ABSTRACT
When trainee teachers are asked about their experiences in school, most of them positively glow with pride about their achievements, a small percentage regret they had ever chosen to teach; the majority admit to a mixture of uplifting and of challenging times. There is general agreement among all teachers that even though working in school is difficult, emotionally draining and exhausting, the job is eminently worthwhile. Being immersed in an environment with children is tiring, exhilarating and edifying, sometimes all at the same time, but few would seriously consider doing anything else. The mixture of emotions is well expressed by one trainee teacher in her diary:
I enjoyed my time in school even though it was hectic and I think I came home some days feeling really daunted with what I’m going to have to do
The content of Chapter 2 includes:
• testimonies from trainee teachers about their experiences in school • understanding schools and teachers • contributing to the educative process • behind the scenes of a teacher’s day • the inter-relatedness and complexity of the teacher’s role.
