Improving the quality of teachers at the basic education level is of the highest priority in attaining inclusive growth, i.e., economic growth that benefits the poor.  The greatest service we can give to the poor is to improve the quality of education in the public schools where their children study.  As a contribution to this end, the CATALYST of the University of Asia and the Pacific(UA&P) and Vibal Publishing Inc. are bringing to Manila Dr. Harry K. Wong,  one of the most inspiring and dynamic speakers on classroom management and student achievement today.  He will speak in a conference targeting an audience of 5,000 teachers at the SMX Convention Center (Mall of Asia) in Pasay City on Saturday, July 28, 2012.  Participants will have two sessions to choose from: morning session (8 a.m. to 12 noon) and afternoon session (1 to 5 p.m.).  The seminar, entitled "How to be an Effective and Successful Teacher," has been given in many parts of the world and has helped thousands of teachers to improve their skills.

          Dr. Harry Wong has been affectionately called the "Rock Star of Education."  As one of the seminar organizers remarked, "In my 30 years of being in public education, I have never seen or heard anyone have the impact that Dr. Wong has on teachers and administrators."  He has also been called "Mr. Practicality" for his common-sense, research-based, no-cost approach to managing a classroom for high-level student success.  His techniques have been adapted by thousands of educators, and he is credited with renewing entire schools and rescuing countless frustrated teachers.  He is the author of The First Days of School, the best-selling book ever in education.

          Instructor magazine surveyed its readers and featured the 20 people most admired by educators.   Harry Wong was on this list along with Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton, Maya Angelou, and Howard Gardner.  In 2009, he was presented the Horace Mann Leagues' Outstanding Public Educator Award at the American Association of School Administrators meeting.   During his more than 30 years in the classroom,  Dr. Wong developed innovative teaching methods which resulted in a consistent zero drop-out rate, no discipline problems and a 95% homework turn-in factor.  His students ended the school year with the ability to demonstrate mastery learning.  His effectiveness in teaching has resulted in his students receiving 200 awards.

          Dr. Wong has received the following awards:  the Outstanding Secondary Teacher Award; Science Teacher Achievement Recognition Award: Outstanding Biology Teacher Award; and the Valley Forge Teacher's Medal.  Tom Larkin of Lecture Management has remarked:  "In all my years of booking speakers, I have never seen anyone with the staying power of Harry Wong.  For 30 years, he has been the preeminent speaker in education, speaking to over one million people internationally.  His message is universal no matter your occupation."

          The conference at the Mall of Asia is open to basic education teachers of public and private schools.  Registration fee if P700.  For ticket reservations and other details, teachers may download the form from the conference website www.harrywonginmanila.com or send an email to info@harrywonginmanila.com or call/text 0908-864-8491.  One of the sponsors, Vibal Publishing, Inc. is the Philippines' leading provider of educational tools and resources for basic education.  It is trying to bridge the gap between traditional print and digital content, harnessing technology to transform the way teachers teach and the way students learn.  For three decades now, Vibal Educational Service Program (ESP) has been a dependable teacher-training program aimed at helping educators and administrators meet the increasing demands and challenges posed by their profession.  The special conference with Dr. Wong is part of its efforts to help educators in the country.  Philippine Air Line is the official carrier of the conference.  For comments, my email address is bernardo.villegas@uap.asia.