A Day In My Teaching Life

Teaching is very tasking. The fact that a large proportion of its practitioners do not earn a handsome pay is one factor I have not come to terms with. Nevertheless, I have found much joy in teaching.

The crow of the cock woke me from my five hours of sleep. I stretched in annoyance knowing that it is Monday. The love I have for my job does not take away the feeling of stress associated with it.

I prepare for work with high expectations. “God please, reduce my stress today,” I mutter with little faith as I walk into the school compound. But which job in Nigeria is devoid of stress?

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With a wide smile on my face, I greet some of my colleagues who are already in school. I ponder on the dedication and resolute commitment of these members of staff.

Some of them have been teaching for years without a salary increase. “Thank God this place is a starting point for me. With consistency and dedication to my work, I know I will get to a better place,’’ I encourage myself.

Classes are about to begin when Mrs Adeyemi walks into my class with a bag full of goods for sale. “I have quality shoes and sandals. Your size plenty for here. Na wetin you go fit afford,’’ she said, smiling sheepishly.

“I will come and meet you in your class when I am free,’’ I said with a straight face. Mrs Adeyemi puts in more effort in promoting her business than the day job. At times, I wonder why she chooses to continue teaching.

I start out teaching my grade one pupils Grammar; ‘Singular and Plural’ is the topic for the day. The responses from the pupils are good until I decide to extend their knowledge. ‘Irregular Plurals’ makes me hysterical with laughter when some of the five-year olds predictably and confidently blurt out that the plural of child is ‘childs’.

Following an extensive explanation, the majority get it. I am determined not to be discouraged. Hence, I make a mental note to teach a handful of them again personally.

Other classes followed and it was smooth all through the remaining hours of the day. I heave a sigh of relief as the final bell rings. “It’s time to go home!”, I exclaim excitedly. Another day is over. Phew!

I pray silently that Mrs Adeyemi will not come to my class as I prepare to go home. A quarter of my salary already goes to her regularly. If it isn’t for a pair of shoes, then it’s a dress or a handbag.

I laugh heartily as I board the bus that took me to the home of a family whose child I teach after school hours. And there, the cycle continues.

Teaching may be stressful but I do not neglect any opportunity to instil knowledge and make some extra cash in the process.