Talking about my finest hour, I had more than one today. Thank you, whoever I need to thank.
Woke up into a bit of a disaster today. I have plumbing issues (No pun intended.) - the tap in my toilet just wouldn't shut properly. Water stuck on full throttle. I did managed to fix it, but by the time I left the flat, I was late for work. I didn't call the school today informing that I was going to be late - naughty me, but then you'd imagine how bizarre will it sound if I call up and say 'hey, I am running late, my tap just started leaking everywhere'. To leave that on an answering machine, nah. I'd rather explain it to my mentor face-to-face, and enjoy the laughter and embarrassment between us two.
I had two double lessons today. Thursday was my rather strange, but wonderful induction day at my new school placement, so I arranged a swap with my mentor with my Year 10s. So, first time ever, I was having a lesson on Friday. 'Surprise me.' - I told my mentor not to tell me when my formal observation is at the very start - I do believe telling me that 'this is formal' changes the dynamics of the lesson, it wouldn't be me teaching, not a true reflection. I need to stay true to myself. So 'surprise me' it is.
I ended up surprising myself today again. The lesson went very well. I changed the tone of my voice and people listened. I still had my usual banter with my students, we laughed a lot during this lesson. It was fun yet challenging. To be honest, I started my career as a teacher, doubting myself. I always thought the reason why my lesson went well must be due to my mentors - they must have done something to the students while I wasn't in - like Institute Fridays. As if by going into the school, full-time, Monday to Friday, things started clearing up. My confidence is building up steadily. Part of me is saying, maybe there's something in the water - the another parts are saying, yeah, I am that thing in the water now. My first teaching Friday was on fire - not literally, I did my risk assessment, no fire involved, safe.
After lunch, I had a year 7 class. This was a new set for me, not the usual 'troublesome year 7'. 25 is troublesome, 7 is heavenly. Class size of 7. Unheard of, in my rather short history of career in teaching. Well, to be honest, 4 were missing, but still small class, cheering in my heart. We continued with the lesson, learning their names was tricky to start with, but then not bad, I mean - 7 wasn't that difficult, was it? So, the class carried on with a big finish - dissection. My original year 7, this was messy. But then with a smaller group, this was magical. They were getting involved, touchy feely, cutty yucky.
'Bye, miss, have a nice weekend.' The kids, one by one, just left the classroom. 'Bye, sir, have a nice weekend.'
'You too.' - we only just met. This was great. Sometimes, the simplest thing will make you smile. They really will.
The countdown clock is ticking fast. In a desperate attempt to tidy up my messy ARF file, I was reading through my mentor's lesson observation notes. It's fascinating that we have come this far, but only just started.
'Will you promise to come back and teach us after you are gone, sir? Please, don't just leave us.'
I love my job. I really do.
iD + :T C.
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