Life of a Teacher

1. Coping with the Three Days of “Life of a Teacher”

During Block 1, the experience was quite overwhelming as I adjusted to the new environment and responsibilities. However, during Block 2, my confidence grew as I became more comfortable with the class and the daily routines. To manage classroom dynamics, I established ground rules at the beginning of each lesson, ensuring that learners knew what was expected of them. When I encountered challenges, such as where the concert money should be given, I did not hesitate to seek guidance from my mentor teacher. Planning the day ahead with detailed lesson plans also significantly contributed to my preparedness and reduced stress.

2. Responsibilities in Block 1 vs. Block 2

In Block 1, I often felt unsure and hesitant while taking on the full responsibilities of a teacher. Tasks such as doing the register, break duty, and attending after-school meetings were new and daunting. However, by Block 2, I had a clearer understanding of the teacher's schedule and expectations, which made me feel more at ease. This allowed me to take on additional responsibilities, such as supervising classes when a teacher was absent, which boosted my confidence as a teacher.

3. Challenging Activities and Overcoming Them

One of the most challenging activities was getting the attendance book submitted by 9 AM, especially with some learners arriving late. To address this, I encouraged learners to arrive early on the days I was teaching. Another challenge was managing P.E. lessons, At first, I didn't clearly communicate what I expected, which led to chaos. In Block 2, I rectified this by clearly explaining my expectations and the consequences of not meeting them. Additionally, maintaining learner attention throughout the day was difficult, so I incorporated icebreakers between lessons, especially during double periods or back-to-back subjects. Managing discipline across different grades also proved challenging, as some learners took advantage because they did not know me. By getting to know the learners and making my expectations clear, I was able to establish a more controlled environment. I also used my behaviour jar (Classroom management tool) to help with discipline in my admin class.

4. Readiness to Enter the Profession as a Beginner Teacher

During my teaching practicums, I have had the privilege of working with diverse learners, developing and implementing engaging lesson plans, and utilising various teaching methodologies to cater to different learning styles. These experiences have honed my classroom management skills and my ability to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. Through effective communication, I have been able to convey complex concepts to my learners, and I have gained considerable knowledge in lesson planning, assessment, and classroom management. My hands-on experience has also equipped me to address the needs of diverse learners and adapt my teaching methods accordingly. This journey has instilled in me a sense of confidence and readiness to enter the teaching profession.

5. Comparison of Exit Level Outcomes and Initial Self-evaluation

Reflecting on my teaching experience has been eye-opening. One thing that stood out to me was my understanding of diversity. I rated myself as competent in this area, feeling confident that I could address learning and social problems while including all learners. My mentor agreed, acknowledging my efforts to work with professional service providers and create an inclusive environment.

When it came to managing the classroom, I felt pretty good about my skills, so I gave myself a proficient rating. My mentor echoed this sentiment, appreciating how I maintained a conducive learning environment across diverse contexts. It's reassuring to know that my approach to discipline and classroom management is effective.

Assessing learners was another area where I felt proficient. I used various methods to ensure reliable assessments and used the results to improve my teaching. My mentor's feedback was in line with this, recognising my ability to conduct assessments effectively and enhance learning outcomes based on the feedback.

Overall, comparing my self-assessment with my mentor's evaluation has been quite enlightening. Seeing that she believes in my ability as a teacher and thinks I will be great is both validating and motivating. Moving forward, I will focus on fine-tuning my time management skills and finding more engaging content to keep my learners interested. This experience has shaped my approach to teaching and professional growth.