VOICES

Though Women’s Month may be celebrated once a year in March, at Keys School Manila, we choose to celebrate the powerful influence of female educators throughout the year. This May, as we also celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s take a closer look at three inspirational educators who are also moms who make for a special learning experience for our students by their hard work and fresh approach. Read on to hear from Teacher Geraldine Aquino, Teacher Monique Dizon, and Teacher Thea Manceras as they look back on the impact their being women has had on their teaching style.

Teacher Ge: Creating Inclusive Spaces Through Compassion

For Teacher Ge, Keys School Manila is not just a workplace—it is a "forever home" where she can nurture her love for inclusive education. She shared that there was a student who messaged her before: "I feel included and empowered. Thank you, teacher, for always believing in me.” It affirmed the power of her approach. “It was such a beautiful reminder of my passion for creating a safe, supportive and inclusive space for all our students,” Teacher Ge adds.

Inspired by her life as a woman and champion of inclusive education, Teacher Ge serves to develop a place where students–specifically those with special needs–can thrive.

“As a woman and an advocate for inclusive education, I strive to create a learning environment where every student feels safe, valued, and confident enough to learn at their own pace. My experiences have shaped my commitment to empower students by providing them with the tools they need to reach their full potential and encouraging them to embrace challenges. I love working with them to set small goals, celebrate both their small and big victories, and ensure they have the opportunities they need to grow and succeed. Reflecting on my journey as an educator, I find it incredibly fulfilling to advocate for and empower my students with special rights, fostering an inclusive environment where they can truly thrive.”

Teacher Monique: Nurturing Through Maternal Wisdom

Teaching has always felt intrinsic to Teacher Monique's identity—a natural part of her biological makeup. Her innate commitment to education took on new dimensions when she became a mother.

“Becoming a Mom took it to another level. This time, I was teaching with so much more compassion and care. Being a woman, a parent, allowed me to feel even more deeply for the precious children I work with. I see my own children in them and how much I want them to be happy and well.”

This maternal perspective deepens her connection not only with her students but also with their families. I relate to the women who birthed them and continue to gear them each day as they grow up and this gives me a deeper purpose to be an educator that respects and upholds the incomparable role of being a parent. With these in mind and heart, I try to create a learning environment that feels safe, respectful, nurturing and joyful for the kids, similar to how they feel around their parents at home.”

Teacher Thea: Challenging Stereotypes Through Empathetic Leadership

Introducing HELE (Home Economics and Livelihood Education) to Upper Primary School students, Teacher Thea intentionally weaves empowerment into her curriculum, particularly focusing on dismantling gender stereotypes.

“Reflecting on my journey as an educator, I recognize how my experiences as a woman have greatly influenced the learning environment I create. I strive to foster a classroom that elicits positive emotions, where nurturing qualities and empathy are at the heart of teaching and learning. As a HELE teacher and a strong advocate for women empowerment, I make a responsive effort to challenge gender stereotypes in the lessons I teach, particularly in lessons like carpentry, gardening, budgeting, or financial literacy, where traditional roles might limit students’ beliefs about what they can do or become.”

Her mission is clear and inspiring: "I want all of my students, especially the girls, to see that they can be builders, thinkers, and creators in any field they choose to pursue."

These three exceptional teachers demonstrate how their experiences as women enrich their teaching methods and create welcoming, encouraging, and empowering classrooms. Through maternal wisdom, stereotype-challenging leadership, and compassionate advocacy, they support the academic and holistic development of every Keys School Manila student.

Their stories remind us that celebrating women's contributions to education is not a one-month event but rather an ongoing celebration of how their perspectives transform classrooms into spaces of genuine opportunity and development.

Whose story inspires you today? Let’s continue honoring women’s voices year-round.