Creating a Supportive Environment: The Challenges of School Life

Today was quite different from yesterday; I didn’t engage in as much work and tasks. I arrived at school around 7 a.m. to supervise the students as they swept the school grounds and cleaned their classrooms in preparation for the day teaching and learning. As an English teacher, I have a lot of responsibility when it comes to extracurricular activities. I’m in charge of various clubs, including the literary and debate competitions, the press club, and the reading club, among others. Even though I have a senior colleague who teaches English, she often avoids taking on extra responsibilities. She frequently claims, “I didn’t study English; I only studied literature,” and often mentions that she has been assigned to teach literature in English.

In addition to overseeing these clubs, I also lead the activities during our morning assembly. Many teachers are often absent during this time, citing reasons like the long distance they travel to get to school. I’ve taken it upon myself to manage these activities, regardless of whether other teachers want to help or not.

Later in the day, I received a report about a student who had engaged in fraud. It turned out that his bank account had been used to receive money that didn’t belong to him. This raised my eyebrows; I couldn’t believe a secondary school student had a bank account. But then I remembered that apps like Opay and Palm make it very easy for people to open accounts. Initially, the student’s parents came to school to report the issue. The school management was still in the process of hearing the case when, unexpectedly, the parents of the accused student arrived with police officers.

This situation was quite alarming. It is against school policy to bring police officers onto the premises. The school authorities are very protective and do not allow any student to be arrested on school grounds. When the principal noticed the police officers, he promptly asked them to leave the school, insisting that they resolve the matter amicably without police intervention. The officers complied and left, likely understanding that their presence could intimidate other students, even though they weren’t armed at the time.

Once the officers were gone, the issue was settled quickly. The principal instructed the accused student to pay back the money in question to its rightful owner. This resolution emphasized the importance of addressing conflicts within the school community without escalating them to law enforcement, especially to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all students.

After that incident was resolved, I had to shift my focus to assisting some students who wanted help with essays for a national competition. Many students often seek guidance in crafting their essays, and I always try to provide them with the support they need to express their ideas clearly and effectively. It’s rewarding to see them motivated and eager to participate in competitions that encourage their writing skills and creativity.

While today was less hectic than others, the responsibilities I hold as an English teacher keep me engaged and actively involved in the students' lives. I believe that fostering a supportive and encouraging environment is crucial, especially during challenging times. My role goes beyond teaching language; it encompasses mentoring and guiding students as they navigate their educational journeys.