True story: a colleague of mine told me that the reason a learner is not taking maths (instead taking maths literacy) this year is because they do not like me. My reaction - okay 🙂🙃. Looking back, maybe in my first year and a half, that might have really impacted me negatively, but now, I... Continue Reading →
Thoughts of a Matric Teacher 2.0
Congratulations to all the matriculants who have not only passed but have also achieved their version of success. I find that very important because nationally, the bar for success is quite low so really a large majority can succeed, but those who aim for the moon 🌙 and almost touch it are the ones who... Continue Reading →
Dear New Teacher
First of all, congratulations! Whether you are brand new to the game or experienced but going into a new school or same school but a new subject or same school, same classes but new promotion. There is a little bit of newness for all of us, but some experience more newness than others. The new... Continue Reading →
First Year Experienced Teacher, maybe
I said to my teacher coach on her last visit last year that every year feels like I'm a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) because every year, I feel like I'm forever faced with something new. I generally wonder, how long do I qualify to call myself an NQT. It's like a student discount for teachers.... Continue Reading →
End of Year 2: Let’s Reflect
Everyone, and I mean everyone, said it would be the most difficult two years of being a teacher. Did I hear them? YES. Did I understand them? NOT REALLY. Nonetheless, we were simultaneously warned and encouraged, and here we are! So this year, I taught grade 9 Mathematics (moved up from Grade 8), Grade 10... Continue Reading →