Life of a teacher: 72 hours into the real world!

During my life of a teacher experience, completing the three days was a mixture of excitement and challenge. The initial sense of responsibility was overwhelming, particularly as I had to balance lesson preparation, classroom management, and extracurricular duties like break duty, which I had previously underestimated. In Block 1, everything felt quite new and daunting, as I was still getting accustomed to the daily rhythm and expectations of being a teacher. It was difficult to manage time, meet the needs of learners, and follow the school's schedule. By Block 2, however, I felt more grounded. My confidence grew as I learned to manage my time more effectively and develop routines that helped balance my teaching and non-teaching responsibilities.

The most challenging activity was classroom management, particularly when learners became distracted or unruly during lessons. This was especially tough when trying to maintain discipline while also ensuring an inclusive learning environment for all. To overcome this, I worked on improving my communication skills, setting clear expectations with learners, and using positive reinforcement to maintain order in the classroom. I also sought advice from my mentor teacher on strategies for managing larger groups, which helped me refine my approach.

Reflecting on my self-evaluation survey, I feel more ready to enter the teaching profession as a beginner teacher. While I recognise there are areas where I still need growth—particularly in managing diverse learning needs and implementing effective discipline strategies—I now feel confident in my ability to engage with learners and facilitate meaningful learning experiences. The practical exposure has given me the tools to navigate real-world classroom challenges, and I am eager to build on this foundation.

Comparing my initial self-evaluation to the final assessment, there is significant growth. Initially, I felt unsure about my readiness, especially in areas like lesson pacing and classroom management. However, the feedback from my mentor teacher highlighted my progress in these areas. My mentor noted improvements in my ability to foster a positive classroom atmosphere and adapt lessons to meet learners’ needs. These insights, along with the exit-level outcomes, have affirmed my growth and readiness to take on the full responsibilities of a teacher.