I had a lot of doubts and concerns before I started in practice teaching-the device that I will use in the online class, our internet connection, and my readiness to teach the student. I am still not sure of what I am capable of until I experience it. However, these uncertainties that I had eventually faded as I gained a teaching experience at PNU-ITL, the laboratory school of the university. The experience I gained at the institution helped me to be confident as I ready myself for the off-campus teaching which is Practice teaching 2 (PT02).
As I started in PT02, I felt mixed emotions-excited and nervous. Though I felt two different emotions, I only have one reason for these, and that is because of the new experience that I will gain in PT02. In PT02, I get to experience what it is like to be a private school teacher. I can say that PT02 is much challenging for me because I handled three classes of Grade 1 (Salute to my co-practice teachers who handled 6 classes). Compared to my PT01 experience, where I had my co-practice teachers (we are 13) to handle 1 class that consists of 33 students. It’s a good training ground that I chose to be deployed in a private school where I get to experience independently handling a large number of students since it is the reality in the Philippine’s education set-up to handle a large number of students.
At the first meeting with my cooperating teacher, I felt pressured after he knew that I am from PNU. I can say that Inang Pamantasan is well-known and acknowledged by the schools and teachers in producing excellent educators. The power of PNU branding is there. So the pressure I felt rose up but then, I turned this pressure into motivation to do my best because, in off-campus teaching, I am not just carrying my name and identity but also the name and branding of Inang Pamantasan. As said by Dr. Tuga the PNU President in his message during our Practice Teaching Orientation, “Make Inang Pamantasan proud”.
Teaching at grade 1 was memorable for me because there are no dull moments with them. They are participative, most of them want to answer and be acknowledged in the class, however, sometimes, it gets out of control since their audio is constantly open. That is one thing that I’ve noticed in the class of grade 1 during my observation. Class routines during online classes were not well-established. Being an ECE major, class routines is very important to keep the class in order, that’s why I incorporated class routines when it was my turn to teach them. Thankfully, I see some improvements during our class throughout the weeks.
As months pass by, I have to prepare myself to say goodbye to my students. Surely, time seems to fly so fast when a person is busy. My last day of teaching is one of my memorable experiences in PT02 where my students said that they will miss me and they say their thank you’s. Being a teacher is tiring and draining sometimes but, all the hard work and tireless moments of a teacher are worth it as the students express their gratitude and show their appreciation for their teacher’s work. I will surely miss Grade 1-Charity, Hope, and Faith.
Another unforgettable experience at PT02 is the post-conference with my cooperating teacher. He gave feedback that helped me out to adjust in ESPS such as doing the curriculum map and schedule of learning activities. One of the things he said to me that struck me is that “ Miss, you can now replace me in teaching at grade 1”, “Please do consider applying at our school, ESPS accepts fresh graduates”. These remarks boost my confidence as a teacher. I am grateful for the support of my cooperating teacher in PT02. The affirmations I received made me feel that I did well. And with that, I am infinitely thankful. But, still, being showered with affirmations is not the only thing I should focus on. I should still keep in mind that there are still things to be improved and to keep my feet on the ground.
Overall, my PT02 experience is something that I will look back since it’s a milestone for me, and also this is the phase of my college life where I get to learn a lot with the experience I had in teaching. With these, I thank ESPS, my Grade 1 students, PNU-ITL, and my co-practice teachers for my practice teaching 2 experience.
PADAYON MGA GURO NG BAYAN