“I make sure that I share and impart to them [my learners and family] everything I learned in TPBPM.”

It is always a challenge for a teacher to get the attention of the children and sometimes, in order to do so, one employs not so peaceful means of disciplinary action. “Before I became part of TPBPM I am used to say words that might hurt my learners’ feelings. This is one way for me to release my anger and cope up with the stress directed at them.”

It was until she joined the Teachers Leaders for Peace Formation in Boso-Boso, Antipolo in December 2016 that she realized how one’s words and actions have a great impact on the upbringing of a child.

“When I became part of TPBPM and later on, became an I TEACH PEACE Champion, I realized how important to be aware of one’s emotions, how to have some self-control, and why we need to resort to peaceful means of resolving concerns and issues especially when dealing with our learners,” shared Marie.

As an I TEACH PEACE Champion, Marie knows now that children learn best in a peaceful environment where everyone communicates with respect, understanding, and the willingness to listen.

“I am more self-aware now. Every time I get mad or angry, I remind myself that I am a Peace Hero. Then I will try my best to talk to my learners in a calm manner. I also do not say and even do things that can cause fear among my students and also it isn’t a good way to encourage them to listen to me.”

 Peace educators are not supposed to be perfect but they are, at least, expected to be role models to their students and catalysts of change inside the classroom.

It is one way of constantly reminding oneself to choose to do good. “I usually remind myself that I am a Peace Hero not just in words but also in actions,”