Day in the Life of a Teacher

Throughout this degree, we have only been asked to do certain lessons and never to fully complete a whole day in which we teach every lesson. It was very daunting as I had no idea where to start or what to do. I had spoken to my mentor and she had advised me to do it later on in my practical so that I am able to shadow her and get comfortable with the schools dynamic.

The first day, I was terrified, I knew I had prepared enough and I knew what to do. It went much better than I expected, I realized that all the preparation and notes that I had taken really benefited me in the long run. The day started off a bit shaky as the learners were confused why I was doing register and homeroom class, I explained that I would be teaching the whole day. Each day I taught I felt that I kept getting better and completely understood what was needed and expected from me, I was very glad that I had prepared extra work and activities as there were learners who would finish activities a long time before others. After the last day, my mentor had told me that she knows that I will be the best teacher, and that she has never seen a student perform so well doing whole day lessons, this boosted my confidence in knowing that I am definitely in the right career.

The most challenging aspect of each day was when the stronger learners would get bored during activities and finish early, whereas the learners who struggle would take their time and ask many questions. The way I overcame this barrier was by making sure I always had a back up plan for the stronger learners and gave them tasks to do whilst they waited, alternatively I would allow them to do corrections in their books or read. When there was an area that a few learners struggled with, I'd ask them all to come to my desk and I would re-explain and go over everything with them in a different style that might be better for them to understand, this method worked out to be very successful.

Before going into this experience I had filled out a form of what I believe my competency in a classroom is. For the most part I had said that I was proficient. I knew that I knew what to do but was still unsure about it all as I had never done a full day of teaching. Looking back at how everything went, I can say that I am distinguished in all areas besides assessment which i previously rated competent and would now rate proficient. I am still trying to navigate the best ways to assess learners.

My mentor teacher unfortunately did not see where to write a final comment, although has written amazing remarks about my previous lessons, and my marks speak for myself. She has also sent me a message which read " Gia, you are doing exactly what God meant you to do. You are kind, caring and have such a heart for God. To top that off, you are a brilliant teacher! Im so, so proud of you!" . I never thought I would get outstanding results as such, I now really have gained the confidence knowing that I am a great teacher and that I absolutely love what I do!

I am grateful for this experience and opportunity and cannot wait to start my career as Mrs. V.