"Embarking on My Teaching Journey: A Memorable Deployment at Alviola
Integrated School-Annex"
From September 18 to November 22, 2024, my journey as a pre-service
science teacher at Alviola Integrated School-Annex was filled with moments of
excitement, joy, and unforgettable experiences. Alongside my fellow pre-service
teachers—Kenneth Padios, Loraine Escobar, Rhyan Solis and Ace Anthony
Gerongco—and guided by our ever-supportive resource teacher, Ma’am Mae O.
Cudal, this journey became a rollercoaster ride of learning, discovery, and growth.
Each day brought a new adventure that not only tested my skills but also deepened
my passion for teaching. This report aims to take you through some of the most
memorable, fun, and insightful moments of my deployment.
First Impressions: An Exciting Beginning
The journey kicked off on September 18, 2024, with our deployment at
Alviola Integrated School-Annex. I can still vividly remember the mix of nervousness
and excitement as we were introduced to the school community. This was the
moment when we officially became part of the school, meeting the teachers,
students, and other staff of AIS-Annex, together with the guidance of our supervising
instructor, Dr. Gladys L. Lagura, and our Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Leo L.
Codilla Jr. Dr. Julie Berame was also present to formally deploy us to AIS-Annex. The
energy in the air was contagious, and we were eager to dive into the world of
teaching. Our resource teacher, Ma’am Mae O. Cudal, immediately made us feel
welcome and provided clear guidance for our tasks ahead. The meet-and-greet was
not just an orientation; it was the start of a thrilling adventure in education.
School Events: A Taste of Real-World Teaching
As the days went by, we were thrown into a whirlwind of school activities,
each offering unique learning experiences and opportunities to engage with students
in different ways. On September 19, 2024, we had the chance to judge the Grade 9
cooking show for TLE (Technology and Livelihood Education). It wasn’t your typical
cooking competition. What made this event special was how the students creatively
incorporated scientific principles into their cooking. From measuring ingredients to
understanding the science behind heat and cooking times, the students
demonstrated that science isn’t just about theory; it’s a hands-on experience that’s
all around us, even in the kitchen. It was inspiring to see how they applied what they
learned in a fun and engaging way.
Though this activity wasn’t directly related to science, it was an opportunity
that allowed me to interact closely with the students and observe their skills and
creativity. Along with my group, we were chosen to be the judges for the event. It
was an exciting role, as we got to observe firsthand how the students worked
together, solved problems, and expressed their creativity through cooking. As a
token of appreciation for our involvement, we were awarded certificates for our
contributions, which made the experience even more memorable.
For the second time, I was again acknowledged as part of the event
facilitators, this time for the Science/Math Festival. Receiving certificates for our
involvement in the event was truly a wonderful achievement. It reflected the value
of our contributions to the success of the event. It was fulfilling to know that my
efforts helped nurture the students’ talents and support their growth. Being part of
these events left a positive impact on me as well, reinforcing my passion for teaching
and working with students.
Classroom Observation: A Window into Effective Teaching
While the events and activities were exciting, nothing compared to the
lessons I observed in the classroom. The Earthquake and Fault lessons, starting on
October 7, 2024, were particularly engaging. I was amazed at how the teacher,
Ma’am Mae, used prior knowledge checks to engage students from the very
beginning. This strategy helped students connect new concepts to what they already
knew, making the lesson more relatable and memorable.
As the lessons progressed, I witnessed how hands-on activities enhanced
student learning. On October 8, 2024, the students took part in interactive exercises
that brought the concepts of earthquakes and faults to life. It was incredible to see
how engaged they were as they modeled tectonic plate movements and simulated
earthquakes. These activities didn’t just teach them science—they allowed them to
experience it.
Teachers’ Day Celebration: A Touch of Gratitude and Inspiration
We also had the privilege of joining the Teachers’ Day Celebration, a
memorable event that was filled with gratitude, joy, and meaningful gestures
reflecting the students' and community's appreciation for their teachers. From
heartfelt messages and performances to creative tokens of gratitude, the celebration
was truly inspiring. It was moving to see the bond between students and their
mentors, built on trust, respect, and genuine care.
As an aspiring teacher, witnessing this celebration was a reminder of the
deeper purpose behind the profession. It made me realize that teaching is not only
about imparting knowledge but also about inspiring, nurturing, and empowering the
next generation. The smiles on the teachers' faces and the joy in their hearts were a
powerful moment, demonstrating how much their efforts are valued and recognized.
It was a testament to the profound impact teachers have on their students’ lives,
and it inspired me to continue pursuing my own teaching career with passion and
dedication.
Making Connections: Earthquakes, Earth’s Structure, and Student Engagement
Throughout October, I had the chance to observe more lessons on
Earthquakes, Earth’s Structure, and related topics. On October 15, 2024, I watched a
detailed lecture on the Epicenter and Focus, where Ma’am Mae expertly connected
scientific concepts to real-world scenarios, helping students understand the
importance of what they were learning. The following weeks saw a continuation of
this pattern, with lessons on Earthquake Magnitude and Intensity on October 17-18,
2024 that kept students actively participating and making connections between
theory and practice.
The hands-on activities didn’t stop there. On November 8, 2024, I helped
facilitate a hands-on activity on Earth’s layers, where students got to create models
to visualize the layers of the Earth. It was amazing to see how such a simple activity
could spark curiosity and deepen their understanding.
Action Plan Implementation: Making an Impact
One of the most significant parts of my deployment was the
implementation of an Action Plan to address learning gaps among Grade 8 students.
On October 22, 2024, We introduced our first intervention activity, designed to
support students’ understanding of key science topics. This was followed by
differentiated instruction and group activities on November 08, 2024, which helped
cater to the diverse learning needs of the students. Seeing the students actively
engage and respond positively to the activities was incredibly rewarding.
We implemented the next phase of the Action Plan, focusing on hands-on
applications that allowed students to solidify their learning outcomes. Watching
them apply what they had learned in a tangible way was both a proud and humbling
moment, as I realized the impact of the interventions we had put in place.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back at these two months, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of
gratitude. Every day was a learning opportunity, not just for the students but for me
as well. The support and mentorship from Ma’am Mae O. Cudal, along with the
guidance of my adviser, Ma’am Gladys Lagura, were invaluable in shaping my growth
as a future teacher. From the excitement of judging the cooking show to the
satisfaction of seeing students grasp scientific concepts, this journey was filled with
moments of joy, challenges, and triumphs.
This deployment has taught me more than just the technical aspects of
teaching science; it has shown me the importance of building relationships, creating
engaging lessons, and always striving to make a positive impact on students’ lives.
It’s an experience I will carry with me throughout my teaching career, one that will
continue to inspire and motivate me to be the best educator I can be.
As I continue my journey in education, I look forward to more challenges,
more learning, and more opportunities to make a difference in the lives of my future
students. This experience at Alviola Integrated School-Annex has been a pivotal
moment in my development as a teacher, and I am excited for what the future holds.