The Many Faces of the Teacher is a continuing public service and advocacy campaign of Bato Balani Foundation Inc (BBFI) with the support of Diwa Learning Systems Inc (Diwa).
It aims to recognize teachers who play a significant role in the life of a student, nurture and mold the character of future leaders and heroes, hence, becoming a force that shapes this nation. It upholds the leaders who happen to be teachers, an inspiration to many not only with their achievements but in the way they live their lives and dedicate themselves to the vocation.
It also aims promote the correct values among teachers, inspire them to aspire to become better teachers, make the public aware of the great accomplishments of teachers, and encourage young people to pursue a career in teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is “The Many Faces of the Teacher” campaign and how is it different from “A Tribute to Teachers?”
A: The “Many Faces of the Teacher” is a continuing public service and the advocacy campaign component of “A Tribute to Teachers.” The campaign aims to inspire teachers to be the best they could be as professional teachers and impart a very important message that teachers should possess key traits or virtues to be effective in their vocation.
Each year, through “The Many Faces of the Teacher” campaign, BBFI honors outstanding teachers who are able to serve others through their work.
Q: How do you choose your honorees?
A: When we started in 2004, a selection committee was convened by BBFI to search and recommend teachers who have had outstanding contributions in their communities. A shortlist of names resulted from the initial effort to match qualifications with the criteria.
In 2006, BBFI started a nationwide search where anyone can nominate any teacher whom they believe has exemplary attitudes and achievements in teaching and can be good role models for other teachers.
The nationwide search has two threads. First, we ask different institutions and schools to nominate a teacher who can best serve as a role model in the academe and in the community. We receive a lot of entries from across the archipelago. It is hard to choose as all stories are equally moving and inspiring. But for the purpose of the campaign, we narrow down the selection to ten teachers who best fit the qualifications we set.
Second, a member of our selection committee is sent to interview each of the prospects to get to know them personally and hear the stories behind their achievements. We also conduct a background investigation on the nominees by interviewing some of their acquaintances and co-workers to validate the stories about them.
All the gathered data are presented to an advocacy review board consisting of selected BBFI officers and heads of foundations who make the final decision.
Q: What are your criteria for an honoree?
A: “The Many Faces” is not really an award-giving program. Our program goal is to find outstanding teachers who can represent the countless other teachers who perform their work with resolute commitment and dedication, and who lead lives of humility and simplicity. That is the criteria. The teachers that are chosen as honorees are considered as representatives of the many other teachers who are as noble and dedicated as them. At the same time, we hope that their achievements and exemplary work will inspire other teachers to reach the same levels of excellence both in their personal lives and in their vocation.
