David McGachen’s Post

The Journey of an E.C.D.E Teacher: Embracing the Joys and Challenges of Attachment . Starting out as an E.C.D.E teacher presented its fair share of challenges, yet it's undeniably the most fulfilling journey I've embarked upon. Witnessing the growth of my learners, not just in knowledge but in understanding, fills my heart with boundless warmth. Their genuine compliments, shared joys, and shared sorrows, alongside the never-ending stories they bring to class, serve as the fuel that propels me through each day. It's remarkable how this journey has led to a profound attachment to these young learners. At times, I ponder whether this attachment is a double-edged sword, capable of bringing both joy and heartache. However, it wasn't until I was called upon to step in for an absent teacher that the depth of this attachment truly hit me. Transitioning to a new class, though temporarily, left me yearning for the familiar faces and unique personalities of my former students. The thought of them moving on to another class or school someday fills me with a mix of pride and concern. How will I cope when they're no longer under my guidance? It's a question that weighs heavily on my mind. Yet, amidst these uncertainties, one thing remains clear: my love for these learners knows no bounds. It's what drives me to check on them during breaks, to offer support as they adjust to new environments, and to celebrate their victories, no matter how small. In the end, this journey reaffirms the incredible power of attachment in the realm of education. It's a testament to the profound impact teachers have on their students' lives and the enduring connections forged in the pursuit of knowledge. As i continue to navigate the highs and lows of teaching, let's never underestimate the importance of these attachments. They are, after all, what make this journey truly worthwhile. #TeacherAttachment #Teachforkenya #EducationJourney #TeachingWithLove

Teaching is not the easiest job. If you can't think of anything as a career, you can become a teacher. Isn't it? I feel so bad(a little annoyed) whenever someone comes up with this. People don't understand how much patience we need to carry one class smoothly. Also, I feel this is not a good option to be a teacher out of nowhere. Teachers are not only important for a student's academic development but also for their emotional and social development. What teachers say to their students, stay with them for a long time. Teachers can make or break your perspective towards life and work. This is a noble profession which needs dedication, determination and passion. Love your kids, love your work, love your subject and what not! Don't do it just because you can't think of anything else. This impacts your life and your student's life too. Be a teacher your students remember for life (positively).❤️ #teachercommunity #teacherlife #educatorlife #teacherforlife

You know how much we English teachers love a good metaphor, right? Well, the sun is setting on my 25 year (More likely 27? 30?? I count student teaching and camp counseling for four summers.) long career. During that time, I have been lucky enough to impact, by my count, well over 2400 kids. How many of you can say that? I’m pretty proud of that, but it becomes clearer to me on a daily basis that it’s time to take a step back. Education isn’t what it was, which makes me terribly sad. It’s set on a course to implode and no one is doing much to stem the hemorrhaging of experienced teachers like myself. But… I’m tired. I’m more than tired- I’m exhausted. My solution to getting more and more added to my plate on a near daily basis is getting a smaller plate. (Note: I am NOT “taking my plate and going home.”) That being said, I’m semi-retiring, or taking a micro-sabbatical (remember when teachers were able to do those?), and reducing my time in the classroom by half. (Can we just normalize either the semi-retirement or not working people into the ground in the first place?) Here’s to what’s next, whatever it looks like, wherever my skills are needed most. After a nice, long rest to recharge and rediscover my strengths, of course. #semiretired #teacher #break #proud #students #kids #school #parttime #healthy #putyourneedsfirst

"If someone is going down the wrong road, they don't need motivation to speed them up. What they need is education to turn them around." This quote by Jim Rohn talks about the importance of guidance from our teachers in life, who act as guiding lights and beacons towards our path to success. Let's talk about our beloved teachers and guidance, as without these two integral elements in education, we can't imagine aiming for success, let alone doing it in actuality. Education comes from the natural willingness and curiosity to learn about the familiar and the unfamiliar. To feed and satiate such curiosity, our first guides in life, i.e., our parents, take up the responsibility to teach us about the world and what it is in reality. They provide a safe space to learn, question and ponder upon life and its complexities and quaint simplicities at times. Next, our teachers take over some part of our homely atmosphere in a slightly bigger safe space, which we know of as a "school". They take up the responsibility to teach children big and small, integrating knowledge gained from our first guides globally. This takes at least 12-15 years depending on each student's requirements and pace. Teachers also allow for a school to become a second home away from home for each student, enabling them to connect to the world in a familiar pattern. Last but not least, they take up the difficult but necessary task of personally mentoring each student, as much as their abilities allow for. We can see how complex but engaging and fun the task of teaching is. We may not have respected all of our teachers properly at times, so let's take a pledge to always take their advice as positive life lessons that can work for us in the big picture of life. To take a peek at how engaging this profession can be, with the courtesy of Pehchaan The Street School (Trust), you can check out the following links below! https://lnkd.in/gPd8utM8 https://lnkd.in/gCZPZv_e https://lnkd.in/gKj8pKGQ https://lnkd.in/gH3bcHyf https://lnkd.in/g2QAC5sy Thanks! And a belated Happy Teacher's Day to all teachers out there! ❤

DO YOU KNOW YOUR EDUCATIONAL VALUES? We all benefit from reflecting on what truly matters. We need our own motivations to be our guide as educators. Sometimes, we work in a place where our values align with those around us, and with the institution itself. Sometimes not. No matter the circumstances, we need to know why we do what we do. Here are mine: 💡 Self-reflection: one of my main motivations is to help children to recognise the importance of their inner world - sharing the merits of ruminating and dwelling on thoughts and ideas 💡 Relationships: any learning is social learning, and we need to be explicit about the centrality of human connection within the learning process 💡 Humans first, students second: the children are people with culture, history, language, experience, knowledge and perspective long before they arrive in the classroom. Understanding each other is the lifeblood of learning. 💡Process not product: the journey, with its slipstreams and roadblocks, is where the learning lives, not the destination. Education is what we do, not what we have. 💡Detours are encouraged: some of the richest learning happens when we allow for unexpected pivots; the students themselves can sometimes steer us in other directions. 💡Joy: education isn’t training for life, it is life. And so, I want to help make it as enjoyable as possible for us, in the moment and for the future. Unashamedly so. Laughter is not the opposite of learning. For me now, I teach my way and I am confident enough in its effects that I am not easily swayed. There are many ways to teach. What drives you? (Photo looking out of the car window at a very foggy New Delhi yesteday, on the way to the Craft Museum) —————————————————————— I'm Jonny. I live a peculiarly mythical life - teaching mythology, writing stories for kids and wandering about in cities and forests. Chat with me about mythology, teaching, children's books, nature, mentoring, publishing and emancipatory education. ⚡️ 👨🏫 📚 🌳 👥🛣️ Follow if you like my stuff.

After a few years of experience in #teaching, you'll observe that students who excel in life possess not just academic prowess, but also exhibit strong social skills such as empathy and accountability. This quote encourages to prioritise teaching children not only academic knowledge but also essential life lessons and values. It is essential to show them the significance and meaning behind their actions and decisions. Rather than simply memorising facts and figures, help them grasp the importance of empathy, compassion, responsibility, and ethical behavior. By doing so, children not only learn how to navigate the complexities of life but also develop a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. In essence, this approach will help them become thoughtful, conscientious individuals who contribute positively to society. #teaching #empathy #compassion #responsability #adaptability

The post is going to be lengthy but it is, what it is even if it hurts. First,Happy Teacher Assistant day to all Assistant teachers around the world. This position is something which is like a mom mostly who is working as everything without recognition.Assistant knows the kids emotionally to physically,they know how to instantly catch the fact,what upsets them to what can make their day best.There are days,when kids feel emotionally exhausted and they first come to their Assistant instead of anyone.The emotional relationship between TA and student is never counted by any leaders. This position goes beyond to decorate every corner of classroom to maintain the classroom,to arrange the books to maintain the books,to taking up substitute position for school,to decorate school during events,to help out school in many different ways and still there is not a day where the organization celebrate this hero 🙂. Dear leaders,its not easy to see you appreciating everyone accept someone who is both academic and non- academic.It is not even humanely how you just consider them ASSISTANT. Anyways,My hero(Teaching Assistant) you are super hero;without you kg and primary wouldn't be able to achieve their section standards neither kids would be able to make best and safe memorable journey.Hats off to you all ❤Much appreciated and high respect. #TeacherAssistant #Assistant

One of the reasons why I love to teach a one on one class is because of the gift of individualized attention. Being the sole focus of a committed teacher's attention is a gift in so many ways. It benefits both the teacher and the student and enhances learning, comprehension and retention. This is not something that a teacher who has so many students to handle within a limited time frame can easily do. So the other day I was with a student in class and we were studying a concept that I considered too "simple" for her. What I mean is that I have taught her even more complex concepts that she understood very well. So you can imagine my surprise to find out she was struggling to understand something so "simple." But because it's a one on one class it was easy to resolve. This experience is common in the classroom. You find your very smart student unusually struggling with a "simple" concept. Let me share a few things you can do: 1. Call that student to your desk and have a one on one conversation.... Calmly ask leading questions to find out the exact area of challenge. The beauty of a one on one is that it builds connection and trust between you and the child, which makes the child emotionally in tune with you to learn from you. 2. Begin from the point of confusion and explain again, using a different method if possible and involving the specific child's learning style. 3. If the child is still not getting it, and you seem to be losing your patience, give yourself a timeout so you don't lose your cool. 4. Revisit at a later time. 5. Communicate with the parent, see if they can chip in a thing or two, or even help out at home. 6. Communicate with the school management. These are a few things you can do in class instead of shaming, scolding or hitting a child who has not understood what you are teaching. Calm down ma/sir... Learning is fun. Follow me Princess Okoro , you'll be inspired. #eslteacher #earlychildhoodeducation #academiccoach #learningcoach

Today, on Teacher's Day, I want to challenge the misconceptions surrounding this noble profession. In a world where teaching is often underrated, I proudly declare my commitment to this career. Some see teaching as a fallback option or a stepping stone, but I know the truth. Teaching is the foundation of education, shaping minds and building lives. It requires dedication, expertise, and heart. I chose teaching, not out of lack of ambition, but because I want to make a difference. My friends may question why I'm not aiming higher, but I know that inspiring young minds is the greatest impact I can make. Teaching isn't just a job; it's a calling. The fulfillment I get from guiding students academically, spiritually and morally is priceless. Today, I renew my pledge: 'I will teach with all my mind, body, and soul. I will give my best, nurturing students who excel in knowledge, character, and compassion.' So help me God! #TeachersDay #ProudToTeach #TeachingIsMyCalling #EducationMatters #InspiringMinds