The indistinct loud noises of the students come from the background as she walks to the classroom holding books and chalk in her right hand. The sound of her heels echoes through the hallway, clicking on the floor tiles as she drifts towards them. 

 

She takes a deep breath and looks at everyone as she prepares a bright smile for her students. The room is small but just enough to fit everyone. The chairs are placed in a row and she sees familiar faces all around her, her students with a wide array of disabilities, both physical and mental.

 

Her presence in the classroom visibly shows her adamant passion to teach new lessons to her students. She knows that it will be tough — many of them have intellectual and learning disabilities — but she has the heart of an angel and wants to give them what they deserve despite their differences. 

 

However, in the blink of an eye, the teacher who once stood in front of the blackboard became an almost picture-like motion on the screens of her students’ laptops. Despite this, she tried her best to deliver the lesson, seeing her students’ curious eyes gaining new knowledge. This is the life of Irene Pulumbarit, a Special Education teacher from a small town in Bulacan.

 

“Mahirap, lalo na online, pero nakakatuwa since nagpaparticipate parin sila sa blended learning,” Pulumbarit said. She also added that despite the hues of gray and blue burgeoning from the immensity of what is happening around the world, the parents of her students never stopped giving their undying support. Pulumbarit expresses her love for her students in the new normal by chatting with them daily. 

 

Before their class ends, she never fails to ask them how they are doing, talking to them about their new hobbies and any of their interests. Before bidding goodbye to her students, her last words are “Mag-ingat kayo palagi anak ha.”

 

Pulumbarit is just one example of a teacher’s struggle in these rigid times. However, her faith never waivers from the steadfast belief that everything will be okay. The angel in disguise continues to stand firm today, a story of survival to tell.