In our mission to collaborate, adapt, and strive for institutional excellence and meaningful community engagements, Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) continues to lead the way in inclusive and transformative education through a two-day training on Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), held on September 9–10, 2025, at the Benjamin Go Learning Center, Lantaka Campus.
Organized by the Ateneo Learning and Teaching Excellence Center (ALTEC) through Teach Anywhere Program in collaboration with the AHA Learning Center and the School of Education (SED), the workshop empowered 31 pre-service teachers from the School of Education’s 2nd and 3rd year batches The training served as a pivotal experience in their Service Learning Program journey, equipping them with practical, learner-centered strategies to close learning gaps and reach students where they are.
With hands-on activities, peer collaboration, and expert facilitation, the TaRL training exemplified AdZU’s
commitment to forming educators who are not only academically competent but also socially responsive
and deeply rooted in community service.
Bridging Theory and Real-World Impact
This training was a launchpad for purpose-driven teaching, and wasn’t just another academic requirement. Partners collaborated to elevate teacher preparation by grounding it in learner-centered, practical experiences. Bringing in expert facilitators from AHA Learning Center, renowned for community-based education, ensured the TaRL framework was taught through immersive exercises, simulations, and lively discussions.
What Makes TaRL So Revolutionary?
TaRL flips the traditional one-size-fits-all education model by focusing on where each learner truly is, not
just their age or grade. Developed by the global NGO PRATHAM, this method accelerates foundational
literacy and numeracy in just 50–6 days by tailoring instruction to students’ actual learning levels. Now,
AdZU’s future educators are equipped to bring this proven, life-changing approach to classrooms in
Zamboanga City
Teaching with Heart and Purpose
Aligned with ALTEC’s Teach Anywhere Program, a coalition with AHA and Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, the workshop prepared participants to confidently teach across face-to-face, online, or hybrid environments. By mastering TaRL, the pre-service teachers can deliver differentiated, compassionate instruction, ensuring every learner, no matter their starting point, has the opportunity to succeed. Hands-on and heart-first, the training empowered future teachers to meet learners where they are. With TaRL as their guide, they’re ready to teach with purpose, empathy, and impact.
This training embodies ALTEC’s mission of advancing teaching excellence through community-rooted,
experiential learning. Because it’s not just what teachers know but how they use that knowledge to serve
meaningfully.
From Classroom to Community: Fieldwork at Zamboanga Central School
The journey continues as these educators-in-training apply their TaRL skills in real classrooms at
Zamboanga Central School during the 2025–2026 school year. This hands-on fieldwork is a mission of
service, deepening empathy, and bridging theory with real impact.
Living Out Compañerismo: Teaching Beyond Academics
At the heart of this initiative is Compañerismo, walking together in learning and transformation. It reflects
core Ignatian values of listening deeply and responding compassionately to every learner, striving not just
for excellence, but for meaningful, lasting impact, and growing together in dialogue, unity, and respect.
Through this meaningful partnership between SED, ALTEC, and AHA Learning Center, AdZU is not
only forming skilled teachers but nurturing servant-leaders ready to teach with heart, lead with vision, and
serve with purpose wherever they go.
– Written by Justine Clarice DC Aduca