Life of a Teacher: Reflection on My Final Teaching Experience

Stepping into the shoes of a teacher for my final teaching experience has been both a challenging and rewarding journey. Spending three weeks during May and five weeks from August at Kempton Park Primary School, teaching Grade 4-7, I have gained a deep insight into the everyday life of a teacher, which has shaped my understanding of the profession.

Managing the three days of the “Life of a Teacher” was an intense and eye-opening experience. With the weight of lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement on my shoulders, I realized how demanding the teaching profession can be. The key to surviving those days was adaptability—balancing various tasks, staying organized, and keeping my energy up to maintain the pace. I learned to plan meticulously, but also to expect the unexpected, such as student behavior or unexpected interruptions, which required quick thinking and problem-solving.

When comparing Block 1 and Block 2, I felt more confident and competent by the time I reached the second block of my teaching experience. In Block 1, the overwhelming nature of taking on all the responsibilities for the first time made me anxious. Lesson preparation, assessments, and interactions with students felt like a steep learning curve. However, in Block 2, I had gained the experience and confidence to handle these duties with greater ease. My lesson delivery became smoother, and I felt more in control of classroom dynamics. The feedback I received from both my mentor and the learners themselves reassured me that I was growing into my role.

The most challenging activities I faced were maintaining consistent classroom discipline and managing time effectively during lessons. With multiple grades to teach, ensuring that each class stayed on task while also allowing for creative and interactive learning was tough. I overcame these challenges by developing a structured classroom management system, refining my lesson plans, and using visual aids and questioning techniques to maintain engagement.

Reflecting on my self-evaluation survey results, I feel ready but aware of the growth that still lies ahead. I’ve developed a strong foundation in key competencies such as classroom management, lesson planning, and student interaction, but I also know that teaching is a lifelong learning process. While I feel equipped to begin my teaching journey, I recognize the importance of continuing to refine my skills and strategies.

Comparing my initial self-evaluation with the final comments from my mentor teacher in the School Assessment Log & Report, I can see significant progress. My mentor highlighted growth in my ability to manage a classroom, plan engaging lessons, and differentiate instruction. These are all areas where I initially lacked confidence. This feedback, along with the exit-level outcomes, shows me that while I have grown tremendously, there is always room for improvement.

In conclusion, my final teaching experience has cemented my passion for the profession, and I feel more prepared to embark on my career as a beginner teacher. The challenges, triumphs, and learnings have shaped me into a more reflective and capable educator.