Week 4: From Lesson
Plans to Lightbulbs: A
Student Teacher’s Journey
of Inspiration
Bob Victoriano Flores
4th year- BTLED
March 26, 2024
From Lesson Plans to Lightbulbs: A Student Teacher’s Journey of Inspiration
Stepping into the classroom for the first time as a student teacher, a whirlwind of
emotions swirled within me. The excitement of finally putting theory into practice battled
with a nervous anticipation. Would my meticulously crafted lesson plans, honed for
weeks, translate into real understanding for my students? Would I be able to capture
their attention and guide them through complex concepts?
However, as the day unfolded, those anxieties began to melt away. The meticulously
prepared lesson on Area and Volume, a topic often dreaded for its dry calculations,
started to take flight. As I introduced the concepts, I interjected real-world examples –
building a dream house, calculating the size of a fish tank. I saw a flicker of curiosity in
their eyes, a shift from apprehension to cautious interest.
Then came the magic moment. As I explained the formulas step-by-step, something
clicked for one of the students. Their initial frown of confusion faded away, replaced by a
big, happy smile as they finally understood! This feeling spread like wildfire – excited
whispers (“get it!”) flew around the room, and everyone jumped right in to try the
practice problems. Witnessing these moments of comprehension, the culmination of my
planning and their focused effort, filled me with a profound sense of accomplishment
that transcended mere words. It was a powerful validation of the transformative power
of teaching. Helen Keller’s words resonated deeply in that moment: “The best and most
beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the
heart.” In that classroom, surrounded by engaged students, I felt the immense beauty of
fostering learning.
Following the lesson, I devised an activity to solidify the understanding. Watching them
diligently solve problems, their brows furrowed in concentration yet pens gliding
confidently across the paper, filled me with immense pride. They were not only grasping
the material but also showcasing their ability to apply it creatively. The sight of their
correct answers and their enthusiastic participation brought a wide smile to my face,
erasing any lingering doubts I might have had about my chosen path. This feeling of
accomplishment reaffirmed my passion for teaching. William Arthur Ward’s quote
echoed in my mind: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The
superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." Today, I witnessed the
spark of understanding ignite within my students, a spark that could kindle a lifelong
love for learning.
After dismissal, with a simple meal of biscuits and water fueling my reflection, the
impact of the day truly sunk in. Joseph Joubert’s quote, “To teach is to learn twice,”
resonated deeply. Reflecting on the day’s challenges and triumphs wasn’t just about
solidifying my knowledge; it was also about identifying areas for improvement. Each
successful lesson, each moment of connection, was a step forward in my own journey
as an educator.
Later, I stumbled upon a group of co-teachers holding an impromptu karaoke session in
the hallway. Their laughter was infectious, and I couldn’t resist joining their joyous
celebration. This moment underscored the importance of camaraderie and support
among educators. Their unbridled joy, a release after a demanding day, became mine,
and I reveled in their well-deserved respite. They weren’t just colleagues; they were a
community, a support system. This experience reminded me of Henry Brooks Adams’
insightful words: “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”
The positive impact extends far beyond the classroom walls, and the support of
colleagues is vital on this journey.
Being a student teacher is a path filled with both challenges and rewards. Days like
today serve as a powerful reminder of why I chose this profession. The immeasurable
satisfaction of knowing I have positively impacted my students’ lives is a privilege.
Witnessing their growth and being a part of their educational journey fills me with
immense gratitude. The path may not always be smooth, but the rewards, as Maya
Angelou expressed, are worth it: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and
liking how you do it.” As I reflect on this day, I am brimming with gratitude for the
opportunity to inspire young minds and shape the future. This journey has just begun,
and I embrace it with a heart full of dedication and a spirit ignited by the spark of
learning I helped ignite within my students.
