I thought having a Teach for America co-teacher would be a compromise. I have read that she is already an TFA alumna currently taking her Masters’ degree. Specifically, my partner, Mary Kircher specializes in teaching high school Science. Then it hit me. What if I mess up? Should I make an impression? I would have to put my best foot forward not to disappoint Teach for the Philippines.
Mary was amiable and thoughtful. She was smiling and very approachable. She was never hesitant to ask if she could do something for me. She would tirelessly observe and jot down notes while I was teaching. She finds time to chat with my students, laugh and play with them. She gave me tips on how to do trackers and classroom management. She engaged herself with my co-teachers. In fact, she was one of the judges during the Jingle-Rap contest of the first section. She even bought some school supplies as a reward to my students who excel in the lesson that she taught. Yes! Mary taught my students Mathematics on how to Estimate 2-3 digit Numbers with Multiples of a Hundred. Not to mention, her English accent could be a problem. That’s where I dive in. I tried to translate the lesson in Tagalog especially in expressing the directions. Surprisingly, my two classes were attentive while she was teaching considering that it was after recess. She makes it to a point that she carried out the lesson plan I gave her. She made some visual aids. She did board work and seatwork. She came prepared for the big day. She nailed it! It makes me wonder though if my students would act differently if I was the one teaching the lesson.
She was in my class for roughly five days yet she spelled magic. My students loved her that until now they would ask her where about. It was a refreshing experience knowing her with a shared goal. All my apprehensions and doubts vanished. It was replaced with love and friendship.
Mary was amiable and thoughtful. She was smiling and very approachable. She was never hesitant to ask if she could do something for me. She would tirelessly observe and jot down notes while I was teaching. She finds time to chat with my students, laugh and play with them. She gave me tips on how to do trackers and classroom management. She engaged herself with my co-teachers. In fact, she was one of the judges during the Jingle-Rap contest of the first section. She even bought some school supplies as a reward to my students who excel in the lesson that she taught. Yes! Mary taught my students Mathematics on how to Estimate 2-3 digit Numbers with Multiples of a Hundred. Not to mention, her English accent could be a problem. That’s where I dive in. I tried to translate the lesson in Tagalog especially in expressing the directions. Surprisingly, my two classes were attentive while she was teaching considering that it was after recess. She makes it to a point that she carried out the lesson plan I gave her. She made some visual aids. She did board work and seatwork. She came prepared for the big day. She nailed it! It makes me wonder though if my students would act differently if I was the one teaching the lesson.
She was in my class for roughly five days yet she spelled magic. My students loved her that until now they would ask her where about. It was a refreshing experience knowing her with a shared goal. All my apprehensions and doubts vanished. It was replaced with love and friendship.