CLASSROOM TEACHING ENABLED MY LEADERSHIP GROWTH!!!!

When I embarked on my fellowship journey at Kisowozi Primary School in January 2022, the path ahead was murky. I could not easily behold the soggy and slippery walkway however much I squinted my eyes. If the fellowship was not my cup of coffee, I would have withdrawn in the first week. It is unimaginable how I kick-started with a staggering dose of stress while instructing. I strove to prompt learning and exhibit classroom control and behavioral management to over 180 excited and unruly learners whose learning had been interrupted by COVID 19 for over two years. The class was a deep, surgy water for an amateur like me. I perspired in a death struggle, swimming to the deep edge of the pool as experts looked on with eagerness for uncertain outcomes.

Initially, my communications fell on deaf ears because of language barrier; my management skills were minimal being my first experience inside a classroom with young children, and the prevailing attitudes at the time made it hard to strike a balance in many aspects of teaching, relating to the teaching staffs and community members.

" I am elated for all the challenges and the consistent mentorship I’ve received during this fellowship..."

Personal and professional growth is not accidental. It stems from a high level of systematic personal investment and purpose. I stopped beating my mind over the trips and falls in the journey, rather, I took it as a challenge to make me into an outstanding and peculiar teacher. The truth is, a teacher with purpose, will remain focused, register success and accomplish set tasks.

Habitually, I spare ample time for self-criticism and reflection so as to determine growth and regression before consulting others – this allows me to see other alternative course of actions I could have taken. I am elated for all the challenges and the consistent mentorship I’ve received during this fellowship journey to develop further my leadership skills and abilities. I’ve become an exceptional teacher leader as a result of sufficient practices and exploration; have acquired invaluable skill sets, a flexible mindset, productive habits, social values, and knowledge - which are game changers for me.

I have managed to provide a compelling learning environment for my learners, the pictures on the wall have a language of their own, capturing the attention of learners from other classes who congregate at the windows and inside the classroom during breaks to learn a thing or two in awe. The two inspectors of schools who have supervised my instruction left remarkable comments in praise of my methodology and pedagogical skills in the supervision sheets.


I owe it to my leadership coaches, co-teachers, and like-minded fellows for the leader I have become, and the leader I will be. Their continuous support was evident in the purposeful home visitation and community engagement which greatly impacted my communication skills and experience. I am euphoric for featuring as one of the editors of the Teach for Uganda Fellows Newsletters, the experience is enriching. Still, nowadays I remain focused amidst challenges and pressure. I see no obstacles as insurmountable.


Ojok Geoffrey

Teach For Uganda Fellow

Cohort 4

Kisowozi Primary School

Namutumba District.

 

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