I have always had a strong passion for teaching, and my bachelor’s degree and PGCE in KS1 and KS2 have prepared me well for my journey as an educator. After gaining valuable experience teaching Year 5 as an ECT, I am now in my second year as an ECT, teaching a wonderful Year 3 class. This transition has allowed me to refine my teaching approach, develop strong classroom management strategies, and foster a positive learning environment for younger students.
Teaching is more than just a career for me—it is a career that allows me to serve as a role model for children as they build confidence, curiosity, and a foundation for their aspirations. I find vast fulfilment in shaping young minds, and I am committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and engaging classroom where all children feel valued and inspired to learn.
My passion for education stems from a range of child-centered experiences, from volunteering at a primary school at the age of 16 to working part-time at a youth center supporting children with special needs. These experiences strengthened my ability to build meaningful relationships with children, participate in their daily activities, and ensure they feel safe and supported.
I believe in setting high expectations for my students by providing positive reinforcement, fostering teamwork, and encouraging them to express their thoughts confidently. Creating a structured yet flexible learning environment is essential to helping children thrive, and I ensure that my classroom promotes teamwork, respect, and honesty.
Teaching Experience & Skills Development
During my PGCE placements, I taught a Year 3 class across various subjects, developing creative and engaging lessons tailored to different learning needs. A significant part of my development was improving behaviour management skills, using positive reinforcement strategies to encourage focus and participation. By consistently reflecting on my lessons with my mentor, I was able to adapt my teaching to be more child-centered, ensuring all students felt included and engaged.
One of my most impactful teaching moments was leading a lesson on Guru Nanak. Initially, the students were disengaged, so I restructured the following lesson by incorporating drama and storytelling, allowing students to act out key moments of Guru Nanak’s life. This interactive approach significantly increased engagement deepened their understanding and provided a more memorable learning experience.
In my first year as an ECT, I have continued to refine my teaching strategies, ensuring that my lessons are accessible, differentiated, and creative. For example, during a climate change lesson, I encouraged peer collaboration by having students work in pairs to create posters on its impact in different countries. This cross-curricular approach encouraged creativity, discussion, and active learning.
I effectively use a variety of resources to support my teaching, including mini whiteboards, visualisers, videos, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles. My strong organisational skills allow me to plan engaging lessons that meet National Curriculum objectives while maintaining a dynamic and structured classroom.
Collaboration & Professional Growth
I have developed strong professional relationships with colleagues, teaching assistants, and parents, recognising the importance of teamwork in supporting student success. I regularly communicate with parents, updating them on their child’s progress and fostering a positive home-school connection. Additionally, I ensure teaching assistants are well-informed about lesson expectations, creating a collaborative teaching environment.
Throughout my ECT journey, I have embraced continuous reflection and professional development, striving to improve my teaching practice and enhance student learning. I am passionate about creating a classroom culture that promotes curiosity, confidence, and inclusivity, ensuring that every child feels supported and capable of reaching their full potential.
If appointed to this position, I will bring dedication, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to student success, making a meaningful contribution to your school community.
|
Mathuri J.
Tutor, Teacher, Instructor
|