MY

NARRATIVES
 Reflection on the Philippine Professional Standards
for Teachers Domain

The PPST is devoted to supporting teachers and recognizing the amply

documented fact that excellent teachers are essential to raising student success. Since
teachers profoundly influence students, improving their quality is critical for long-
term and sustainable education to achieve the main objectives. The compilation of the
internship episodes tours us on the practical application of the different domains of
PPST, whereby I reflected on what it means to be a teacher. The Philippine
Professional Standard for Teachers encapsulates the teacher's quality expectations in
today's curriculum. Thus, it focuses on the skills and approaches that help the teaching
and learning process be more effective.

Being a professional, a teacher must promote technical, ethical, and moral

competence when interacting with students, partners, and community stakeholders. In
addition, to be successful and efficient in educating the populace, a teacher must
assess if they meet the requirements and competencies necessary for the teaching
profession. Thus, PPST is a fundamental guide for the standards expected from a
teacher. Aligning to the PPST, effective educators possess a deep understanding of
content knowledge, its interconnections across subjects, and the ability to apply
teaching and learning theories. They employ appropriate pedagogy rooted in research
and proficiency in multiple languages. From my experience, I was challenged to have
a firm and overall standing of all the contents I am dispensing to the learners because
students are innately curious. It was visible from the episodes that focus on assessing
the crafting of lesson plans until the delivery of the project. Aside from this, I've
learned to ensure the creation of safe, supportive, and inclusive learning
environments, manage behavior effectively, and provide stimulating activities.

The PPST also expected teachers, which includes me as a future young mind's
molder, to design lessons that are relevant, responsive, and aligned with curriculum
requirements, communicating clear learning goals. I do need to employ various
assessment tools to monitor progress and provide feedback, enhancing the teaching
and learning process. I remember how the grading system emphasized assessments
during our work on school form number 10. Also, teachers forge school-community
partnerships, upholding professional ethics and promoting harmonious relationships.
PCSHS, the cooperating school, allows us to witness different programs, activities,
and non-teaching tasks that involve not just us and the school but also their partners in
making students' learning experiences a worthy ride.

Additionally, PPST encourages educators to value personal growth, reflection,

and professional development, maintaining a caring and respectful demeanor while
embracing lifelong learning. Having been equipped with the experiences and
realization after the creation of internship episodes, the conquest of becoming a better
version as a future educator continues.
 Challenges Encountered and Coping Strategies

During my teaching internship, I encountered several challenges that tested

my abilities and resilience. Each obstacle became a stepping stone for growth,
enabling me to develop effective coping strategies. Allow me to share a narrative
highlighting some of the challenges I faced and the techniques I employed to navigate
them. One of the initial hurdles I encountered was adjusting to the demands and
expectations of the two educational institutions where I would spend the next 360
hours of my internship. Building confidence and establishing trust with the staff,
teachers, and, most importantly, the students was essential. To overcome this
challenge, I had to believe in myself, recognizing my worthiness of trust and
capability to face the impending challenges. By nurturing this self-belief, I conquered
the initial adjustment period and established a positive rapport with the school
community.
Another significant challenge was establishing effective classroom
management. As a novice teacher, gaining control and creating a conducive learning
environment for the students was daunting. To tackle this challenge, I sought
guidance from experienced teachers, observing their classroom management
techniques and implementing strategies that resonated with me. I established clear
expectations for student behavior, utilized positive reinforcement to encourage desired
actions, and fostered a sense of community within the classroom. Additionally, I
proactively attended workshops and delved into books on classroom management to
enhance my skills in this crucial area.
Meeting the diverse learning needs of my students posed yet another
significant challenge. With students displaying varying abilities, interests, and
learning styles, designing lessons that catered to their individual needs was essential. I
conducted comprehensive assessments to address this challenge to identify students'
strengths and weaknesses. Armed with this information, I employed differentiated
instructional strategies such as tiered assignments, flexible grouping, and
incorporating multimedia resources to provide personalized learning experiences.
Collaborating with colleagues and seeking their input proved invaluable in developing
effective differentiation strategies.
 Balancing the numerous responsibilities of a teacher, including lesson
planning, grading, and extracurricular activities, was a constant challenge that
required careful attention. I learned to prioritize tasks and create a well-structured
schedule to cope with this. Leveraging technology tools and organizational apps
streamlined my workflow and maximized productivity. Seeking assistance from
mentor teachers and establishing a support network with fellow interns allowed me to
share ideas and resources, further optimizing my time management skills.
Producing numerical judgments of student performance through report cards
was also challenging. Ensuring fairness and objectivity while accounting for missed
outputs and arrangements demanded considerable time and effort. I addressed this
challenge by conducting individual conferences with students, allowing them to
choose feasible options for making up missed work and improving their grades.
Additionally, during my cooperating teacher's discussions with parents of
underperforming students, I faced the challenge of explaining the grading process.
Building rapport with parents, addressing their concerns, and maintaining open lines
of communication were essential components of successful interactions. To navigate
this challenge, my cooperating teacher and I scheduled counseling sessions with
students and parents facilitated by the school guidance counselor.
Throughout my internship, I realized the importance of self-reflection in
improving my teaching practice. Regularly reflecting on my lessons, interactions with
students, and feedback received allowed me to identify areas for growth and make
necessary adjustments. This teaching internship presented numerous challenges, but I
approached each hurdle with determination and resilience. By seeking guidance from
experienced educators, implementing effective strategies, and engaging in self-
reflection, I overcame these challenges and emerged as a more capable and resilient
teacher. These coping strategies will undoubtedly shape my teaching practice as I
embark on my professional career in education.

Over-all Teaching Internship Learning

Experience
 From the moment I stepped into the school on the first day of my teaching
internship, vibrant energy enveloped me. The walls adorned with colorful displays,
the echoes of laughter filling the hallways, and the animated conversations among
students created an atmosphere brimming with boundless possibilities. I experienced
excitement and nervousness when I introduced myself to the students, pondering
whether I could meet their expectations and provide them with a valuable learning
experience.

During the initial weeks of my internship, I had the privilege of assisting my

cooperating teacher, who also served as the grade 12 coordinator. As we approached
the school's first-semester recognition, I worked closely with her, lending a hand in
coordinating the event and supporting her in the classroom. Shadowing her, I
observed her unwavering dedication, patience, and ability to engage with both co-
teachers and students, which left an indelible impression on me. I was particularly
inspired by how she tailored her lessons to cater to different learning styles and
fostered a sense of inclusivity within the classroom.

As my internship progressed, I gradually assumed more significant

responsibilities. I designed and delivered lessons, facilitated group discussions, and
even conducted one-on-one tutoring sessions. Additionally, I was entrusted with
managing students' records and scores. Each day presented fresh challenges and
opportunities to explore innovative teaching methods. The ever-evolving nature of the
classroom taught me adaptability, quick thinking, and the willingness to embrace
mistakes as valuable stepping-stones for personal growth. Throughout my internship,
designing and delivering lessons became second nature to me. I acquired the skills to
align learning objectives with appropriate instructional strategies, differentiate
instruction to cater to the diverse needs of students, and create engaging and
interactive learning experiences. I also developed a keen understanding of sequencing
lessons, incorporating various teaching aids, and effectively assessing student
comprehension.

Building relationships with my students was undeniably one of the most

rewarding aspects of my teaching internship. Understanding their distinct
personalities, interests, and aspirations allowed me to cultivate a supportive and
engaging learning environment. Recognizing the power of empathy in the classroom,
I strived to address the individual needs of my students. Witnessing their progress and
observing the spark of understanding in their eyes filled me with immense joy,
reaffirming my passion for teaching.

Collaborating with a diverse and supportive team of educators, particularly the

math teachers, enriched my teaching internship experience. Their guidance, feedback,
and shared experiences deepened my understanding of effective teaching practices
and aided me in completing school forms. Regular reflections and discussions on
pedagogy, classroom management, and student-centered learning enhanced my
knowledge and refined my teaching approach. Their mentorship provided valuable
opportunities for self-reflection, enabling me to continuously seek growth and
development.

The teaching internship taught me the value of adaptability and flexibility in

facing unexpected challenges. I learned to adjust lesson plans on the fly, address
individual student needs, and think creatively to meet the demands of the dynamic
classroom environment. This adaptability honed my teaching skills and instilled in me
a sense of resilience and resourcefulness. As my teaching internship neared its
conclusion, I was overwhelmed with profound gratitude for the transformative
journey I had undertaken. The experience gifted me invaluable insights into education
and instilled a deep commitment to empowering students through knowledge. I
emerged from the internship as a more confident, adaptable, and compassionate
educator, equipped to make a positive difference in students' lives. My teaching
internship was more than just a stepping-stone; it was a pivotal chapter in my quest to
become an inspiring and impactful teacher.
 Reflections and Insights (Substantive Narrative of
Personal Realizations)

Embarking on a teaching internship was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

I yearned to step into the world of teaching and make a meaningful impact on
student's lives and acquaintances. The opportunity to gain firsthand experience,
witness the classroom dynamics, and work closely with experienced educators was a
dream come true. Little did I know that the 360 hours of my teaching internship were
nothing short of a transformative and invaluable learning experience that will forever
hold a special place in my memory. It gave me an immersive and hands-on
opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Looking back, this
experience has shaped my understanding of the teaching profession and left me with
valuable lessons to carry forward.

One of the most profound realizations I had during my internship was the
pivotal role of positive relationships and a supportive classroom environment in
fostering student engagement and success. Being in the classroom allowed me to
witness firsthand the dynamics between students and the teacher, and it became clear
to me that building connections with students and creating a safe and nurturing space
was essential. I discovered a range of practical strategies to capture students' interest,
encourage their active participation, and promote meaningful, dynamic learning
experiences. Incorporating engaging instructional methods, such as collaborative
group work, hands-on activities, and thoughtful technology integration, proved to be
powerful tools for enhancing student engagement and facilitating more profound
understanding. My internship also underscored the importance of upholding
professional ethics and maintaining appropriate boundaries with students. I navigated
ethical dilemmas with care, prioritizing confidentiality and ensuring equitable
treatment of all students. One particular challenge arose when creating school form
10, where learners' grades had to be accurately recorded. It reminded me of the
immense responsibility we bear as educators to uphold integrity, fairness and the
well-being of our students.

Furthermore, my teaching internship emphasized the importance of flexibility

and adaptability to unexpected challenges. I quickly learned that lesson plans might
need to be modified on the spot based on student needs or unforeseen circumstances.
This taught me to think on my feet, make quick decisions, and adjust my teaching
approaches in real time. Alongside my experiences with students, I was fortunate to
benefit from the wisdom and expertise of the incredible individuals at PCSHS.
Collaborating with colleagues, mentor teachers, and other professionals significantly
impacted my internship journey. Actively seeking opportunities to co-plan lessons,
participate in team meetings, and engage in professional learning communities
enriched my teaching practice and provided invaluable insights from experienced
educators.

The reflective practice became integral to my internship experience, allowing

me to continuously refine and enhance my teaching methods. Regularly examining
my instructional approaches, assessing student learning, and seeking feedback became
second nature. Engaging in self-reflection empowered me to identify areas for growth,
experiment with different strategies, and make informed decisions to better meet the
needs of my students. It became a powerful tool that sharpened my teaching skills and
fueled my passion for lifelong learning and professional development.

My teaching internship was an immersive and transformative experience that

deepened my understanding of the teaching profession and equipped me with crucial
skills for success. It allowed me to bridge the gap between theory and practice, learn
from experienced educators, and grow personally and professionally. I am immensely
grateful for the challenges and opportunities the internship presented, as they have
prepared me for a rewarding and impactful career in education.