At the heart of transformative education, Ateneo de Zamboanga University continues to lead the way in empowering educators and creating innovation in the classroom. Through the Ateneo Learning and Teaching Excellence Center (ALTEC) and the School of Education (SED), in collaboration with the Department of Education Region 9 (DepEd IX) and the Mindanao Educators Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. (MEMBA), the Leaders and Innovators Geared Toward High-Impact Transformation (LIGHT) program has become a beacon of progress for educators across the region. This ongoing initiative offers educators a unique opportunity to enhance their skills, embrace new teaching methodologies, and adopt forward-thinking practices to better serve their students and communities.
We are thrilled to highlight the exciting progress of the LIGHT program which is making significant strides in enhancing the quality of education in the region.
The CEA 2: Digital Pedagogies for Teaching and Learning, held on November 9-10, 16, 23, and 24, 2024, at the Advanced Computer Laboratory, Salvador Campus, was led by Mr. Romeo Rabajante, Jr., a faculty member from the College of Science, Information Technology, and Engineering (CSITE). As an expert in Technology Integration for Education and Productivity, Mr. Rabajante guided LIGHT Bearers through an engaging series of sessions designed to equip educators with the necessary tools and strategies to build dynamic, interactive, and innovative digital learning environments. The highly interactive sessions emphasized the practical use of digital tools and modern pedagogical approaches, ensuring that educators are well-prepared to engage students in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape.
To celebrate the achievements of LIGHT Bearers, an awarding ceremony was held during CEA 2, recognizing those who successfully completed the CEA 7 and CEA 8 modules. This recognition serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students who have committed themselves to mastering these innovative educational tools. We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Ma’am Renee Vieve “Ivie” Vecina-Kanindot, whose expertise and unwavering support as the instructor for these modules played an integral role in their success.
Following the success of CEA 2, the LIGHT program seamlessly transitioned into CEA 4: Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL), which began on December 7-8, 2024, at the Benjamin Lim Go Learning Center (BLGLC), AdZU Lantaka Campus. Led by Dr. Dorothy Joann Lei Labrador-Rabajante, Dean of the School of Education, this transformative module focuses on integrating socio-emotional learning into the classroom. SEL is an essential component in nurturing empathy, resilience, and emotional growth among students, and Dr. Labrador-Rabajante’s sessions are providing invaluable insights into creating inclusive, supportive, and emotionally intelligent learning environments. The impact of this module is profound, as it empowers educators with the knowledge and skills to create not only academic excellence but also the emotional well-being of their students.
As the LIGHT program continues to grow, its mission to inspire leadership, innovation, and high-impact transformation in education remains stronger than ever. Participants are gaining invaluable skills and knowledge that will make a lasting impact on their teaching practices, benefiting not only their students but also the broader educational community.
