Well I made it to the end of the year, although at times I didn't think I would. This was my first year in year one and wht a year it was.. There were ups and downs, tears and despair, laughter and fun and I have loved every minute of it.
I feel I have grown as a teacher and I have had a great support network around me, from senior management, my mentor teacher, my team leader and of course my team. We have worked collaboratively and shared many ideas and resources, just what a BT needs. At times when I have felt out of my depth and bewilderded there was always someone there for me.
What have a accomplished this year?
Lots and lots too many to mention but a mention must go to some of my achievements. One of the most challenging for me was my development of Te reo and knowledge of Maori culture, having come from the UK my knowledge in this area was sadly lacking much to my embarassment. My enrollement on the Open Wananga course has helped me enourmously with my knowlede of local culture and language which I have been able to promote in my classroom for the benefit of my students and whanau.
I have also enjoyed implementing and completing my first teaching inquiry based around the importance of oral language in the classroom environment. I had lots of support from Erica at RTLB and managed to take on board her tips and advice and successfully implement activities into the classroom. Erica was impressed with my commintment and activites she even showed the ERO when they came to visit!
I must also mention the fabulous relationships I have built with my students and their whanau. I feel I have made not only relationships but friendships too.
And of course a mention must go to my nomination, by a parent and student, for teacher of the year, what an honour.
I have loved year one, what I thought would be a huge challenge was a most enjoyable experience, what a fabulos bunch of students I had. I hope to have instilled in them a love of learning, set them up to achieve success, take risks and continue to learn in a positive, enthusiastic way.
There were lots of tears on the last day from myself, my students and the parents.
I now look forward to next year's intake.