These teachers were already trained under the special project of SEAMEO-Innotech with its Applied Academics for Excellence Program (APEX) headed by Ms. Sharon Berlin-Chao before they started the NTi Program. It was through SEAMEO-Innotech connection that these highly dedicated educators were able to avail of the scholarship granted by the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. through the NTi program of SAIDI School of OD. And unlike most of the other graduates of the NTi program, these Leyte teachers also received financial support for their transportation and accommodation expenses from their provincial governor, Hon. Carlos Jericho Loreto Petilla.

Below are the members of NTi5:

NTi - Batch5 had the same zeal that in their teaching vocation applied to their Action Research, which is a major requirement of the NTI program. And last May 8, 2007, they formally earned their degree in MA in ID&T during their graduation ceremonies. It was an intimate affair for all those present in the graduation ceremonies held at the Mutis AV Room of the TYK Building at SAIDI School of OD. Aside from the `significant others` of the NTi graduates, other family members, visitors, and SAIDI School of OD staff, the members of NTi5 were also honored with the presence of some of their respective principals who took the time and effort to see their teachers graduate.

It was also a sort of `emotional` moment for many of those present in the affair when the keynote speaker, Dr. Diane E. Wacker, herself an alumna of SADI School of OD, shared her experience of how one teacher made all the difference in her life. Her personal sharing reaffirmed the special place teachers have in the lives of their students.

Most students may not be able to openly express their gratitude to their teachers, and they most often realize the impact made by their teachers much later in their lives, but the influence made by a teacher or two is still within them. Dr. Wacker emphasized this point with her own experience back in Texas, USA . She also shared a famous quotation about teachers by William Ward:

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains.

The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

To the members of NTi5, Congratulations! and may you inspire more students than you can count.