World Class Bosconian ( High school batch 1986 ) Filipino cited as a hero for teaching math to American kids
Ramil Buenaventura proudly received his certificate for being a hero in New York City nearly three years ago . No , he did not save anyone from a life-threatening situation . In fact , he did more than that . He became a hero in American classrooms teaching students to solve problems and find solutions ; so much like in real life . from Inquirer . net years he was transferred to Renaissance Charter School .
Despite being exposed to middle and upper class kids in La Salle which many commonly thought as westernized , Ramil still experienced culture shock .
“ Culture was different from what we see on books and movies . We have to be careful as we don ’ t know if the practice we do in the Philippines is accepted here or not . For example : I was staring at my students . For the Filipinos it means “ makuha ka sa tingin ” or they need to behave . All I got is “ Why are you lookin ’ at me ?” What you lookin at ?” Ramil recounts .
Buenaventura of the Renaissance Charter School in New York City took the spotlight at the Edison Ballroom in Times Square on September 17 , 2014 , as one of the Daily News Hometown Heroes , with ten other educators .
Although recognized for his untiring service to the American youngsters , Ramil , 47 , vividly remembers his struggles as an immigrant teacher in New York City .
“ My students made fun of my thick accent . They laughed behind my back . They made racist jokes about me . ‘ Are you a relative of Jackie Chan ? Can we order Chinese food ?’” Ramil shares .
Green Hills to Big Apple
A master ’ s in education graduate from the University of the Philippines , Ramil was a middle school math teacher in La Salle Green Hills for 13 years . He was promoted to an administrative position , as Student Activities Coordinator . Yet , he felt the need to immigrate because his siblings already left for Canada .
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The growing number of retiring teachers prompted the Department of Education of NYC to take advantage of the influx of immigrants and launch a program called “ International Teachers .” There was a demand for English , Science , Mathematics and Special Education teachers from the Philippines , India , Haiti , Jamaica , Canada and other countries .
The Department of Education of NYC hired an employment agency in the Philippines to train applicants in preparation for an actual interview with New York officials . The applicants underwent a three-to-six-month intensive seminar on classroom management , language and culture , subject proficiency and special education .
“ To be part of the agency ’ s pool of teachers , we had to pay a thousand pesos as an initial fee ,” Ramil says . After the interview , qualified applicants were offered jobs .
Ramil was one of the 169 Filipino teachers who successfully passed the highly competitive , tedious and expensive process of immigration in 2003-2004 . He was given a work visa ( H-1B ) and flew to New York .
A teacher in New York
Ramil arrived in New York in 2003 . The Department of Education chose the school district . However , the teachers have to apply also in different schools of that district depending on school ’ s needs . Ramil was hired at IS912 in Hollis , Queens . After four
Despite the cultural differences , aside from the benefits such as insurances , discounts , salary increase and union support , Ramil finds it more satisfying to teach in America because teachers are treated as real professionals . They also engage in leadership trainings available in the district funded by the Department of Education . A teacher can also initiate educational projects that are beneficial to the community . They can partner with the parents and the community leaders in such projects and other endeavors .
“ I am in-charge of my classroom and students . I decide what resources to use , grading system to follow , pacing calendar to implement , etc . as long as it will be beneficial to your students ,” Ramil explains .
Becoming an American
Missing his family was the hardest part of being an immigrant , but Ramil said he could not find a genuine Filipino support group back then because most of them were “ plagued with intrigues and talangka ( crab ) mentality .” Fortunately after seven months his family was able to join him .
“ Back home , some people cannot realize that we also have bills and financial responsibilities here and that dollars do not just fall from trees ,” Ramil laments .
After five years and completing all teaching certifications , the teachers were helped by the Department of Education in acquiring immigrant status through its lawyers . The teachers paid the lawyers ’ fees .
The Buenaventuras were granted citizenship in early 2017 . In a few months , they will also file for dual citizenship .
Ramil acknowledges the support of his wife , Jane Marie , towards his success in the teaching profession .
“ She is my cheerleader and best friend . I accomplished all these with her love and support ,” he declares .
Ramil believes that the Philippine government must support Filipino teachers so they wouldn ’ t have to join the diaspora like him .
“ Improve the dignity of your teachers in the public sector . Give them support through a sizeable budget that will benefit the future generations through teacher-training , curriculum development , technology , public school funds and salaries / benefits for teachers and staff .”
As an immigrant he knows the challenges he still faces , but he remains positive .
“ We are here for a purpose , so we must make sure to give our time and talent in making this world a better one . We may not be a Pacquiao or a Lea Salonga , but in our own special way , we can show everyone how great Filipinos are .”