It was a normal Monday morning for most of the teachers in STAJ—the kind where loud chatter
filled the corridors—but it wasn’t for me. It was my first day entering the classroom, and I felt the
usual nerves of being the new teacher. But today, I wasn’t alone. Standing next to me was my
Host Teacher, a seasoned educator with over a decade of experience.
Two teachers in one classroom were unconventional and even felt rather odd at first, but it didn’t
take long for me to see the magic it brought to the classroom. I recall a particularly chaotic
lesson where students were more interested in chatting than learning. Typically, managing such
a scenario is a teacher’s nightmare, but with two of us, it was different. As I focused on running
the class, I saw my Host Teacher quietly manoeuvre to the back of the class to redirect the
students’ attention and support those in need. It was a graceful dance that brought the lesson
back on track.
Some days, I assist and observe, watching my Host Teacher deftly navigate the complexities of
the classroom. There were moments when I saw them extend beyond textbooks to make a
lesson resonate, taking hours to find and create materials for a 35-minute class. And when it
was my turn to lead the class, I knew I had a safety net—a teacher who provided feedback,
guiding me as I grew with each passing day.
However, the most captivating part of the journey has been witnessing the growth—both for me
as a teacher and for the students benefiting from the dynamic of two educators. They became
more inquisitive, asked more questions and engaged more confidently. They learned to take
advantage of having two teachers, knowing that there’d always be one teacher available to
attend to their needs.
Reflecting on my take on the TPP, I realise it isn’t merely about teaching; it’s about building a
learning culture. A culture where two teachers join forces with one aim in mind—to enable
learning. The TPP has taught me that teaching is not just about standing in front of a class; it’s
about collaboration, building relationships, and continuous growth. And with two teachers
working together, the possibilities are endless.
Wrriten by Chee Mavis, TPP ’24
For me, teaching is about the warmth of seeing a student’s face light up with understanding—proof that learning is a shared journey where we grow together. If the thought of your students’ smiles warms your heart, you know you’re right where you need to be.
ENG 
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