This is my story... Charlene Jacha

I can recount numerous highs and lows in my teaching experience at Lebone in 2014. In rare moments and times I felt like "Really, is this it?" and more often than not I felt like "Yeah, this is it!". My extraordinary experiences in the classroom were probably molded by the diversity of children I found in the classroom at Lebone. They are all very unique and varying in their approach to learning and  how they could get  there. At that moment I realised that I was faced with the challenge of bringing it home for each of  these little ones.

I appreciate the professional development sessions which came to my rescue every Monday. They helped me keep an open mind and gave me insight on how to differentiate my teaching style. The professional development sessions opened my eyes to a whole new world of teaching. It made me realise how wide my options were, how limitless my  thinking  can be and  how many numerous teaching styles were available to use in the classroom. At my disposal I had so many colleagues who were eager to help me down this path. Most of them emphasized to me the importance of asking for help when necessary.

New teacher's cafe gave me  the motivation to improve my teaching by revising practices and experimenting with new initiatives, which stem from reflection.  Getting together and breaking down our different classroom experiences and planning strategies was extremely helpful for me in my first year. Receiving  feedback  from others during these reflection sessions allowed me to see in depth how effective or ineffective my planning was. I realised  then  that Assumption is the lowest form of knowledge that one can ever use. I should never make the assumption that all has been learnt  in the lesson. However, I should  constantly do self assessment through self-observation and activities that foster self-analysis such as New Teacher Cafe and peer assessment.

So many times I found myself shouting, screaming and threatening my pupils. I seemingly had minimum influence on them and they hardly curled into the lesson, let alone endured it to say the least. It became clear that it  was my task as a teacher to find not only what motivates each student to learn but also what motivates them to misbehave. If I can meet them at that point and take away that motivation, we can go a long way towards a more effective classroom and learning experience.  After some introspection I realised raising my voice and screaming hysterically was not  doing much for me. Sharing this with colleagues and hearing about how they have also gone down that path made me more at ease. The input they gave me helped me realise  that students are people who have feelings and who don't want to feel cornered. They want to learn but they also want to feel as if they have some control over themselves.

I had days when I definitely questioned if I had chosen the right profession. These were days when the students seemed uninterested, too talkative, or even worse a blow up occurred and nothing got accomplished. I  also experienced many great moments while teaching. These were days when I ended so happy and enthusiastic that I knew I had selected the right profession. Thankfully on the overall, I ended up with the positive days outshining  my negative days. My hope is that the students involved with me throughout my first teaching year at Lebone were at least partially changed for the better from the experiences we shared .

This is my story... Joe Cossa

My story began in 2008. The dream of building Lebone to what it’s becoming was still fresh. I was initially employed to help with teaching the marimbas as the music department was still new. Of course I could teach music because it is something that I studied and something that I could do. Because Lebone is a particular type of school, with its different models of doing things, I learned that I was not making a good teacher. I was encouraged to enrol with UNISA for my PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) which has helped me to realise what teaching meant, not fully though. So there was still a thorough development to be made.

My journey of self discovery as a teacher continued. I was first introduced in a formal teaching setup (class teaching) through teaching class music which was different to the way I used to teach marimbas. Teaching marimbas was easy for me because it was more practical, which means I would still play music with my students, so it made teaching effortless for me. The only time I would prepare a lesson was listening to different music, while driving in my car or maybe chilling with friends at home. If I heard a song that sounded good I’d try it for my school band. This worked so well.

The introduction of class music was my learning curve. Through teaching it I could see that even though I knew the content, the problem was in transmitting it to the kids. That year should have been my worst, but the school management saw a need to start a forum meant to support new teachers like me. The New Teachers Cafe was formed. It helped me a lot because I was able to meet with other new teachers, who were maybe not as confused as I was. This helped a lot.

We were encouraged to share our experiences as new teachers. There is nothing as relieving as hearing that you’re not alone. This encouraged me a lot. We learnt a lot like lesson preparations, classroom management etc.

I was invited again this year which I think helped because we learnt quite a lot. It was another year that I will always remember as a teacher. I learnt a lot from my fellow new teachers.

This is my story... Sibongile Nhlapo

My career of becoming a teacher has made me realise that God has planned our lives. My first year of teaching was full of love and happiness, although I had feelings of uncertainty towards myself and the kids.

I was introduced to Lebone College by Dave Ryan at the end of January and I started in February 2013.  And then I met Mr Thomas  in the morning and  borrowed me a book on that day about teacher’s story, and he introduced me to my mentor Mrs Tshoma who took me to her class- to my surprise her class had an office, this was an extra ordinary space and  she tried her best to make me feel special. I have heard horrible stories about mentor, but she was different, I was touched they way I was treated, if all Lebone staff members are like Mam Tshoma, this school is special.

And I met Mr Cossa and Mrs Tshoma gave me tips on my first day on how to survive as a teacher at Lebone, stupid me I can’t remember a word they said, I was so nervous.

And I look into myself and thought will I be able to survive looking at my background as a person - and will I be able to meet the standard of this school. Truly speaking I was overwhelmed and I expected the worst. Because I know for children it is cruel to take your child to a school where all of the kids there come from wealthy families and parents don’t realise that because this social inequality it is the source of bullying in our schools.

On my case it is the opposite, taking a teacher from a poor background to go and teach students who come from well off families. I was expecting being disrespected by some students or is that my imagination, then I realised I ‘m not the only one almost all the teachers are experiencing the same thing of disciplining children it is the nature of the children, they don’t consider where you come from, all they look up to you as teacher to be their model.

One thing in my case, I am not used to speaking English the whole day, I come from Mangope and UJ (RAU), we don’t take this language so serious on how it spoken. We only use it for academics. One thing I would like to gain is having confidence in speaking the language, because I can. They only thing that disadvantage me is being scared of losing my self of being an African. I want to use the language in my own accent. Something that need me to polish it.

And I received so much love from the children and staff members of Lebone it become my second home. The children of Lebone become my kids – they will greet me in the passages.I was involved with the high school kids but to my surprise even the little ones would come and greet me, it made me feel loved and special.

My typical day starts at 4:00am, i will switch off my alarm and then wake up at 4:30 preparing myself and cooking soft porridge that I will eat in the bus. I will go to a bus stop at 5:30, then Lebone bus will come pick me up between that time 5:30 to 5:45 at Lefaragatlha.

I will greet Malome Elias the driver of the bus at Lebone and the sit in the second row and had my breakfast, then will travel to Rustenburg picking up the kids at the selected bus stop. When I am done eating, I will take out my UNISA textbook and read some chapters. Then we reach Waterfall mall is our last pick up station, then by this time the bus will be full with the little ones from foundation phase, the bus will be so noisy or quite depending on the game for that day if it’s a quite game, or rock paper scissor game. On Mondays the talk on the bus is about how was your weekend.

The students who are passengers at Malome Elias Bus are so close to one another, if you are from that bus you are part of the family. He crack jokes on the bus that made us laugh up until we reach our school. And he cares for the kids, if you miss a bus you must explain your whereabouts or else he’ll never waits for you when you are late.

My mentor was Mam Tshoma, she is full of love and she is always happy, though strict she does not take nonsense from students. I think its because she had a lot of experience with the kids but students like her, her class it is always full of students, including those who are not in her class. Maybe its because of the exchange programme they had with the international students.

Lebone has made me realise that I love teaching because of the opportunities it offers such as the top-notch space and teaching facilities, community services, exchange programme, medical facilities school trips not forgetting sport.

 and most important of all teacher’s development programme such as new teachers cafe, new teachers meet on the second week of every month depending on Mr Thomas who always remind us to attend. This support group has help me realise that the problems I faced in the class of the Grade 9s are a norm. I have to be a strong person not to be controlled but I should maintain classroom management in my class. With teaching you will develop a strong character whether you like it or not. But I love it I won’t trade for any career.

This is my story... Ofentse Makhuba

I came to Lebone as a new teacher coming into the profession. I was aiming to learn as much as I could from the other teachers and use the knowledge I have in class. My first year of teaching has been difficult in many ways and it included all of the following feelings:

• Fear - of being a failure, and intruding in someones space
• Pressure - always aiming for perfection as a teacher
• Stress - wanting to impress my mentor and HOD as I felt that they were always watching my every move
• Pain - not being given enough teaching opportunities (specifically wanting to teach Setswana - more involvement - and Grade 1)

There were times when I felt like I was not cut out for this. It seemed as if I couldn't do anything right. This is when I was exhausted mentally and physically because of the pressure I was putting on myself.

The difficulties I experienced as a first year teacher are:

• Discipline -
• Classroom management -
• Conflicts -

What helped me get through the year?

Teaching at Lebone has it's challenges, but with the support of New Teacher's Cafe, and some of the Foundation Phase Co-Teachers, more especially having someone to talk to without judging and criticizing, helped a lot. New Teacher's Cafe also helped by giving us some time to reflect on our teaching and think about what we were doing. Other teachers' experiences were an encouragement. At a later stage I was blessed to work with the Co-Teachers who are determined to continually refresh their practice, and put the interests of their students first, all the while helping the newbie down the hall. I have tried to learn from them as much as I can.

My first year at Lebone... Elize Agenbag

My first year of teaching was a learning experience. Nothing really prepares you for it! But I am sure that this first year lays the foundation for many years to come.

As I ponder today and remember the events in my first year of teaching, I think I might have some advice to give next years’ new teachers. I have included the mentors that have inspired  me with their advice as well…

A  good mentor is essential

A good mentor makes a world of difference! It is the one person you can rely on to show you the ropes, where you don’t have to feel awkward for asking silly questions.  I was blessed for having an excellent mentor who taught me about Lebone and how things are done here, but more than that: she is inexhaustibly excited about the possibilities of learning. She inspires me! She also has the insight to put things into perspective when I get carried away. Thank you Bex, for being my mentor!

Don’t be too easy on discipline!

I started this year off by being too lax with discipline! Start out tough because you can always relax your rules as time progresses if it is appropriate. But it is near impossible to become more tough once students have seen your gentle side.

Like Sarah said: "Don't let them see you smile until May"?

Set up proper organization from the start

It is hard to imagine how much paper accumulates in any classroom. Now triple that, and add paint, glue and other supplies and materials in an Art or Design classroom.  Set up a sensible organization system from day one and, most importantly, use it every day. Label files and folders. Organize storage spaces. It takes time to do but it will save you time in the end. My dad: ”Remember, a tidy desk contributes to a focused mind.”

Ask for help

It is not just because we are proud, but as new teachers we are sometimes afraid of making mistakes.  We think we can handle any problem that comes our way, but that simply isn’t the case. Don't be afraid to appear vulnerable, admit mistakes, and ask for advice. I have learned so much from my fellow teachers who have always been more than generous with their time and advice. When I needed help and my HOD was on leave, a team of other teachers jumped in and helped where needed! Here I take Murray’s advice: “If you don’t have a team yet, find yourself one.”

Don’t be too hard on yourself

Teaching is hard work! I now really understand why they NEED four vacations every year. You give it your best every day, you LIVE the Lebone values to be an example to your students, you bond with the students… We are imperfect creatures, we also sometimes make mistakes. Forgive yourself often, erase the slate, and gather your mental strength for the next day. Bruce gave me the following advice: “Practice the same compassion that you show your students by turning that understanding on yourself.”

Working Too Hard And Burning Out

I have caught myself thinking about a specific students learning even while on vacation! We get so involved with our students, that we do not take the time to rest and rejuvenate. Work smart, be effective, take care of your responsibilities, but go home at a decent hour. Enjoy time with your family and set aside time to relax and rejuvenate. Don't let classroom problems affect your emotional well being and your ability to enjoy life away from school. (Yes, you do have a life after school…) John told us:” Being a teacher is like juggling: it is all about balance…”

Go to New Teachers Cafe

This is the place to be! Where we recharge our batteries, where we learn from each other. It is so nice to know that other teachers also struggle with the same type of issues on a day to day basis! Someone to relate to and share with! Perhaps also because it is the place where we reflect.  We start learning, when we start reflecting…

I can go on to name countless others who inspired and lead me this year! I will just end by saying: “What a year! But next year will be even better!”

This is my story... Brian Slater

So its already been a year since I lasted posted to this blog.

Rather a pity but not surprising given my enthusiasm for putting thoughts to text.

Its interesting reading what I wrote and I wish I had come back and read it more frequently to remind myself that I want (am trying) to be an exceptional teacher.  Now that sounds contradictory.

So, what is my story?  I think this is best answered by talking about what has been on my mind the last few weeks of the final term of 2013.

These issues are: role models for boys, respect for rules, cultural approaches to maths and the deprioritisation of Information Technology at a time when IT is in your face, so to speak.  Talk about existential stuff.

What are the role models for the boys that I teach?  I'm referring to the Upper School students.  I know TP really admires Mark Shuttleworth but I think that for most boys their role models are not scientists or engineers or their fathers.  I think they are celebrities or sportsmen.  Celebrities mostly being hip hop stars.  I wonder, do their fathers feature?  Why do I think this.  Well, mainly because scientists and engineers and fathers or not "cool".  They don't sing about the fact they do drugs, have lots of girls, or swag, or consume conspicuously.  What role does social and mainstream media play in promoting such a consumerist celebrity driven society? Or is it normal for teenagers to want these kinds of role models and I'm just getting older?  I don't know, but I want to know what other teachers think.

On to respect for rules now.  Last Friday was "Daring Dads Camp" and it was quite clearly stated that alcohol was not to be brought on to the Lebone campus.  Many dads ignored this request and consumed alcohol quite openly.  This also happened last year.  What kind of role models are they? Why is it acceptable to disrespect this rule? And what should the school do about it?  I don't have any answers other than to say that George put his message across very well when he spoke about some of the Matrics behaviour at their Matric Dinner at their Valediction Service.  He said what needed to be said.

Why is South Africa ranked to slow when it comes to science and maths education?  The World Economic Forum puts us second last!  Yes our teachers are poorly qualified and the provincial education departments are disorganised.  But I am worried that there is more to it.  I think we think we can't do maths so we don't do maths.  I grew up in a very privileged environment so I may be being unfair.  But if we are going to improve our maths education we need to change our attitude.  Usain Bolt is a champion because he believes he is the best.  Similarly for the All Blacks.  We need to believe in ourselves again.

And finally.  Lebone no longer offers IT!  The more I think about this the more upset I get.  This world is technology driven and we understand how technology works less and less.  Steve Jobs famously said: "I think everybody in this country [USA] should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think."  Isn't that what we are really trying to do in a school?  There are many types of thinking skills, and algorithmic problem solving is one of the increasingly important ones.  Yet our students are no longer getting the opportunity.  Well all I can say is watch this space.

Thanks to Di-Verse

Thank you very much for sharing a part of your story. What I love the most about the presentation is the clear focus on the human and humane aspects and the central idea that human life-worlds are diverse and we inhabit the world in different ways...and maybe it leaves me with the question of how we might best work with/alongside this important central aspect of our vocation?