Life of a Teacher

During my final year eight week teaching experience I was required to complete three days of "Life of a Teacher". During these three days I had to assume all the roles and duties of my teacher, becoming a full teacher for the day. I was so nervous going into my first day, as I had a lack of confidence in my abilities and skills, however I was pleasantly surprised by my achievements. My first day was a learning curve where I had to manage teaching all the lessons, along with the administrative tasks. I coped well under the pressure and was encouraged by my mentor. The next two days were a breeze as I found my confidence in being a "real" teacher and establishing my own flow and routine. Doing the three days although was scary allowed me to take on the opportunity and prove to not only myself but to my mentor that I was ready and capable to be a full time teacher next year. Completing these three days showed me the extent to which teachers need to be organised, as without comprehensive planning I would not have been successful in completing my day.

In block 1 it was scary taking on all the responsibilities of a teacher, as I felt I couldn't do it. I later learned that I had the abilities however I lacked the confidence in myself. It was stressful having to manage all the tasks, however having planned out my day gave me a framework to follow that got me through the day. Receiving the feedback from my mentor that I was doing everything right and I just needed to believe in myself, this gave me the confidence in block 2. Going into block 2 and completing my remaining days in the life I was not nervous at all, as I had really found comfort in my abilities and was prepared.

The most challenging activities during these three days was finding the time during the day to mark, as well as completing the administrative task like checking the homework books and exchanging the readers. It was exhausting completing these days and manging my time effectively. I overcame these challenges by having a day planner that included all the lessons and administration tasks I needed to complete helping me keep my focus. This acted as a 'to-do list' which assisted me in ensuring I didn't forget anything and gave me motivation to cross off each task as I completed it.

After completing my self-evaluation I gave myself an overall 'distungiuished', however there were a few areas I considered to be 'profiencent' in and one area I believe I am only 'competent' in. I do believe I was more harsh on myself than my mentor teacher believes my exit level competency is. I am very critical of myself and strive to become a better version of myself constantly. This being said, my overall evaluation allows me to work on the areas that I am proficient in and towards being distinguished. Despite giving myself a strict evaluation I truly feel as if I am ready to enter the profession as a beginner teacher. This teaching practical has taught me that I am able to manage my time, lessons and class effectively along with all the other duties expected of a teacher. I am excited to embark on this new journey next year.

My mentor teacher rated me as distinguished among the four criteria's:

• Demonstrate a sound subject, curricular and pedagogical knowledge through the practice of teaching.

• Identify and adapt teaching methods to the unique needs of learners in diverse settings.

• Use and develop reliable methods of assessment to assess learning and improve teaching and learning.

• Reflect critically on practice, skills and ethics to enhance professionalism in the teaching profession.

My mentor teacher expressed that I have the makings of a great teacher and have a lot to offer to the education field. As expected, I was more critically on myself than at times is true. My mentor has true faith in my abilities to be an effective teacher. After receiving this evaluation, I have reflected and decided I need to start having more confidence in my abilities, skills and knowledge. From the beginning of my final years block 1 to now, I have grown and matured as a teacher. I have become comfortable in presenting lessons, and have found a rhythm in preparing for the day. I am looking forward to this next step in my teaching career where I will be learning and growing as a teacher starting a new job and getting my first class in 2025.