Teaching Experience Log
Life of a Teacher: My Journey through the Final Teaching Experience
Completing the three-day "Life of a Teacher" experience was both a whirlwind and a revelation. Those three days demanded my all, testing my abilities, stamina, and passion for teaching. Reflecting on this time, I can honestly say that it was not just about completing a checklist of tasks but about embracing the full weight of the teacher’s role.
Coping with the Responsibilities
During the three days, I found myself juggling many roles—educator, mediator, counselor, and even event coordinator. There were moments when the pressure seemed overwhelming, but I managed to stay grounded by sticking to my lesson plans and leaning on the strategies I had been developing over the past few years. My teaching philosophy of guiding learners by opening their minds and hearts helped keep me focused. Balancing the workload, especially with the added responsibility of managing the classroom environment and ensuring that every learner was engaged, required careful planning and reflection.
Block 1 vs. Block 2 Responsibilities
Taking on the responsibilities of a teacher in Block 1 was exciting but intimidating. In the beginning, I was learning the ropes, gaining confidence with each lesson, and figuring out how to manage a class effectively. By the time I entered Block 2, I felt more in control and capable of handling the increased workload. My confidence grew as I became more comfortable taking on duties such as classroom management, lesson differentiation, and learner assessment.
One key difference between the two blocks was how I approached planning. In Block 1, I was hyper-focused on the details, spending hours fine-tuning every aspect of a lesson. In Block 2, I learned to trust my instincts more and allowed myself to be flexible in adjusting lessons based on real-time learner feedback. This shift in mindset helped me cope better and maintain a positive classroom environment, even when unexpected challenges arose.
Challenges and How I Overcame Them
One of the most challenging activities was creating engaging lessons for learners with different learning needs. Differentiating instruction to cater to all learners was a task that required creativity, patience, and constant reflection. I often felt the weight of ensuring that each learner received the support they needed to succeed, especially when some struggled more than others.
To overcome this, I used a combination of formative assessments, interactive tools like Kahoot, and small group activities. I also sought feedback from my mentor teacher, which helped me refine my approach and better address the needs of diverse learners. These strategies helped me stay organised and ensure I met the varying academic and emotional needs of the learners.
Self-Evaluation Survey Results
After completing the self-evaluation survey, I realized how much I had grown throughout my teaching experience. I feel much more prepared to enter the profession as a beginner teacher. My ability to manage a classroom, plan differentiated lessons, and build relationships with learners has improved significantly. The survey results showed that while I have strengths in lesson planning and learner engagement, there is still room for growth, particularly in refining my assessment techniques and managing unexpected classroom behaviors.
I feel ready to take on the role of a teacher, but I also recognize that teaching is a career of continuous learning. I will need to keep honing my skills, especially when it comes to working with diverse learners in urban schools.
Comparing Self-Evaluation with Exit Level Outcomes and Mentor Feedback
Looking back at my initial self-evaluation at the start of the teaching experience, I can see how far I’ve come. My initial evaluation reflected a sense of nervousness about classroom management and lesson differentiation. However, my mentor’s final comments in the School Assessment Log & Report highlight the progress I’ve made in these areas, particularly in building rapport with learners and delivering content in an engaging manner.
My mentor also commented on my ability to handle the emotional aspects of teaching, such as managing learner conflicts and supporting learners who struggled with personal issues. This was an area I had not fully considered at the beginning of the experience, but it has since become a key part of my teaching practice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these three days in the "life of a teacher" have solidified my commitment to this profession. I have learned that teaching is not just about delivering content but about nurturing young minds, building relationships, and continuously reflecting on how to improve. I feel ready to take on the challenges and joys of being a beginner teacher, knowing that there will always be more to learn.