Mr. Adalem’s class is now in session
As a child, Christopher Ryan Adalem (GS’ 04, HS’08 and AB Psychology ’12) has a knack for imparting information to others.
“My earliest teaching experiences were in my 8 years as a catechist in high school and college. Even in my hobby which is playing board games, I always enjoy being the one to teach others how to play new games,” says Adalem.
After earning his undergraduate degree, one would expect Adalem to share his love of learning with young students. Yet, one thing stood between him and his passion: his refusal to take postgraduate studies.
Brushing his dream aside, Adalem joined the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (ACED). As the Ateneo de Manila University’s arm in uplifting the quality of public education in the country, ACED has various programs that highlight empowerment and transformation rooted in commitment to service.
In the last 5 years, Adalem spent hours in public school classrooms, interacting with students, teachers and parents. As an ACED Project Officer, he oversaw projects like Blueplate Feeding Program and Brigada Eskwela, an annual public school clean up activity organized by Department of Education.
Adalem was also responsible for supervising teacher trainings organized by ACED. Such experiences eventually emboldened Adalem to finally take the leap and pursue his dream.
This school year, he is back in the classroom, interacting with students, teachers and parents as an instructor.
“I am teaching Christian Service and Involvement Program (CSIP) to Grades 7-10 students at the Ateneo Junior High School,” he says. CSIP strives to form students into Christ-centered individuals through social involvement and services. It aims to help students live out the Gospel in both words and deeds.
Working with young people and making a difference are the usual motivators for individuals who proceed along the path of teaching. Adalem shares the same sentiment: “I’m really excited about bringing the students into the real world and showing them that they can make a difference.”
CSIP, he adds, is a combination of his 2 life passions: teaching and development work. “Nothing gets me more excited than having this opportunity to share that with the youth.”
The program entails a lot of interaction among students across major social, economic and even racial barriers. It stresses the importance of being with others- reaching out to the poor and oppressed and opening opportunities for them. At a time where the rich-poor divide is widening, Adalem recognizes the challenges of fostering social empathy among students but he is ready to buckle down. His first step to narrowing the gap? Teaching in Filipino.
“Honestly, I think the biggest challenge is the language barrier. Kids who grow up here in Metro Manila— especially those from privileged families—struggle with the mother tongue. This can hinder them from making deeper connections with our partner communities. Making a conscious effort to use Filipino language in my classes help prepare the students better for their connection,” he says.
When asked what kind of a teacher he hopes to be, Adalem has this to share: “I think I’ll be the kind of teacher who gets along really well with his students and be approachable even outside the classroom.”
He adds, “It’s no joke trying to manage a class of rowdy and energetic children while not losing your temper. Making lesson plans everyday for each grade you handle is not a piece of cake, either.”
It may have taken him years to follow his passion but the teacher is now ready; the class is now in session.
