Germs, Truth, and the Teaching Profession

I was not a very good student back in high school. My grades were dismal. One of the subjects I could not survive was Biology. I just lacked the interest to learn it despite the abject fear I had of our teacher then.

My interest in Biology was aroused only when we were made to watch a series of scientific documentaries on germ-borne diseases. I can remember how we grimaced and groaned every time symptoms of the diseases were shown on-screen in splendid detail. From chicken pox, to anthrax, to dysentery, to herpes, to roundworms, etc. But the gross-ness of it all was what made the lesson stick. It gave us a straight up view of reality. Seriously, to whoever it was that thought of, decided to, worked on, and ensured that students would watch those videos, that was brilliant.

I vaguely remember over-hearing a teacher say that it took a while for the admin to agree to the showing of the video docus for fear that parents would complain due to its uncensored shots. But you know what? Showing it was the right thing to do. Especially when it came to sexually-transmitted diseases. Showing those nauseating images makes for an effective deterrent to thoughtless behavior.

When I became a teacher myself, I experienced several instances wherein some well-meaning teachers and admins would advice me not to say ‘too much’ to my students as it may offend some sensibilities. That some may get scandalized, and that we’d receive complaints from parents who may find the content of the lesson or discussion or material as too vulgar or offensive to the senses. Teachers, admins, and parents, don’t over-protect your students/children from the ugly side of reality. It’s better to tell all. And when possible, show everything. That way, it’ll stick. But more importantly, doing so would help your students understand reality for what it really is, regardless of how ugly, uncomfortable,or embarrassing.

Tell all, not just about germs and diseases. Tell all about what it is to be an adult. Tell all about sex and relationships. Tell all about politics, not just in government but in the workplace, in social groups, and in families. Tell all about religion. Tell all about how important it is to fill one’s mind with the kind of knowledge that will set it free. Do it. Not because some alumnus suggested so in Facebook Notes. Do it because you know that that is what real education is.

To all teachers (and school admins) who have the right mind, the sincerity, and the guts to show their students the truth, the whole, truth, and nothing but the truth, regardless of whether you are deemed by the rest as being controversial, radical, or eccentric, you are, for students like me, CHAMPIONS OF TRUTH. THAT is what makes you BETTER than other teachers.

The future of education belongs to those who advocate truth, transparency, and honesty. Seriously, this world needs more of you. It is my fervent hope that you grow in number.