LIFE OF A TEACHER

Completing the three days of the "Life of a Teacher" program was a good and bad experience . I managed my responsibilities by prioritizing tasks and maintaining a structured schedule. Each day, I set clear goals for what I wanted to accomplish, which helped me stay focused and organized. I also found it helpful to collaborate with my peers, sharing resources and support, which made the workload more manageable.

Comparing my experience in Block 1 to Block 2. In Block 1, I was primarily observing and assisting, which allowed me to familiarize myself with the classroom environment. By Block 2, I had taken on a more significant role, managing lesson planning, classroom management, and assessments. This shift was both exhilarating and daunting, as I felt the weight of responsibility for my students' learning outcomes. However, I embraced the challenge, which helped me grow professionally and personally.

The activities I found most challenging included classroom management and adapting lessons on the fly based on learner's needs especially because my mentor teacher was an afrikaans teacher and learner's stuggled with afrikaans . At times, it was difficult to maintain engagement with diverse learners, especially when some struggled with the material. To overcome these challenges, I implemented strategies such as differentiated instruction, using various teaching methods to cater to different learning styles. I also sought feedback from my mentor, who provided valuable insights on classroom management techniques that helped me improve my approach.

Reflecting on my self-evaluation survey results, I feel relatively prepared to enter the profession as a beginner teacher after this final teaching experience. While I recognize areas for further development, such as advanced classroom management and differentiated instruction, I have gained a solid foundation of skills and confidence. The positive feedback from my mentor reinforced my readiness, and I feel equipped to face the challenges of a teaching career.

When I compare the exit-level outcomes and final comments from my mentor in the School Assessment Log & Report to my initial self-evaluation at the beginning of my teaching experience, I see significant growth. Initially, I rated myself lower in areas such as lesson planning and classroom engagement. My mentor's feedback highlighted improvements in these areas, noting my ability to create engaging lessons and build rapport with students. This contrast not only reflects my progress but also emphasizes the effectiveness of the practical experience I gained throughout the program. Overall, this journey has instilled in me a sense of readiness and enthusiasm for my future as a teacher.