โจ My First Month Teaching MYP Mathematics at EISB: A Personal Reflection ๐งฎ๐
September has been a month filled with learning and reflection, my first month teaching MYP Mathematics at the English International School of Bratislava (EISB).
Having been a university teaching assistant for some time, I expected a few familiar moments. But walking into my classroom on the official reopening day for students brought a fresh blend of excitement, curiosity, and responsibility. This role is about more than delivering lessons, itโs about guiding students to see how mathematics connects to the world around them.
Before lessons began, we completed two weeks of induction to prepare for the new academic year which was led by the director of the school Mr Jaymes Regualos. With the support of the able Head of the IB Programme, Mr. Roman Liptak, I had the opportunity to complete my IB Mathematics Category I certification, which prepared me to teach the IB way. I also had the privilege of being guided by several experienced teachersย their advice and examples gave me a great start and helped me quickly feel part of the EISB community.
๐ก Learning the IB Way
Teaching within the MYP framework has been both inspiring and transformative. The IB philosophy encourages inquiry-based learning students arenโt merely given answers; they are guided to ask questions, justify their thinking, and reflect on their understanding.
Rather than always telling students what to do, Iโve learned to step back and let them reason, discuss, and challenge ideas. This approach builds confidence, curiosity, and a deeper grasp of mathematical concepts.
Weโve incorporated short reflections, group problem-solving tasks, and technology enhanced lessons to make learning interactive and engaging. Watching students collaborate, debate, and celebrate their learning has been one of the most rewarding parts of this month especially during s classes and also the academic game called Battle of the Minds.
Students collaborating during the academic game โBattle of the Minds.โ
๐ค Lessons Iโve Learned as a New MYP Teacher
This first month has taught me a lotย both about teaching and about myself.
A few key lessons stand out:
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Every learner is unique and deserves encouragement and thoughtful challenges.
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Growth happens when students feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them.
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Collaboration and support from colleagues make the teaching experience even richer.
These lessons remind me that teaching is not just about delivering knowledge but about nurturing confidence, resilience, and curiosity.
๐ Looking Ahead
I know there is always room for improvement. As the saying goes, Rome wasnโt built in a dayย so I will take this journey step by step, continuing to learn, adapt, and become a better teacher and role model for my students.
EISB has welcomed me into a community that values curiosity, creativity, and kindness. Iโm deeply grateful for the support Iโve received so far and excited for the months ahead.
Hereโs to more exploration, creativity, and mathematical adventures with my students! โจ๐
Author:
Mr. Benjamin Mensah Dadzie
MYP Mathematics Teacher, English International School of Bratislava (EISB)
