19/07/2026
I used to relate to this so much.
As teachers, we spend the entire week in school giving our best not just teaching, but preparing lessons, checking papers, making reports, attending meetings, and taking on countless responsibilities beyond the classroom. And when the school day ends, the work often doesn't. We bring unfinished tasks home, stay up late preparing for the next day's lessons, and sacrifice precious hours that should have been spent resting.
Then Friday comes, and we look forward to the weekend not because we don't love teaching, but because we need time to recharge, be present with our families, and take care of ourselves. Sadly, weekends are often filled with seminars, trainings, and meetings that could have been scheduled during the regular workweek.
I sincerely hope DepEd takes a closer look at this. Professional development is important, but so is protecting teachers' personal time. Work-life balance is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Teachers who are well-rested, mentally healthy, and emotionally present become better educators for their learners.
Teaching is a calling, but teachers are human first. They deserve weekends that truly feel like weekends.
When we protect teachers' time, we protect their passion. And when we protect their well-being, everyone benefits especially the children they serve.