Schoolinka imparted the idea of being a locally rooted but globally minded teacher - Augusta

In our first episode of Teacher of Schoolinka, we meet Augusta Chinenye-Drew, a teacher based in Abuja; she shares her experiences as a teacher and how Schoolinka has helped her to become a better teacher.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Mrs Augusta C. Joel I’m an upper basic teacher in Tithemi International School, Abuja and I have five years of teaching experience.

How did you start teaching?

I didn’t choose teaching, teaching chose me.I didn’t study education as my first degree, I never thought I'd be a teacher. I was in desperate need of a job and I was willing to take any job at all. After a while, I realised that I was developing a passion towards education and teaching. I decided to follow my passion and here I am now, I’m happy to be teaching and I don’t regret it.

What do you love most about teaching?

What I love most about teaching is the fact that I am moulding lives. The children that are under my care, even those that have graduated from my class seeing how they’ve grown brings me joy. I love that I have the opportunity to bring value to their lives.

Let’s talk about your professional development. How did you hear about Schoolinka?

I got an email that Schoolinka will be at Ventures Park in Abuja for a seminar. I attended the seminar and my journey with Schoolinka started.

How has Schoolinka helped you to become a better teacher?

Wow, it’s been so amazing because ever since I got to know Schoolinka I have become a better teacher. I have been enlightened here, Schoolinka imparted the idea of being a locally rooted but globally minded teacher which is what I am. During the Professional Teachers Incubation Program (PTIP), I learned about AI in education where I learned about digital education, getting to know about Curri where you can generate lesson notes; using ChatGPT and also various apps you can use in the classroom to make learning engaging.

What are your favourite courses on the Schoolinka Website?

My favourite courses would be the course on Classroom Management where I learnt how to handle my class and student engagement course where I learned how to motivate your learners, keep your lessons fun.

What did you learn from the courses that you started practising in your class and the students responded positively?

I started using icebreakers in class before teaching. Previously, I’ll just enter the class, go straight to the board and write the topic. But since I learned about icebreakers to introduce your class, I noticed that the pupils begin to understand the topic before I write on the board which allows me to finish all that I’m meant to cover in that period.

That’s very interesting! How likely are you to recommend Schoolinka to your fellow teacher?

In fact, I have been telling my colleagues about Schoolinka. I believe that every teacher should be a part of Schoolinka. One thing you’ll learn in this community is learning for the future, not just the ancient things about teaching. I have a few teachers who are planning to be in the next cohort of PTIP.

You too can elevate your teaching career, check out our various courses on Schoolinka. Click here to get started.