Diary of a Trainee Teacher: Welcome day and first impressions

First of all, I want to apologize to all readers and followers for this one-month-silence since my last entry was published. Last few weeks have been terrible while preparing myself for the 1st quarter tests. Happily that phase is over now (can't wait to hear about the results though) but adventure goes on... A new exciting period is yet to come!! The on-site training sessions with actual pupils.

As part of the master's programme, we are required to fulfill 120 hours of training at our designated center, which in my case is IES La Nucia (public high-school in La Nucia, Alicante, lodging over 700 students from 11 to 18 years old). This will turn into 6-7 weeks' work. My teaching specialism is English as a foreign language.

Before moving to the 'Diary of a trainee teacher' point, I'd like to set the following premises:

1. During my training period at IES La Nucia my posts will be written in English as part of my engagement with the programme and specialism.

2. I will compile different topics, lessons and meetings to be discussed so new posts will be published on a weekly basis.

Having said this, I strongly encourage you to follow my posts for the following 6 weeks if you are interested in this exciting and challenging experience.

Based on the above reasons, I've decided to build up a 'Diary of a Trainee Teacher' in which I will express and reflect all my feelings, impressions and experiences from my training.

Welcome week and First impressions

Today, 02/02, I put my feet on the school for the first time. At a first glance, it looked to me like a modern building, large and spacious, with nice and pretty new facilities.

      By Inge3

I was introduced to the Training Coordinator who happened to be the school's Director. We spent a pleasant time going through paperwork; we had a general intro to the school, its policies and standards. After having a quick tour through the facilities, I was introduced to my professional mentor, Mr. Richard Percival, head of the English Department at IES La Nucia. We worked together with the rest of the department members to configure my timetable so it best serves my purpose of having as many and as varied classes and groups as possible. The team seems very collaborative and willing to work towards an improved educational model. I'm loving that!

Thursday it's the D-Day. I will step in a 30-teen-classroom for my first time. I'm having mixed feelings right now, however I am confident that it is going to be allright. Till then...