Teachers who are not only to teach, but to be friends with

The moment that I could not wait for finally appeared at my doorstep. My entire being was engulfed with mixed feelings and wrapped with a lot of overthinking. What could have happened? It was the appearance of my third time of School-Based Assessment. As an inexperienced trainee teacher, the real-life situation of going to school was nerve-wracking. I could not predict whether it would be an unforgettable life event or even a nightmare. In the process of preparing all the necessary documents, I had positive and negative thoughts swirling around in my mind. I was excited but scared at the same time. 

The day has come, I have finally arrived at the school I chose to attend. First, I had to meet the authority to announce my arrival to the headmaster. All the prepared letters are given and observed by him. Then, I was assigned to a learning partner called Ms Mardhiyah. Her reaction was that she was surprised by the sudden task but happy to get to know a new and young trainee teacher. In the first few moments, I was indeed feeling a bit worried around her yet that quickly vanished. Surprisingly, we got along well with each other, she treated me with no seniority. We did a discussion session as I had to let her know that I will be joining her in the classrooms.

After all the discussion, Ms Mardhiyah brought me along to her classroom. It was the moment of truth. At last, I was in a real classroom with real young children as pupils. It could not be denied that I was quite insecure, afraid that I would be intimidated by these pupils. Fortunately, I was proven wrong. All the pupils were quick to feel comfortable with the addition of me in their classroom. They were very friendly, interactive and actively communicating. Not only that, there were a few of them who personally reached out to me during activities. They were able to ask for my help easily.  With all these events, a feeling arises, I felt very much appreciated. All the tiredness faded away, I realised that I liked the feeling as a teacher who is closed with these pupils. 

All the techniques and theories in teaching are truthfully important to building a well-skilled teacher. However, teachers must acknowledge pupils’ feelings and understand their characters. As a trainee teacher, I have recognized the gravity of holding responsibility in this career. Teachers are not only here to teach knowledge, but also to create close relationships with pupils. I was able to face the experience first-hand. A close relationship between a teacher and pupils will encourage these young learners to learn eagerly. In the end, the third, as well as the last session in school, has let me understand deeper the real experience of teaching, especially as a prospective teacher.