Details
Skills
Teacher, Accounts officer
About
In a situation of low African family motivation to educate females, child marriages and a general lack of basic school infrastructure like textbooks and in worse situations classes being held under trees due to some classroom blocks posing danger to students. My key objective and a personal mission has been to actively drive the appreciation of Mathematics and inspire more students especially the girl child, to embrace Mathematics . This has been exhibited at every teaching opportunity that I have been given since I completed my Diploma in Basic Education in 2020.
My overriding ambition is to achieve results and enhance my personal capabilities in every working life situation that I find myself in life. My passion for teaching stems comes from a deep-rooted family tradition in education. Growing up in Ghana, where Mathematics was often perceived as a male domain, I defied expectations by pursuing Mathematics and its related courses driven by curiosity and determination.
My journey in Mathematics began in high school, where an inspiring teacher ignited my fascination with the subject's fundamental principles. He used the Concrete to Pictorial and then to Abstract approach.This gave me a deeper understanding of basic Mathematics. I also had the opportunity to learn some mathematical principles .Since then, I became more interested in learning about the subject.This experience not only solidified my love for Mathematics but also shaped my goal of becoming a teacher who could similarly inspire others. I pursued this passion at St Francis College of Education where i offered a general course while I offered Mathematics as a core subject . I continued to study Accounting in the University of Cape Coast specializing in Financial Accounting, Management Accounting,Economics,Taxation and Auditing.
I have been teaching Mathematics and English Language at Avangor E.P Basic School for over 4years. The experience has been both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to develop innovative teaching methods to engage students aged 5-11 in class sizes ranging from 35 to 55 students. Over the years, I have been able to develop my interpersonal skills, expanded my teaching styles and improved my classroom management by setting clear rules. To make sure these rules are followed, I encourage good behaviour in the form of praise and rewards. I have embraced technology to enhance learning, and employed diverse strategies including multimedia, using concrete materials,pair work and group work to make mathematics more practical and exciting.
My teaching philosophy centers on understanding each student's unique learning style and pace. I have implemented regular assignments, monthly tests, and personalized interventions to track progress and support struggling students. Through these methods, I have seen a growing enthusiasm for mathematics and English language among my students, which reflected in improved academic performance and attendance to class. My communication, resilience, and interpersonal skills have all greatly benefited from my years of contacts with parents, particularly in the context of working with students. These encounters have greatly influenced how I approach teaching. Building trusting relationships with parents is essential to fostering an environment where students can learn with support. By keeping in regular contact with parents through parent-teacher meetings, casual talks, or addressing specific concerns, I have developed my ability to actively listen, offer helpful criticism, and work well with others to enhance students' academic and personal development. These exchanges have improved my capacity to explain children' development, difficulties, and successes in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that parents and I are pursuing the same objectives. Outside the classroom, I maintain my connection to mathematics by volunteering at private schools during school vacations.I also actively participated in scientific groups and support our school's Science and Math quiz team in contests.
Applying for the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) program is a crucial next step in my professional development. While I currently hold a teaching license certificate in my country, I am eager to gain the formal pedagogical training and certification that will enhance my effectiveness as a teacher. I believe the PGCE program will provide me with the structured learning environment and diverse perspectives necessary to refine my teaching skills and become an exceptional teacher.
I am excited about the prospect of joining a multicultural academic community where I can both share my experiences and learn from others. My decision to attend the University of East London in the UK was influenced by both its stellar reputation for teacher training and its setting in a thriving, culturally diverse city that encourages innovation in education and the UK’s international stand in education and its proactive stance on promoting diversity in STEM fields. My objectives as a teacher are ideally aligned with the university's emphasis on professional practice, research-informed teaching, and inclusive education. I have no doubt that its encouraging academic atmosphere and collaborations with educational institutions will enable me to improve my teaching strategies, particularly in mathematics, where subject-specific knowledge is essential.
My background in mathematics education, coupled with my passion for inspiring the next generation of mathematicians, aligns perfectly with the goals of the PGCE program. Although there has been some gap since my formal studies, I have remained consistently engaged in the classroom. My years of teaching have been filled with learning, practicality and reflection. I am confident that this training will equip me with the tools to make an even greater impact in the classroom and contribute to advancing science education, particularly for underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further develop my skills and contribute to the PGCE program's vibrant learning community.