From my five days observation, I have observed quite a lot of roles and responsibility a teacher holds. Primary school teachers have a variety of duties beyond just teaching and lesson planning. It is a varied role that can be incredibly rewarding. Primary school students are divided into two stages: Key Stage 1 (5-7 years of age) and Key Stage 2 (7-11 years of age). Teachers try to bring out the best in their students in terms of skills and intelligence.

 

First and foremost I would like to mention what are the role and responsibilities of a lead teacher are. Leading teachers will be highly skilled classroom practitioners and undertake leadership and management roles commensurate with their salary range. The role of leading teachers is to improve the skill, knowledge and performance of the teaching workforce in a school or group of schools and to improve the curriculum program of a school. Typically, leading teachers are responsible for coordinating a number of staff to achieve improvements in teaching and learning which may involve the coordination and professional support of colleagues through modelling, collaborating and coaching and using processes that develop knowledge, practice and professional engagement in others. Leading teachers are expected to lead and manage a significant area or function within the school with a high degree of independence to ensure the effective development, provision and evaluation of the school’s education program. Leading teachers will be expected to make a significant contribution to policy development relating to teaching and learning in the school. A leading teacher has a direct impact and influence on the achievement of the school goals.

 

Now for the roles and responsibilities of my mentor being the class teacher and teaching five subject. The primary focus of the class teacher is on the planning, preparation and teaching of programs to achieve specific student outcomes. The class teacher engages in critical reflection and inquiry in order to improve knowledge and skills to effectively engage students and improve their learning. As the class teacher gains experience his or her contribution to the school program beyond the class increases. All class teachers may be required to undertake other duties in addition to their rostered teaching duties provided the responsibility is appropriate to the salary range, qualifications, training and experience of the teacher. In the light of these aims and curricula, to select the lesson content and activities which are appropriate to the needs of each student in his or her classes, in relation to the school’s philosophy and objectives. A class teacher also ensures appropriate behavior of students in class and around the school. 

 

I also observed my mentor being a mother, doctor and maid for the students and of course besides being their teacher. As a mother she ensures that there is optimal development for the students both socially and academically. As a doctor, she attended to a student when he accidentally bite his lips and it was bleeding a tiny bit. Children tend to make every small thing into big problems. So if we do not react fast, they will make a big fuss and begin to cry which will distrupt the whole class. Lastly as a maid is when the students mess up the whole classroom, Ms. Chin without hesitation will clean the mess up but at the same time she will inform her students that this is what they should do when there is a mess. So there is a learning process taking place all day long.

 

These are list of things which I think a good primary teache should withhold:

• Whilst potentially specialising in a particular subject, are able to teach all areas of the primary curriculum.

• Passionate attitude towards imaginative teaching.

• Patient and well mannered.

• Strong communication and organisation skills.

• Ability to maintain discipline and deal with difficult behaviour.

• Remains up to date with latest schemes, curriculum and learning methods.

• Work well in a team, specifically for in smaller schools where compromise may be necessary.