Name: Jen
Where are you teaching and what year level?
I’m teaching Prep at a
state school near my house.
How did you go about finding a job and did you
have to do many applications/interviews?
I sent resumes and
cover letters (not in reply to specific advertisements) to lots and lots of
schools in about July. Then later on in the year I used the DEECD’s Recruitment
Online to send more applications. I did about 15 applications on Recruitment Online. I also answered a couple of
advertisements that I saw in the newspaper. I ended up having three interviews
(all in the space of a week) – one of which was a school that I had just sent
my resume to. I ended up getting a job at the third school I interviewed for –
which was the one I wanted most! So I was very lucky.
The interviews were no
way near as scary as I thought they would be – I found them to be very relaxed.
It helped that Deakin gave us a list of Interview questions that might pop up
because I had used them to think about everything I might say in an Interview.
What has been the most challenging thing about
your first year of teaching?
Gosh – that’s a tough
question because so far I have loved everything about my first year. I suppose
the first day was challenging in that I was a bit nervous and didn’t quite know
what to expect. But as soon as the kids arrived I was quite fine and the nerves
disappeared – I guess the fact that these kids were new too helped. We were
kind of on a first day journey together.
The teachers at my
school have been very supportive and are always ready to help when I have
questions about things. It’s a very team-orientated school and we all do lots
of things together – so I have never felt like I’ve been thrown into the
deep-end.
What has been the best thing about your first
year of teaching?
I love everything!!!!
The kids in my class are fantastic and we have a lot of fun together! Everyday
I go home with a big smile on my face. There’s always something funny happening
– kids say funny things and they keep me amused with their funny antics.
I also love the things
we learn in Prep – they are things that can easily be taught in a really
creative and hands-on way. The kids (and me too) have a lot of fun doing the
learning.
I also love my school
– it’s a real community school where everyone knows everyone and everyone is
really friendly and supportive.
What advice do you have for starting out
teachers?
1)
Organisation
is essential!! You have to be super organised because once the school bell goes
there is no time to dash off to get worksheets or resources, and it’s all hands
on with the kids (even at lunchtime kids will hunt you down for talks etc). I
try and have everything for the week ready by the Friday before. That way
there’s no stress over having not got something ready and you can go into every
session prepared.
2)
Have fun –
It’s important to remember that kids will learn better if they have fun – so
make everything enjoyable!!! Plus, let’s face it – no one remembers what they
learnt at school – you remember the fun things you did. Kids know when the teacher is enjoying
school too – it sort of radiates out – and the kids pick up your enthusiasm for
what you are teaching.
3)
It’s
better to be relaxed – remember that it’s okay to have a bit of down time in
the classroom – you don’t need to be working 100% of the time. Play games, have
fun!
4)
Ask for
advice from other teachers. Teaching is about sharing ideas and resources so
don’t be afraid to ask others!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment