LIFE OF A TEACHER

How did you cope/manage completing the three days of “Life of a Teacher”?

I found the experience both rewarding and challenging. The first day was the most overwhelming as I had to manage time productively between teaching, lesson planning, and handling administrative tasks. However, by the second day, I became more comfortable with the routine and started to find my flow. I learned to prioritize tasks better and lean on established systems in the school, such as using lesson plans and resources provided by subject teachers. Managing my energy levels was main. I made sure to take small breaks where possible and to stay organized, which helped me stay in line with things.

How did you feel taking on all the responsibilities of a teacher in Block 1 compared to Block 2?

In Block 1, I was more dependent on guidance from my mentor teacher and always second-guessed my decisions. I felt more like an observer and assistant rather than a full teacher. However, in Block 2, I gained more confidence by taking more initiative, from planning lessons on my own to handling classroom management issues with less hesitation. The difference between the two blocks was manageable, by Block 2, I felt more in control and began to see myself as the main teacher in the classroom, rather than just a student teacher.

Which activities did you find most challenging? How did you overcome these challenges?

Classroom management was the most challenging aspect, particularly handling disruptions and keeping all learners engaged. On the first day, I struggled to maintain order with a few learners who were disruptive, which made me feel a bit flustered. However, I overcame this by observing how experienced teachers in the school handled same situations. I implemented some of their strategies, such as using non-verbal signals, clear instructions, and setting clear expectations for behaviour from the start. By the third day, I noticed an improvement in the classroom environment, and I was more in control.

Analysis of self-evaluation survey: How “ready” do you feel to enter the profession as a beginner teacher?

Based on my self-evaluation, I feel mostly ready to enter the teaching profession, although there are areas where I need to continue growing. I feel confident in my ability to plan lessons, engage learners, and deliver content. However, classroom management, particularly with larger classes, remains an area I need to work on. I also need to improve my assessment strategies to ensure I am precisely tracking learner progress. Overall, I would rate my readiness as about 80%.

Comparison of mentor feedback and self-evaluation

Comparing my initial self-evaluation to my mentor teacher’s feedback, I see that I was reasonably accurate in identifying my strengths and weaknesses. My mentor noted that I am strong in lesson planning and building rapport with learners, which aligns with my own assessment. This matched my own reflection, but their feedback gave me specific tips on how to improve, like using positive reinforcement more effectively and establishing firmer routines.