Life of a Teacher Reflection

19 October 2023

A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity , knowledge and wisdom in the pupils.

As I reflect back on completing my three days in the life of a teacher I often think people underestimate how much teachers actually have to do little did I actually know. I think as a teacher you have so much weight on your shoulders to carry out day to day tasks and ensure all learning objectives are met. In terms of how I coped and managed in completing the day in the life of a teacher during the first block of teaching experience I found it very overwhelming as the pupils were used to a certain way of teaching. I could sense the atmosphere was very uncertain as learners did not have the confidence in me. However I managed to work through it by ensuring I made use of coping skills such as making sure all my work was prepared and playing out every possible scenario. I especially found in Grade 3 the learners definitely test your knowledge and you cannot always be prepared for it but try answer it as best as you can. By coping I realised I focused on what my priorities were for the day and made sure I completed them as well as by not beating myself up if I didn't know the answer to a learner's questions as we all have to start somewhere. In this I was still developing and learning how to navigate a classroom on my own.

In terms of managing the three days in the life of a teacher I made sure I was extra prepared by asking my mentor before hand how the students in her class like to learn and what can I incorporate in my lessons that will interests the learners so I know that they are going to be able to reach their full learning potential. In the second block of teaching experience I managed and coped far more better in terms of time management being more confident in what I was teaching and doing more hands on examples with learners so they understood the lesson objectives. The pupils sensed my emotions in terms of how I coped and managed things in the classroom atmosphere and I feel it is so important to be one step ahead in terms of organisation , having lessons prepared and resources ready for learners to learn. I think as I look back on my beginner competencies it was evident that in terms of lesson planning according to the learners needs I stated unsatisfactory as in block 1 I was still getting to know the learners and how they learn. In Block 1 I often asked my mentor teacher if I was on the right track as it was unfamiliar for me to take over the whole day. She guided me and often told me just breathe you are doing just fine.

Responsibility of a teacher is a critical task. Little did I actually know how much responsibilities teacher actually have. In block 1 I was very hesitant as I felt I was still a developing teacher that had no clue of what actually goes on in a classroom in terms of admin etc. I found the responsibilities in Block 1 to be overwhelming as I had to learn to be a role model to these pupils , impart knowledge , Do admin , make sure there was enough worksheets and understand their curriculum which I was unfamiliar with as it was so different to what we used to. I felt this deeply as I didn't want to disappoint the learners by showing them that I didn't understand what they were learning, What a transformation I experienced in Block 2 I felt that I put my fear aside and just tried my best as I was familiar of how things worked now and how the learners learnt and I found ways that was best suited for me and them in teaching and learning different activities. I also felt I had a better understanding of the responsibilities required of me as it wasn't unfamiliar it was more of a natural approach as I became use to it.

The activities that I found most challenging is by adapting my lessons to their learning I found this extremely challenging. I was so used to teaching for an hour were learners learn for 15 minutes in different rotations of different activities instead of whole class teaching. I had to adapt my teaching to what they were used to. I also found doing activities such as making sure register was done in time challenging as you have to make sure all the learning is done accordingly. You often neglect doing admin and just start teaching. I overcame this by making sure on the days I did the day in the life I did register first thing in the morning. In terms of having worksheets printed etc. Often the printer was down I found this challenging as learners needed worksheets in order to do their work. I found when the printer was working I was so overwhelmed by making sure all the worksheets would print. How I overcame this challenge was by making sure the worksheets were printed a week before to avoid the learners not having anything to do. Specifically in my classroom I had a diabetic in my classroom by this I felt extremely overwhelmed as I did not want anything to happen to her. Often through out the day I needed to check her sugar levels and make sure she was okay. In Block 1 it was hard to navigate this as I had to constantly remember as it was an unfamiliar situation for me. In Block 2 I felt that this was less overwhelming as I knew what was required of me and I learnt a lot more on understanding different sugar levels etc.

Looking at my beginner teacher competencies I would rate myself higher in all areas as a lot of the areas I said developing or unsatisfactory. In terms of teachers being able to manage classrooms effectively across diverse contexts in order to ensure a conducive learning environment. I said that was developing. To elaborate further on this I found that I went above and beyond with this point as I made sure every pupil in the classroom felt included and shared their thoughts and ideas. I often did not ask the same learners I wanted every learner to have a chance. I remember one of the learners telling me " Miss Kondylis thank you for making us feel included in your lessons " That made me feel like I achieved my goal by creating an inclusive environment and providing a sense of belonging for the learners as I made them feel comfortable. I can now say I feel proficient and not just developing.

Secondly were I would rate myself higher is by having a positive work ethic , display appropriate values and conduct themselves in a manner that benefits , enhances and develops the teaching profession I said that it was developing. I feel like I became so proficient with this as I constantly went above and beyond in terms of constantly having a positive attitude and offering to help wherever needed. I feel that I have grown so much in this as I know the type of teacher I want to be and the values and positive work ethic that I portray with my teaching. It is evident that through this experience I made sure to have a positive outlook and instil the values I want to portray through my teaching and providing an inclusive environment for all my learners.

Looking at the exit level outcomes and the final comments from my mentor teacher and the self- evaluation I had completed in the beginning of my teaching experience I cannot believe how much I have grown as a teacher. In terms of developing a positive work ethic my mentor made a comment stating I bring so much joy to the classroom and I inspire each learner I interact with. By this it shows how I wanted to display appropriate values and by having a positive work ethic. In terms of being knowledgeable about the school curriculum and being able to make use of resources that are available to me and designing suitable programmes I feel that I became so proficient in terms of this as I mentioned above it was a challenge for me as what they were learning was so different to what we were taught. My mentor teacher stated that I am distinguished in this area by demonstrating sound subject , curricular and pedagogical knowledge through the practice of teaching. It is evident that I am ready to be a teacher as I have worked on things that have overwhelmed me as I now know what it takes to be a teacher and the daily tasks it requires. I feel like this process has helped me grow and bloom into the teacher I aspire to be.