The final week of the teaching Practical!
When I woke monday morning I was just in awe of how quickly these past 9 weeks went for me. I still remember the very first day stumbling in the staff room awaiting to be greeted and seated by some teacher.
As with everything in life, things come to an end and I felt at peace with what has been accomplished thus far! The week although it was the last, felt like any other week and the focus was on the learners, academics and making sure that I soak up all other moments to learn.
As I'm writing(typing) this I'm thinking of all the learners I have met and formed a relationship with. Again reminded of how special young people are and I'm pleased to know that I could make a mark in the lives of young people that goes beyond the classroom. The learners were absolutely fantastic, they knew it was our last week together and they fully cooperated, which I truly appreciated.
One of the highlight's of the week was meeting with the principal and having a relaxed conversation about him regarding education and his personal journey. Talking with him felt comfortable and one could see his passion for teaching. His heart for people is truly evident especially in the way he engages with the naughty learners. We both agreed that a teacher's personality is of out most importance along with their subject knowledge. One cannot be a teacher and not have a warm, positive attitude toward people. Loco parentis is truly what a teacher should be striving to be at the school.
I know that is natural that there will be certain aspects miss regarding school, but I too feel the time has come to be back at campus. As mentioned before I miss Stellenbosch and I look forward to engage in thought provoking conversation that will challenge my thinking. I enjoyed being at the school and being the only student teacher after the CPUT students left for 5 weeks made often feel despondent. As I always wondered how this journey would've been if there was fellow class mates with me at the school.
Ending off Friday was super special, a few learners wrote me letters to thank me for the time teaching them and reading it made me learn how valuable I was. I'm truly appreciative of this gesture and these letters I will forever keep in a safe place, to return to them when the going gets tough.
Was all in all a good week. All teachers were busy finishing their marking, here and there I could help out my mentor teacher with that. I must say I had one of the sweetest mentor teacher's. She has such a warm, kind heart and was at all times helpful and encouraging!
Wonderful to hear that you have had a very positive experience at the school. Feedback form one's students/learners are most valuable and indicate the impact one has had on them. Excellent reflections over the period of school visitation. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI must agree with you that teaching practice was surely one to remember, the experience gained will surely aid us in future. I feel that the experience has persuaded me to take this teaching journey. How has thenhanced experience made you feel about pursuing teaching?
ReplyDeleteI must agree with you that teaching practice was surely one to remember, the experience gained will surely aid us in future. I feel that the experience has persuaded me to take this teaching journey. How has thenhanced experience made you feel about pursuing teaching?
ReplyDelete