Since January 2023, I have been working as a teacher at Laekvere School, where I started as a Physical Education teacher. For now I have taught a range of subjects across different grade levels. This has allowed me to develop a versatile and learner-centred approach that responds to the needs of each age group and learning context.
Working as a class teacher has deepened my understanding of how academic progress is closely intertwined with social and emotional well-being. In this role, collaboration with families and colleagues has become one of the most important aspects of my work. It’s not just about informing parents, it’s about creating partnership of trust that supports each learner.
Physical education has shown me how important physical activity is for overall wellbeing. My main goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of skill level, feels included and supported during physical activities. These experiences have highlighted the importance of varied learning environments and the value of recognising different types of intelligence and expression.Teaching Natural Sciences has challenged me to move beyond textbook explanations. I’ve enjoyed planning lessons that guide students to observe, find solutions, and draw their own conclusions. This has allowed students to connect what they learn in the classroom with the world around them, making science more relevant and memorable.
In PSHE, I tried to engage with topics that relate to students' everyday lives. These lessons have reminded me that education is not just about facts, it’s about fostering a sense of self, empathy, and social responsibility. Teaching PSHE has also strengthened my ability to create a safe emotional space, where students feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Although I have not had the opportunity to teach English yet, I hope to do so in the near future. Based on my teaching experience so far, my teaching philosophy as a future English teacher includes the following principles:
Language learning should be meaningful and communicativeI believe that students learn best when they can use the language in real-life contexts, not just complete grammar exercises. I aim to create opportunities for authentic communication in the classroom.
Mistakes are part of the learning process
I want to build a safe and supportive environment where learners feel comfortable taking risks, speaking up, and learning from their mistakes.
Learning should be interactive and student-centered
My lessons will include pair and group work, games, physical activity, and other creative tasks that keep students engaged.
Differentiation matters
I aim to adapt my teaching to different learner needs, abilities, and backgrounds, by using digital teaching aid, movement-based tasks, and clear instructions.
Teacher enthusiasm makes a difference
I will try to bring positive energy and encouragement to my teaching, which helps to motivate students and creates a trusting classroom atmosphere.
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I read a quote: “Students who are loved at home, come to school to learn. Students who aren't, come to school to be loved” - Nicholas A. Ferroni. It touched me deeply because I had a rough day dealing with behavioural issues and I felt exhausted. But suddenly, my eyes were filled with tears, and I understood why I love teaching so much.
Our school system is oriented on getting good grades and doing great in the exams. I totally understand that to some extent it plays an important role but in my opinion, it is more important to focus on the actual process and the individual development of each student. Firstly, they are at different starting points – some of them can already speak and understand English when the lessons start in 3rd grade. They have different cultural backgrounds - some travel a lot with their families, some have family members who speak English, some play video and computer games, and have English speaking friends from all over the world, etc. Some need to work much harder to acquire language, so getting negative feedback on their studies can only demotivate them.
Students do not only have different learning skills and cultural background but also different daily lives, which influence their well-being. That is why as a teacher it is extremely important to know and understand why they behave like they do, moreover, what causes their behavioural issues. Sometimes coming to school can be the best part of a student’s day, so it is important to support and have a positive effect on them. I hope that my relationships with students always remain positive. I want them to feel safe and reach for my help if it is needed and I feel success when students trust me and feel safe about talking about their problems.
I hope to inspire my students to be curious and never stop learning. When we have a conversation about school and studies, my main point is that studying is fascinating and it enables us to always learn something new which in turn supports our internal growth. I always explain why it is important to learn other languages than your mother tongue. That it is not just some obligatory subject in the curriculum but by learning languages we can better understand other cultures, communicate with people from foreign countries and travel the world. I have felt that by introducing other viewpoints than just cramming to get good grades can make differences in students’ mindset because they can
My biggest goal as a teacher is that each student in my class feels important and welcome. I hope that they will always feel positive when thinking about me as their teacher and it would be even greater if they looked forward to coming to my classes.