‘Teacher’s patience, encouragement can change a student’s life’: Kalinga educator recalls helping struggling learner find confidence

FEATURE

A student who once struggled to read and understand lessons is now in college, confidently joining pageants and taking part in various school activities.

For Maynard J. Carbonel of Rizal National School of Arts and Trades (RNSAT), seeing the former Grade 7 learner overcome his difficulties and discover his abilities remains one of the most rewarding experiences of his teaching career.

Carbonel was among the 19 educators recognized during the Provincial Teachers’ Day 2026 celebration last week at the Kalinga Sports Center in Tabuk City.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Carbonel recalled how he helped the learner, who had difficulty reading and comprehending what he read.

Rather than allowing the student to fall further behind, Carbonel gave him extra time and individual guidance. He patiently worked with the learner every day, helping him develop his reading skills and encouraging him to keep trying despite the challenges.

His efforts gradually paid off. The student began making progress, gained confidence, and eventually learned to read aloud. As his confidence grew, he also started discovering his abilities beyond the classroom.

Years later, the former learner is now in college and actively participates in pageants and other school-related activities—a transformation that Carbonel considers a meaningful reminder of how a teacher's guidance can make a difference in a student's life.

“That experience taught me that teaching is not just about delivering lessons; it is about believing in a learner’s potential, being patient with their progress, and never giving up on them. Sometimes, one teacher’s patience and encouragement can change a student’s life,” Carbonel said.

He explained that understanding each learner's needs and difficulties is the first step in helping them succeed. He adjusts his teaching approaches through relatable examples, current trends and events, and activities suited to students' learning needs. He also provides individual guidance to help learners better understand their lessons and develop an interest in learning.

The sacrifices behind every achievement

While student achievements are often celebrated, Carbonel said these successes are also built on hours of preparation, mentoring, and personal sacrifices that often go unnoticed.

His work at RNSAT has required him to give up personal time, weekends, and even moments with his family to mentor students, coach campus journalists, and fulfill his school responsibilities.

There are times when he brings work home, spends extra hours training learners, and travels for competitions and school activities. These commitments also come with personal expenses, exhaustion, and missed opportunities.

“Success does not actually happen overnight. It takes a lot of patience, commitment, and personal investment,” he said.

Despite these demands, Carbonel continues to give his time and effort because he believes in what his learners can achieve. For him, seeing students improve and succeed makes the sacrifices worthwhile.

He described teaching as a commitment that extends beyond the duties performed inside the classroom.

“For me, teaching is not just a profession; it is a commitment that sometimes requires giving more of yourself so others can discover and achieve more,” he added.

A recognition shared with many

Upon receiving the recognition, Carbonel recalled the words of Isaiah 60:22: “When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen!”

He said the recognition reminded him that his hard work, sacrifices, dreams, and sleepless nights had paid off. It also made him grateful for the efforts that may have gone unnoticed but had contributed to his journey.

His family was the first group of people he thought of, describing them as his strongest support system.

He also expressed gratitude to the Schools Division of Kalinga for believing in his abilities and potential, as well as to the RNSAT administrators, colleagues, students, and past and present members of the DO•CUE Team.

“This recognition may have my name on it, but it represents the collective support, sacrifices, and encouragement of the people who have been part of my journey,” he said.

Above all, Carbonel thanked the Almighty for giving him the strength, wisdom, and opportunities to continue his work.

For Carbonel, the recognition is an important milestone in his teaching career. But beyond the award, the greatest reward remains seeing learners who once doubted themselves gain confidence, discover their abilities, and pursue opportunities they may have once thought were beyond their reach.