WEEK 1 (October 7-11, 2024)
Few days after our pinning ceremony, we finally moved forward with our deployment to the respective schools we were assigned to. The anticipation of this milestone brought with it a mix of excitement, nervousness, and the realization that numerous adjustments awaited us. The day began with early morning preparations, a practice that required significant adaptation. Waking up early and ensuring that all necessary items for teaching were ready quickly became part of the routine. It felt like one bag was insufficient to carry everything I needed for class, such as a laptop, teaching materials, and other essentials, especially considering the weight of these items.
Upon arriving at the school, my colleague and I reported directly to the TLE Department Office and met with our department head. The environment was charged with both enthusiasm and apprehension as we embarked on this new chapter of our journey. To ease the tension, we spent the day sharing laughter and supporting one another, knowing that the experiences ahead would shape our growth as educators.
Most of our time during the first week was spent in the department office, where our cooperating teachers were also stationed. This setting allowed us to begin building rapport with them, which was an essential step in acclimating to our new environment. Gradually, I adjusted to interacting with the other cooperating teachers, observing their professional demeanor and learning from their experiences.
Later in the week, my cooperating teacher provided me with my schedule, including the classes I would handle daily, the subjects I would teach, and the prospectus to guide my lesson planning and preparations. Initially, I felt a significant amount of pressure. I had worried that my cooperating teacher might not be approachable or supportive. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that she was not only professional but also accommodating and encouraging. Her approachable demeanor reassured me, allowing me to focus on my responsibilities with greater confidence.
WEEK 2 (0ctober 14- 18, 2024)
The second week of my internship began with the customary flag ceremony every Monday morning. This routine served as a grounding start of the week, after which I headed to the Aquino building, where I had been assigned. The classes proceeded smoothly, thanks to my students' friendly and approachable nature, which made teaching an enjoyable experience.
During this week, I was assigned the task of visiting six advisers to collect their grading sheets, as it was the time for grade computation. This responsibility gave me the opportunity to interact with the advisers, answer their questions about my journey as a pre-service teacher, and build professional rapport. These conversations allowed me to feel more connected to the faculty and provided a glimpse into their own teaching experiences.
Additionally, I was tasked with checking the students' first-quarter periodical exams. I guided the students through the questions, ensuring they understood the correct answers. It was a relief and a pleasure to see their cooperation and eagerness to learn, making the task feel both productive and rewarding.
A particularly heartwarming moment occurred the following day when the students from Section Loyalty surprised me with presents, including flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt letters. Their gesture of appreciation left me both surprised and deeply moved. It was an unexpected and touching experience that gave me a sense of fulfillment. Reflecting on this moment, I realized how much I had grown since my own junior high school days, when I was the one giving presents to my teachers. This time, the roles had reversed, and I found myself on the receiving end of such thoughtful gestures.
WEEK 3 (October 14-18, 2024)
This week was an incredible start to my internship journey as I handled multiple classes and had the opportunity to meet all my students from six Grade 7 sections. It was my first time meeting some of them, especially my last-period section, and I was amazed by their enthusiasm and resourcefulness. Despite being in Grade 7, they demonstrated that they had plenty of materials and creativity for their activity work.
The classes went smoothly, and the activities I prepared were appropriately designed to align with the subject and lessons. The focus for the entire second quarter was agriculture, which opened up a variety of engaging and meaningful learning opportunities. Managing these activities kept me busy, but it was a rewarding experience to see my students participate actively and with enthusiasm.
One of the highlights of the week was an activity centered on agricultural businesses. I asked the students to connect the concepts to their personal lives or real-world scenarios. As I read and checked their answers, I was delighted and inspired to see that many of them dreamed of becoming future farmers or agricultural business owners. Their aspirations and thoughtful responses reflected their genuine interest in the subject and a vision for contributing to the agricultural field someday.
WEEK 4 (October 21-25, 2024)
This week was a rollercoaster of emotions and adjustments. The TLE Department head decided to restructure the workload of my cooperating teacher, which led to a complete change in my schedule. As a result, my previous sections were reassigned, and I now handle five sections daily, comprising one Grade 7 class and four Grade 8 classes.
I initially felt a sense of sadness as I had grown attached to my previous students. However, I was also grateful and excited to meet my new students, who turned out to be just as good, cooperative, and energetic as my previous ones. Their sweet demeanor quickly made the transition easier for me.
The changes required me to adjust my lessons rapidly since my topics shifted to Grade 8 subjects. Without exemplar materials for Grade 8, I sought assistance from faculty members and my internship partner, Riza, who provided guidance on the lessons. I promptly created lesson plans and PowerPoint presentations to ensure I could catch up and deliver effective lessons.
Despite the challenges, I managed to adapt and navigate the adjustments successfully. I also incorporated engaging and realistic activities, such as "gardening observations," which allowed students to visit the campus garden. The students thoroughly enjoyed this hands-on experience, which added a practical element to their learning and made the week even more rewarding.
WEEK 5 (October 28-31, 2024)
The fifth week of my internship was marked by a hectic yet fulfilling schedule. Even after regular working hours, I found myself working late night, recording scores for each section using the DepEd E-Class Records system. Despite the extra hours, I felt happy and grateful for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with this task, which is an essential part of a teacher’s responsibilities.
Throughout the week, we conducted various activities aligned with our lessons. One notable activity was a role-playing exercise centered on the topic of Agricultural Hazards and Risks. The activity ran smoothly, and the students demonstrated exceptional creativity, crafting scenarios that enhanced interaction and engagement. Their enthusiasm and effort made the session both enjoyable and meaningful.
In addition to this, I continued teaching the topic of Estimation and Basic Calculation in agriculture. The activity for this lesson was highly interactive. I provided problems involving the dimensions of different shapes and applied a learner-centered approach by encouraging the students to share their answers on the board. Their active participation and collaboration during these activities were commendable and reflected their growing interest in the subject.
WEEK 6 (November 11-15, 2024)
The sixth week of my teaching journey was filled with joy and a sense of accomplishment. This week, I had the privilege of conducting two engaging activities for my students, fostering both their learning and creativity.
For my Grade 7 students, I organized an exhibit on crop management in agriculture. The activity was a delightful combination of education and team bonding, as the students worked closely with their groupmates to prepare their presentations. I was especially pleased to see their efforts in providing actual examples, specifically on pest control and soil management. Their creativity and dedication brought the concepts to life, making the exhibit a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Meanwhile, for my Grade 8 students, I conducted a poster-making activity with the theme "Agriculture Waste." It was amazing to witness their artistic talents and how they creatively interpreted the theme. Their ability to combine knowledge and artistry left a lasting impression and highlighted the diverse skills they bring to the classroom.
In addition to these activities, we, the student teachers, were tasked in creating the summative exam. Our cooperating teachers entrusted us with this responsibility, and it was a learning experience that I truly valued. I realized that making an exam is not an easy task; it requires meticulous effort to ensure that the content aligns with the lessons and discussions. Our department head also provided valuable advice, emphasizing the importance of following Bloom's Taxonomy to structure the exam appropriately.
WEEK 7 (November 18-22, 2024)
The seventh week of my teaching journey marked the culmination of our efforts as we conducted the summative exam for all sections before the academic break. This was an exciting and fulfilling experience as I witnessed how well the students cooperated during the exam. Their focus and determination were evident, making the process smooth and rewarding.
In the days following the exam, I was tasked with checking their summative tests. I am delighted to share that all of my students across five sections passed the exams. This achievement reflects their dedication and effort in studying my lessons throughout the second quarter. It was heartwarming to see their hard work pay off and to know that my teaching had a positive impact on their learning journey.
This week reinforced my belief in the importance of thorough preparation and consistent engagement in teaching. It also served as a reminder of the rewarding moments that come with being an educator.
WEEK 8 (December 2-6, 2024)
This week was a roller coaster of experiences and emotions. With the summative exams completed, we shifted our focus to grade computation. We began inputting the scores from quizzes, performance tasks, the summative exam, and the periodical exam. To be honest, it was not an easy job. We had to be meticulous to ensure accuracy and remain vigilant about any missing scores. Despite the challenges, I am grateful that we managed it well. The result was incredibly satisfying as the students achieved high grades for the second quarter.
While working on the grades, we also preparing for our Final Demonstration. The process was demanding, with many sleepless nights spent refining my lesson plan, visual aids, and instructional materials. Even though I only managed to sleep between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on some nights, the hard work paid off. My demonstration turned out to be a success. Most of my grades were Outstanding, and the Observers provided excellent feedback on my performance. Their positive remarks were immensely rewarding, making all the effort worthwhile.
This week tested my endurance and commitment, but it also highlighted the value of persistence and preparation. It was a challenging yet fulfilling experience that I will cherish as a milestone in my teaching journey.
WEEK 9 (December 9-19, 2024)
The final week of my teaching internship was a whirlwind of emotions, marking the end of an incredible chapter in my life. As I stepped into my last classes with my five sections, I was filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the bonds I had formed with my students. They were not just learners in my classroom; they had become a significant part of my journey. Their sweetness, care, and approachable nature made teaching a truly rewarding experience.
To make this week memorable and meaningful, I gave my students the opportunity to give feedback on my teaching journey during the second quarter as their TLE teacher. Their feedback touched my heart deeply. They appreciated my teaching strategies, sharing how they gained both knowledge and valuable life lessons from our sessions. It was humbling and gratifying to see that my efforts had made a positive impact on their learning experience. However, their words also brought a tinge of sadness. Many of them expressed their wishes for me to stay longer as their TLE teacher, sharing how they found my discussions clear and effective. Knowing that they valued my presence so much that made it even harder to say goodbye.
In addition to my classroom engagements, the week was also filled with administrative tasks. Together with my fellow interns, I worked diligently on completing the necessary paperwork for the DepEd, ensuring that our lesson plans, PowerPoint Presentation were finalized and submitted to our Department Head. We also tackled the requirements for the DepEd clearance, meticulously organizing everything to ensure a smooth transition.
I am overwhelmed with a mix of pride and nostalgia. It was a culmination of hard work, learning, and personal growth. Although it is difficult to part ways with my students and this enriching experience, I carry with me the lessons and memories that will shape my journey as a future educator. This chapter may have ended, but it has laid the foundation for many more to come.
"Being a teacher is not an easy task; it means overcoming challenges and managing demanding schedules. Yet, the true reward lies in shaping students into the best versions of themselves, creating a brighter future one lesson at a time."
-Adalim 2024