Teaching is not just a job — it is a daily act of dedication. Every day in the classroom, I give my best to help my students learn and grow. From my first year of teaching to my tenth year, I have learned that real teaching happens every day — not just during evaluations.

But today, something tragic happened that should open the eyes of everyone in education, especially the Department of Education (DepEd).

Recently, a public high school teacher in Muntinlupa City collapsed and died during a classroom observation (CO) session. The teacher was teaching her class when she suddenly lost consciousness and later passed away. This incident has shocked the teaching community and many Filipinos.

What Is Classroom Observation (CO)?

Classroom observation — sometimes called the Classroom Observation Tool (CO or COT) — is meant to help teachers grow. It’s part of how teachers are rated and promoted.

We are told it’s for our improvement. But we know the truth: most of us feel extreme pressure. We prepare for hours — writing extra lesson plans, practicing our delivery, and making sure every visual aid is perfect.

And here’s the issue: teaching during a CO is not the same as real teaching. In CO, we are forced to impress, not educate.

One Day of Proof vs. Every Day of Teaching

After ten years of teaching, I’ve learned one thing for sure: growth comes from daily practice, not from one performance.

But today, one or two COs can decide your future. That’s what promotion often depends on now. Can a 45-minute class really reflect a teacher’s worth?

Some teachers do well in COs. They know the “show.” But ask them how they check outputs daily, mentor students consistently, or adapt lessons for struggling learners — and you’ll see a different picture.

Teacher Stress and Pressure

The tragedy in Muntinlupa is a reflection of what many of us feel: burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.

Preparing for COs takes so much mental energy. I’ve seen teachers skip meals, stay up past midnight, even cry alone in classrooms just to meet the standards.

Some have collapsed under the pressure. And now, one of us has died — while trying to prove she’s good enough.

This is no longer about performance. It’s about survival.

DepEd’s Role and What Must Change

DepEd expressed its condolences. But that’s not enough.

Suspend CO now. Review the process. And before making new rules — ask us, the teachers.

We’re the ones doing the work. We’re the ones in the classrooms. Don’t revise the policy in a meeting room. Walk into our schools. Ask us how we feel. Then write a new guideline — with us involved.

Classroom observations should help teachers, not harm them. They should build us up, not break us down.

A Call for Support, Not Competition

Many teachers are now thinking of leaving — not just their schools, but the country. Abroad, they feel respected and supported.

Some say teachers are easy to replace. But experienced teachers shape young minds in ways no document or CO score ever could.

We’re not asking to be excused. We’re asking to be heard, respected, and protected.

Conclusion: Focus on Learners, Respect Teachers

Real improvement doesn’t come from performing once. It comes from showing up for our students every single day.

The death of a teacher during a CO session is a wake-up call. DepEd, you have the power to act.

Don’t wait for more teachers to collapse — or worse.
Suspend CO now. Revise the guidelines properly. Involve real teachers.

Let’s build a system that values daily effort, supports mental health, and puts learners first — without sacrificing the ones teaching them.

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