SELF PORTRAIT

My mother taught at a Montessori school and later gave lessons at home to children in the
neighbourhood. In spite of this I never fostered a desire to be a teacher although my mother
would always hint that it was the best job to take up. It was a government job and I could help
other children who grew up in similar conditions because I would be better able to relate to them.
In spite of this I grew fond of accounting after I started POA classes at St James Secondary
Government School. I initially wanted to do sciences but coming from a Junior Secondary the
students from St James Secondary were given first options so there was no room for me in the
science classes. I accepted my faith and joined one of the strict business classes where my love
for accounting blossomed.
My First teaching appointment was a temporary post at St Augustine Senior Secondary
where I taught for about four months in 2005. My first official appointment was at my current
school Diego Martin North Secondary School in May of two thousand and twelve (2012) a week
before my birthday (what a gift from God I thought). I was eager and ready having weighted
almost seven years to be placed so I took on the task with both apprehension and excitement. I
did feel somewhat unprepared prepared to stand in front of a classroom of students however, I
felt confident in my knowledge of the content to get the job done. Teaching is great but also
somewhat scary when you consider your role in developing and influencing these young minds,
and contributing to shaping who they are as citizens of tomorrow. Taking this in mind I always
try to be a good role model for them and encourage them to believe in themselves the same way I
was encouraged by some of my teachers.

Although teaching was not my initial career goal I am proud when asked to say I am a
teacher. I decided that if I was going to stay in teaching I did not want to retire as just a teacher
so I was encouraged by several of my colleagues to undertake the PostGraduate Diploma in
Education in July of twenty-thirteen (2014), I signed up but was not selected. Again in 2015 I
signed up and through the grace of God here I am completing my portfolio. I do not regret
signing up and starting the course since I feel like I have become a better teacher, one who is
more competent, caring, understanding and an effective teacher. I have developed the ability to
reflect on what I teach and improve my shortcomings. Choosing to start this programme when I
did, has therefore served to benefit both myself and my students.
Comment:
Continue to be the committed teacher. All the best

Ms. Lystra Stephens-James

Business Curriculum Instructor
School of Education
The University of the West Indies,
St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago.