Chapter 5: Wiring the Future: Emman's First Critique Observation
The sun had barely risen when Mr. Emman arrived at school, yet his heart was already racing.
Today wasn't just any school day.
Today was his first formal class observation.
The principal, Mrs. De Jesus, had informed him two days ago that a team from the division office—including a TLE coordinator and an education program supervisor—would be observing his Grade 10 EIM class during its 3rd period.
"Focus on the competency, show your methodology, and highlight safety practices," she had said in her composed, assuring voice.
Emman had spent the night re-checking his lesson plan:
"Installing Lighting Systems with One Bulb Controlled by Two 3-Way Switches."
It was a slightly advanced competency, but his students had been preparing. He rehearsed every instruction, every safety tip, every diagram. Still, no matter how prepared a teacher felt, once those observers stepped into the room—time warped.
The Bell Tolls – and the Observers Enter
It was 9:45 AM.
The classroom was immaculate. Students were ready. Tools were arranged, boards clean, wire sets organized. Emman wore a crisp white polo, ID polished, and a thin layer of sweat from nerves.
Then came the knock.
Mrs. De Jesus entered first, her gentle but firm presence unmistakable. Behind her walked:
Sir Edgar Razon, a calm but sharp-eyed master teacher.
Dr. Alicia Velez, the division's TLE Education Program Supervisor—known for her quiet demeanor and laser-focused observations.
They settled quietly at the back of the room, clipboards in hand.
Emman took a deep breath.
"Good morning, Grade 10," he began with steady energy. "Today, we're building a real-life home lighting setup: one bulb, controlled by two three-way switches. Anyone seen this at home?"
A few hands shot up.
"Yung switch sa labas ng banyo tapos may isa pa sa loob, sir."
"Exactly," Emman nodded. "So today, we wire what we live with."
The Demonstration – Theory Meets Practice
He moved to the whiteboard and carefully sketched the layout: power source, traveler wires, terminals, bulb, and ground. Clear, simple, layered with visual cues.
Then he switched to the sample panel and held up a 3-way switch.
"Safety first," he said, donning gloves. "Always check terminals, make sure wires are snug. No exposed copper."
He scanned the room.
"Can anyone tell me the most common mistake in 3-way switch wiring?"
"Wrong traveler wire?" Paolo guessed.
"Exactly. And what happens?"
"The bulb doesn't turn on—or flickers!"
"Correct. Always double-check terminal positions."
He handed out diagrams and kits, dividing the class into pairs.
"You have 18 minutes to build your circuit. After that, we'll test and troubleshoot."
The Observers Whisper
At the back, Sir Edgar leaned slightly toward Dr. Velez.
"Clear instructions. Responsive students."
Dr. Velez gave no reply, but her pen paused over her notes, eyes locked on Emman as he crouched beside a struggling group.
Emman smiled at the two students.
"Wiring isn't brute force. Think of it like conversation—it should fit, not force."
One student grinned. "Poetic, sir."
He winked. "Electricity has poetry too—you just need to listen to the current."
The Light Turns On – and So Do Minds
With only a few minutes left, the students began testing their circuits.
Click.
One by one, bulbs glowed.
Some were dim. Some flickered. One didn't light at all.
Emman pointed to Jonel and Darwin's board. "What's wrong here?"
Jonel scratched his head. "Loose traveler wire, sir?"
"Good diagnosis. Fix it and try again."
A few seconds later—click. Light.
The students clapped. Not because it was perfect—but because it worked.
Post-Class Feedback – The Moment of Truth
As the students packed up, Emman stayed back, cleaning the tools slowly—methodically—masking the anxiety bubbling inside.
The three observers lingered in silence.
Then Mrs. De Jesus stood.
"Mr. Sotelo, let's step outside."
Emman followed them to the faculty conference corner, his heart pounding like a misfired breaker.
Mrs. De Jesus started.
"Your demonstration was clear. Tools well-prepared. Students engaged. You met your objectives with room to spare."
He nodded quietly, grateful.
Sir Edgar added, "You might consider using color-coded markers for the diagrams. Some of the kids in the back were struggling to follow the black-only sketch."
"Duly noted," Emman said, scribbling it in his planner.
Then came the quiet but respected voice of Dr. Velez.
"I've observed over a hundred EIM classes," she said. "Most teach students to finish the task. Very few teach them to understand it."
She glanced at Emman.
"When you said, 'Electricity has poetry. It should fit, not force,' —you weren't just teaching electrical theory. You were shaping how these learners approach life."
She turned to Mrs. De Jesus.
"This teacher is a good investment."
The principal's lips curled into a proud smile. "That's exactly why we brought him here."
A Walk Back to the Workshop
As the observers left, Emman lingered under the hallway awning, staring out at the school grounds, mind spinning from the whirlwind of the past hour.
Mrs. De Jesus joined him quietly.
"You've done more than deliver a competency today, Emman," she said. "You gave your class something to carry beyond this school."
He nodded slowly. "I just wanted them to care… not just complete the output."
She looked at him thoughtfully. "That's how you wire not just circuits, but minds. You light something that textbooks can't."
She began to walk away, then turned back. "By the way—we're submitting a candidate for the regional teaching demo in September."
"You're not thinking—"
"Oh, I am." Her smile widened. "Start preparing. You're our best chance."
Later That Night – A Message from a Student
That evening, Emman sat in his modest rented room. His feet ached, his planner was filled with notes, and his dinner had gone cold.
Then his phone pinged.
A message from Carina, one of his more reflective students.
Sir, salamat po sa klase kanina. Napaisip ako—bakit po sa kuryente kailangan ng tamang direksyon ang daloy? Pero sa buhay, parang minsan kailangan muna maligaw bago makahanap ng tamang daan. Ganon po ba talaga 'yon? 😅
Emman smiled softly, then replied:
Tama ka, Carina. Hindi lahat ng daloy ay straight. Pero kahit maligaw ka, basta hinahanap mo ang linya—makakarating ka rin sa ilaw. ⚡💡
He set the phone down, leaned back, and looked up at the dark ceiling.
The classroom may have been quiet now—but the current kept flowing.