Rituals of Readiness: Exploring the Role of Superstitions in Teachers' Preparation for Board Exams

The purpose of this study is to examine the superstitions in taking the board examination of teachers to discover and explain the beliefs including the experience or perspective from them, the basis for following the superstition, and its effectiveness. Using Purposive Sampling the researchers took only ten (10) who served as respondents. The results show that eight (8) superstitions were followed before and after taking the board examination by teachers. Each of these superstitions has a deep basis according to each participant who recognizes a way to achieving their success in becoming a full-fledged teacher. Superstitions have a great effect on taking actions of teachers in the board examination, including faith and moral values, increasing self-confidence, can influence friends and those around us and causing stress and anxiety. This is part of the cultural values of Filipinos because it provides positive behavior, feelings, and perspectives that shape each person's personality. But it is still important to remember that it is only a guide in our lives, each person has their own decision to make and only ourself can hold the fate of life towards the future. Therefore, this research suggests to those who will take the board examination that it is not bad to follow superstitions because each person has the freedom to choose and act according to their beliefs but it is still not enough and rely only on superstitions because it is still more important to work hard to study and learn so that its a greater possibility of passing the board examination. This also to know and motivate those in charge of the policymakers to allocate time and attention to conduct studies on the appreciation of Filipino cultures.