DIARY OF A NIGERIAN TEACHER - 2

 

The above picture is a comment from my last post – DIARY OF A NIGERIAN TEACHER.

In this part, I will tell you about one of my favourite memories from my days as a primary school teacher.

I’ve always been intrigued by how the mind works. To see a child come in to a class on the first day unsure and not knowing; but on the last day in the class, the child is sure and knows. It is always something best experienced. It pays to be a teacher indeed. The little joys felt, the obvious changes seen. The children come to gradually understand and love you and vice versa. The loyalty to the class, the bond, the unity, the wins, the losses and the ability to bounce back. Teaching is fun!

One of my favourite memories is the day my class won a Science Quiz. This wonderful term resumed and the kids in my class were as bubbly as ever. These children were a mix of sassy, smart, restless, caring and noisy.  At first, I resorted to punishments but then, I thought different. I love science and little facts. I decided to bring the kids into my world. Every day, during the time for Reading, I made them answer science questions. Sometimes, I gave them questions to research on and present the following day during Reading time. A number of wonderful presentations were made. The children loved to take part in the quiz, hence they behaved as much as they could to remain part of these moments.

One wonderful morning, a few weeks into our wonderful Science quiz moments, the Supervisor of the Primary section reminded the teachers that the Science quiz was to hold that day. I selected five kids to represent the class. The class we were up against was known to have the very bright kids. However, my class shocked the school that day. They surprised even me and won that Science quiz. To avoid going into details, although there was no cup given, we matched with our pride and faces shining with joy to our class. It was a moment to remember, etched in time, in my mind and the minds of those wonderful kids whom I hope will remember that hard work and perseverance with a sprinkle of determination will always pay.

Every teacher has a story indeed! Please do drop your comments below and tell me your view on this subject. If you are a teacher or you have been a teacher, I am very much interested in what you have to say about your teaching journey. The next part will be posted soon.

DIARY OF A NIGERIAN TEACHER

Initially, when I thought about writing a diary on my experience as a teacher in Nigeria, I was torn - should I or should I not? I also wanted to write about this in a very serious format but I think I will rather keep this like 'gist' between friends. 

 

I think I have been a teacher all my life. Actually, not in a school at first but in church. For those who grew up in church, you know what Sunday School teaching is like and I vividly remember one aspect of my interview for the teaching position. I was asked, "have you taught before?"

My painfully naïve and simple response was: "I taught during my NYSC but I have been a Sunday school teacher." I think back on this response cringing a little bit. Of course, the people in the room laughed. 

What can I say? I got the job.

During my NYSC days, I remember teaching a class where most of the students were almost, if not my age. The age difference was not much and there was the English language barrier. I couldn't speak Yoruba and the students were not proficient in English. However, with tenacity and willingness to learn, the students of ss2 in that school pushed through. They pushed through my soft voice, my English language and my lack of Yoruba for in depth explanation. 

My solution - explain carefully with the simplest words and give notes. I would not hurriedly forget those students.

Anyway, after service, real life hit. I enrolled for Masters program in a Nigerian university and while waiting to start, a strike started. I quietly carried my file and hit the streets in search of something to do. At first, I must confess, I learned sewing but I quickly realized, that was not for me. I wanted to start making my own money. To be sincere, that was the major reason I hit the streets. I was tired of asking my dad for money for everything. 

One evening, sitting on my bed as usual in my 'small cubicle', a former course mate put up an advert. The school needed an English teacher. Guys! I dusted my file and went to that school the very next day in a plain black skirt and black shirt with Chinese buttons. After the interview, I was offered the job and I became a teacher. I have already given a little from that interview, maybe someday, I will write about it - but not today. Something to note though, I actually wrote exams first before I was interviewed. 

I returned the following day with my file and submitted it. I met with the Administrator, a young woman who looked at me with a smile and told me I would teach the Primary school English. I had never taught a Primary school and I really wanted to stop staying at home so without knowledge on what it entailed and with joy that I was done staying at home, I jumped at the offer. No negotiations involved. 

My teaching experience brought me tears, laughter, panics, and I learned to negotiate, to speak and to explore. I cried a little when I had to let go of my kids going to the next class. You never know the innocence and smartness of kids until you have stayed with them for entire days. 

"I am emotional like that."

I'll continue this story some other time. My chaotic mind produced this so do not quickly judge this. I have written this feverishly and hurriedly as I cannot wait to delve into all the aspects of this job which many look down on because they do not know what it entails. 

If you have been a teacher or have any teaching experience, please share your story and comment down below.