence, my heart sunk. It's like teachers doesn't really have a power over them. They can never be at fault. Students are becoming untouchable. I've heard my former teachers comparing our batch to today's learners. Saying this generation of learners are becoming worse. It is really their fault, or is it the fault of the older generation who failed to discipline and teach them? When I got it to this job I have put in my heart that I will serve this generation because I know that they need to be understood and assisted to shape them and to drive the many talents and skills they possess for their benefit.

SINGLE MOM TEACHER
I did not hide my status as a single mom. As much as possible I tried to be transparent with my classes. I think that is one reason why they loved me. I let them be part of my life and make them feel important for doing that. There are times that I have to pause to make a point. Make your teaching as platform to influence students to do good.

One student asked me what happened, I simply asked that there are choices that we have to make and getting married after giving birth is one. I answered that with a reminder to not to do the same. They have to be sexually pure until they are married and if ever they have made the same mistake.. don't give up. We are always given another chance to make things right, it's only left to us to  make the right choices.

LOVING YOUR STUDENTS IS YOUR KEY TO HEAVEN
Teaching should always be made with love. Love should be the driving force of rendering your duty - more than the compensation, more than the honor, more than teaching itself. If they felt the love, eventually they will also love what you're teaching.  You will be encountering different kinds of children - poor, rich, smart, not-so-smart but choose to love them equally. Never show favoritism even if you really have someone. :) Don't always call the brilliant to speak in class. Call the ones who are not so brilliant because they are the ones who really need you.

Do not compare yourself to other teachers. You have your own teaching style. You have your own set of talents and skills. If there's one thing that you should set as a goal: Be better version of yourself each year. Also, don't step on to others' foot just to achieve something.

KNOW THE LIST OF REPORTS AND OTHER REQUIREMENT YOU NEED TO PREPARE
Check my separate post about it.

SHOW YOUR TALENT BUT LEARN TO PRIORITIZE
I have shown my talents too early so the result I'm one of the busiest. Haha. That's the truth. You may always be the busiest but remember that serving will benefit you more than those being serve. I am into image processing, publication lay-outing, photograph and others. That made me a household name when it comes to those stuff. Extra curricular activities like these will get into your priorities so learn to schedule and say no when you really can't do it. You have to manage your "clients" as well.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Your best weapon in teaching is none other than YOURSELF. So make sure so that care of it. Relax, have some fun. Spend time with your family. After all you deserve a break after a very long day at work. Also, enjoy every moment no matter how toxic it is!

Any tips to share for incoming rookie teachers? Leave it on the comment box.

Come March, I felt so stressed out because I didn't know I'll prepare a lot of documents. I don't want anyone to go that stress so today I am listing down the documents you need to prepare throughout the year and hopefully this will help you earn high score during your school and district monitoring and evaluation.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
1.TEACHING-LEARNING PROCESS	-Preparation of DLL/DLP with references -Variety of Instructional Materials -Presence of TG, C, LM -Activity Sheets
2.CLASSROOM ASSESSMENTS	-Preparation of Test Questions with TOS ---Summative Tests ---Periodical/Quarterly Tests -Pupils' Portfolio -Rubrics/ICL (for Secondary)
3.FORMS	-SF1*, SF2, SF3, SF4, SF5*,SF10 -Class Record -Form 138 -Form 137-E (from Elementary) -Grading Sheets -Summary Sheets -Others (IPCRF/Visitation Form) *can be downloaded from LIS *complete school forms here
4.COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT	-Conducted Homeroom Meetings (Supported with Letters, Attendance, Minutes) -Participated in Community Programs (Supported with pictures and request from barangay officials) -Stakeholders Project (Donation/s)
5.PROFESSIONAL GROWTH	-Training/s attended -Training/s conducted -Subscription of professional magazines -Attended Post-graduate studies (Permit to Study)
6.CLASSROOM SET-UP	-Well-constructed/Updated Bulletin Board -Clean Classroom Wall -Waste Segregation -Well-Arranged Chairs/Desks/Tables -Open shelves for Pupils' Portfolio

These are is the list as far as District Evaluation and Monitoring is concerned. These are also the same documents or mode of verification (MOV's) needed for your Performance Evaluation. Moving forward, I am planning to write more or make a video clip about each performance indicators.

Final Notes: If your school doesn't give any orientation about your duties and responsibilities, the best way to deal with that is ask. Don't procrastinate on accomplishing these requirements. That will be your key in achieving a high score on your school evaluation and monitoring.

I'm now writing as a different person. Some strings were no longer attached. I've re-embraced teaching. I'm honored to have been trusted to teach English. So for DepEd Grade 7 Teacher looking for a material for Reported Speech (EN7G-IV-e-5), here's one helpful link. Click on the image.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Transaction receipt of the purchased item (photocopy this as thermal printed receipts fades easily)
• Loan Agreement
• Payment Schedule - this is where loan details is broken down, see sample below
• Acknowledgement Receipt of Sunlife Grepa Financial Insurance - yes, to get you covered for any untoward events
• Auto-debit Arrangement Enrollment Form/Auto Debit Arrangement (ADA) - if you availed of the feature

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

You made it through the RQA, your named appeared on the the deployment list. What's next? Preparation of documentary requirements, that is! As per Division Memorandum issued May 15, 2017, the documentary requirements to facilitate the appointment process are as follows:

1. 3 copies of Personal Data Sheet (pdf) series 2017
2. 3 copies Position Description Form 1 (pdf 1) - may be secured from the Division Office
3. 3 copies Form 33 (Appointment) - may be secured from the SHS Clerk at school
4. Panunumpa - may be secured from the Division Office
5. 2 copies of authenticated eligibility
6. 3 copies Certificate of Funds - may be secured from the Division Office
7. Publication of item - may be secured from the Division Office
8. Proposal Sheet - may be secured from the School Principal/School HEad
9. NBI Clearance (Original and photocopy)
10. Medical Certificate (Original and photocopy)
11. 2 Copies authenticated Transcript of Records

Hooray teachers! Schools Division of Isabela has released the 2017-2018 Junior High School Registry of Qualified Applicants(RQA) through Division Memo No.23 s. 2017 on May 19, 2017. Is everyone excited? Click the memo image to see the list. Congratulations!

I'm pretty sure a lot of hopeful individuals are looking forward of hearing an announcement of this. Teachers, our English Proficiency Test last February is already out!

What I do when I feel like burning out:

1. Admit it. As therapist would say, acceptance (admitting) you're tired is essential to healing. I think admitting that fact won't make you a lesser person. In fact will  Be honest with yourself. Now let's fill in the blank. I am stressed because ________________.
2. Take a walk. Go outside and be away from what's stressing you. But in cases when my daughter causes the stress, I take her on my walks. 
3. Have some me time. Related to #2. My me time may mean climbing up the roof where I cry my stress out or grooming my brows. For some, this could mean a warm bath or an hour on Pinterest or Facebook. Or even a dose of a feel good movie. Activities for me time can be limitless. P.S. It's OK to scream to but make sure that it's not in front of your toddler. It could be traumatic for her.
4. Call a friend. Not necessarily to tell her about your pain. But simple talking to someone you know who cares. In my case, that will be my mother. I love the fact that I can be transparent with her. A few moments of laughter is an additional therapy.
5. Write a journal entry of things you are thankful for.
6. Talk to God and lay all you burdens on his feet. Claim what is written on Matthew 11:28 (KJV) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. This verse is like a balm to the heart.
   
   And to remind you of that promise, I'm sharing this free artwork that you can hang on your home's wall. (You can also share it to your friends but please share the link of this post instead of the download link. Thank you.)
   
   

How about you? What do you do when you feel like burning out?

• For an experiential learner like me, field trip can be helpful to re-enforce the things we learn in school. We see application of what we learn at home. But it still different when you learn these things in another context.
• Another thing is field trips provides a break from routine for the kids (and for the faculty) as well. Let's admit it, classroom setting can be stressful.
• There is actually a research revealing field trips create a positive attitude towards a subject. Either by creating interest, engagement and a recall to topics taught. 
• Field trips adds happy memories to our memory banks, read: FUN.

• CHED Memo No.17 s. 2012 Policies and Guidelines on Educational Tours and Field Trips of College and Graduate Students
• DepEd Orders related to Field Trips and Educational Tours

#fieldtrips #bestlink  #tragedy

Oh, don't chose a room closest to the entrance of the venue. It will surely be crowded. Chances of getting in is slimmer.

1. Communicate with the bride and groom (or the wedding planner). Because.. well, you need to know you need to get the important details to put on the invitation card.
   
   Important things to note were:
   →wedding theme/motif
   →the wording
   →to include the bridal entourage or not
   →materials
   →to send a save the date teaser?
2. Compile samples for your inspiration. You can create a board in Pinterest to bookmark your inspirations. 
3. Observe proper address etiquette. Putting social titles for elected officials and professional titles like Mayor and Dr. are acceptable. However, putting an "Ex-" title to a former elected official can be offensive. Former officials can be addressed as honorable. 
4. After the lay-out and design, send a proof to the wedding planner (or the couple) for checking. You have to do this twice.
   
5. Print only when everything is approved. That will save you from future headache.

• Feed your baby before the session. It's advisable to wait an hour before eating or drinking to give time for the fluoride to dry.
• As much as possible schedule your session early.
• Bring extra cloths for you and your baby. I learned this the hard way. Sophie throw up after the session.  

I will not allow my non-negotiables be compromised. #1 on the list, he must love my Jesus. I have this history of compromise and sitting on the fence with my feet dangling on both sides. He must love my Jesus because if he does, all other traits will follow. For sure, he will be a man of integrity. A man who will only think of my well-being. A man who will treat me with respect no matter how dark my past is.

I will allow myself and him to grow. I will give him space to explore new things and enrich himself. I will allow him to decompress and be silent. I will respect his boundaries.

I will still be independent. But will be submissive in a healthy way.

I will honor him in every way.

I will not disconnect from the support system called friends. I may accept advise from here and there but I will only accept those that I believe will help build my relationship with him.

I wouldn't know when the right time will come. But I want to make sure that when that day comes, I am already the Ms.Right, Mr right is looking for.

• Application should be made through application.deped.,gov.ph. Upon registration, the applicant will be issued a Unique Applicant Number which the applicant will indicate on his/her application letter (Sec. 5)
• Documents should be all authentic. Violation will resort to disqualification.
• Proof of residency is needed in the observance of the Localization Law. Applicant can only apply to one school per division. Applicant can apply to other divisions but applicants (though with lower score) will be given priority over an applicant not local in the community.
• Teachers who wishes to transfer from another Division are given priority but must undergo the right process (DO 22, s.2013). No need for them to go through the application.
• Secondary Education graduates can apply for lower levels but vise versa can not be done by Early Education Graduates
• Teaching experience. All teaching experience will be considered whether High School Teacher applicant's teaching experience is Early Education.
• Demonstration Teaching. It is a requirement to assess improvement on teaching skill after a year.
• English Proficiency Exam. Applicants has an option to retake or retain EPT score from previous year. But a letter of intent to retain EPT score must be furnished a week before the exam (Feb 18 and 19).
• Dual applications. No longer allowed.
• OFW applicants must undergo the normal application process. If the applicant did not teach for 5 years, he/she must earn additional units to qualify.

Here are the dates to watch out for:

DATE	EVENT	WHERE
February 3	Submission of application	Division Office or chosen school
February 10	Hiring Guidelines Orientation Area I & II - 8AM Area III & IV - 1PM	Division Office
February 13-17	Demo Teaching and Interview (Area I and II)**	Division Office
February 18	English Proficiency Examination*	Naguilian National High School
February 20-24	Demo Teaching and Interview (Area III and IV)	Division Office

*Demo teaching and interview for Junior High School,Elementary and Kindergarten are school-based. Coordinate closely with the school screening committee.

For more information you may contact DepEd Schools Division of Isabela, Ilagan at 078 624 2015

**Moved to March 1-7, 2017, please coordinate closely with your screening committee.
* Update: February 16, 2017, for room assignments click here:

**This post will be updated after the Hiring Guideline Orientation

My Favorite Color App Tools

1. Colornfo - The very first color app I've used and still a go-to when choosing color. Bookmarked for ease of use. Type or paste the color code. Click search then you're good to go. It provides information about colors, provides conversion equivalent to other color spaces and generates matching color schemes. Here I discovered that every color has a name. Yes, Outer Space is a color name.
2. Color-hex - Specialize on converting colors to hex.
3. Paletton - Make palettes of 4 colors from a single color sample. You may also refine your color option. 
4. Pictaculous - Want to make a color palette out of a picture? Pictaculous can help. Upload the picture on the website, wait then boom! Brought to you by Mailchimp. 
5. Kuler - Get inspiration from graphic artists on this color palette collection of Adobe. I also save some color palettes from my previous projects for future reference. 

Easy Homemade Playdoh Recipe

• A cup of flour (packed)
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tbsp oil 
• food color (optional)

You may stock them in your old Playdoh canisters or microwaveable containers.