Life of a teacher

Completing the three days of Life of a Teacher has been a transformative experience. It allowed me to step into the shoes of a teacher, experiencing the joys and challenges of this noble profession. Here's a reflection on how I coped and managed throughout this journey.

In Block 1, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness as I began to take on the responsibilities of a teacher. The initial days were daunting, but with the guidance of my mentor teacher, I gained more confidence in managing a classroom, handling administrative tasks, and delivering lessons effectively. By Block 2, I felt significantly more comfortable in my role. I had developed a better understanding of my students' needs, improved my classroom management skills, and could adapt my teaching style to cater to different learning preferences.

The most challenging aspect of this experience was managing classroom behavior. Some students were more disruptive than others, and I found it initially difficult to maintain their attention. To overcome this, I employed various classroom management strategies suggested by my mentor teacher. I also learned to create engaging and interactive lessons that held the students' interest, minimizing disruptions. By Block 2, I had a more profound sense of control over the classroom, which significantly reduced behavioral issues.

In my self-evaluation survey, I rated myself higher in classroom organization and planning. Through this experience, I learned the importance of thorough lesson planning, creating a structured classroom environment, and providing clear instructions. This led to more effective teaching and better student engagement.

My experience has significantly improved my competencies as a teacher. I have developed a better understanding of the learning needs of students and how to adapt my teaching methods accordingly. I have also become more proficient in classroom management, leading to a more conducive learning environment. The feedback and guidance from my mentor teacher were invaluable in my growth as an educator.

Initially, I underestimated the complexity of being a teacher. My self-evaluation was relatively optimistic, but as the experience unfolded, I realized the difficulties and challenges of the profession. My mentor teacher's final assessment in the School Assessment Log & Report was more realistic and constructive. It acknowledged my progress and provided valuable feedback for further growth. This contrast highlights the importance of continuous self-assessment and feedback in the teaching profession.

In conclusion, the Life of a Teacher experience has been an eye-opening journey. It helped me develop essential teaching skills, improved my classroom management, and deepened my understanding of the responsibilities of a teacher. I am grateful for the guidance and support of my mentor teacher and look forward to using these lessons in my future teaching career.