Life of a teacher

Teaching goes beyond standing in front of the classroom and teaching the curriculum. It also involves taking over the hidden curriculum.

Managing the three consecutive days was intense but rewarding. I had to quickly adapt to juggling multiple tasks, from lesson planning and delivering content to classroom management and addressing student needs. One thing that helped me cope was being well-prepared. Each evening, I reviewed the next day's plan and ensured I had all materials ready.

The responsibilities I took on during Block 1 and Block 2 felt markedly different. In Block 1, I was more of a classroom observer, easing into the teacher’s role by assisting and supporting. However, in Block 2, I fully stepped into the role of a teacher, managing all aspects of the classroom on my own. In Block 2, I felt more confident and independent, but also more accountable for the outcomes of each lesson. While the increased responsibility felt daunting at times, I welcomed the opportunity to put my knowledge and skills into practice. By Block 2, I was more comfortable with managing the dynamics of the classroom, disciplining learners, and making on-the-spot decisions, but I still had to work on balancing multiple tasks efficiently.

The most challenging aspect of teaching was classroom management, particularly when it came to keeping all learners engaged during lessons. I encountered a few disruptive behaviors, especially when the content wasn’t immediately captivating for some learners. To overcome this, I experimented with different engagement techniques, such as incorporating group work, interactive activities, and asking learners more open-ended questions. By making the lessons more hands-on and student-centered, I was able to regain the attention of my more disengaged learners.

My self-evaluation survey results indicate that I feel largely "ready" to enter the profession as a beginner teacher, though I recognize that there are still areas for growth. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being completely ready, I would rate myself at a 4. I feel confident in my lesson planning, content delivery, and ability to build positive relationships with learners. I’ve also developed a deeper understanding of how to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students.

However, I know that classroom management and handling high-stress situations (such as time crunches or unexpected disruptions) are areas where I could still improve. Gaining more experience and learning from veteran teachers will be key in refining these skills. I also aim to strengthen my ability to adapt lessons on the spot, as flexibility is essential in a dynamic classroom environment.

When I compare my mentor teacher’s final comments in the School Assessment Log & Report to my initial self-evaluation at the beginning of my teaching experience, I can see significant growth. Initially, I rated myself lower in areas such as classroom management, lesson adaptability, and confidence in leading a classroom independently. My mentor teacher noted that while I was initially cautious and a bit tentative, I’ve since developed a more confident and assertive presence in the classroom. My mentor was especially positive about my improved classroom engagement strategies and my ability to form strong, respectful relationships with learners.

In my initial self-evaluation, I expressed some anxiety about handling large classes and ensuring all learners were actively engaged. After completing Block 2, I’ve noticed a shift in my mindset—I now feel more assured in my ability to manage diverse classrooms and use a variety of teaching strategies to cater to different learning styles. My mentor’s final comments highlighted my growth in both confidence and professional judgment, which aligns with my own reflections.