THE KNOWLEDGE OF A TEACHER

A teacher is someone who imparts the knowledge he or she has acquired to make learners more knowledgeable. To be effective, a good teacher must possess KNOWLEDGE of a four-fold nature:

1. *General Knowledge* – A teacher should have broad knowledge about various subjects and the environment of their learners. This versatility enables meaningful engagement and enriches the learning experience.

2. *Knowledge of Learners* – Understanding child psychology is crucial. Every child is unique, with different learning styles and behaviours. Teachers must recognize that children are naturally inquisitive, curious, and eager to explore. Patience is key to answering their questions, managing their excesses and guiding them effectively.

3. *Knowledge of the Subject Matter (Expertise)* – A teacher must have sound and in-depth knowledge of the subject they teach. Mastery of content reflects competency, enhances credibility and ensures effective delivery.

4. *Technological Knowledge* – The teaching landscape has changed significantly. Today’s learners, especially *Generation Alpha,* are highly *tech-savvy* . To remain relevant and impactful, educators must embrace technology and integrate it into their teaching methods to enhance learning *in the 21st century* .

Dear Educators,

 " _Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."_ — 2 Timothy 2:15

Remember, *KNOWLEDGE IS POWER* 

Happy Weekend!

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 *@OVECafo*

THE REFINERY OF EDUCATION

I found this definition of teaching to be so comprehensive and all-encompassing. I'm sure you will too.

Teaching involves enlightening, elaborating, encouraging, enthusing, explaining, edifying, educating, transmitting ideas, training, transforming, inspiring, instructing, imparting, indoctrinating, and inculcating virtues, values, skills, and knowledge. These enable the learner to become a skillful, knowledgeable, well-mannered, sociable, adaptable, productive, competent, and complete human being in society.

The definition above implies that a learner, who enters school in a raw state, undergoes the *REFINERY OF EDUCATION.* Upon completing his or her program, *the learner is transformed into a refined product* —one who is marketable in the labour market and productive in the economy.

Dear teacher, this definition also affirms that you are *an agent of transformation and a life builder* if you choose to be a great teacher who inspires. This realization should deepen your appreciation of your vital role in shaping our society.

As William Arthur Ward puts it:

" *The mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates, while the great teacher inspires."* 

Be inspired to learn more for yourself and your learners, and you will never expire, in Jesus' name.

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@ *OVECafo*

WINNING THE HEART OF A PARENT ON OPEN DAY*

No matter the challenges to be discussed about a learner on *open day,* you can win the heart of any parent by demonstrating a strong parent-teacher partnership.

When addressing a child's challenges, the key is *empathy* , *positivity* , and *collaboration* (EPC).

✅ *Begin with strengths* : Highlight the child's potential before discussing concerns (e.g., "XYZ is a bundle of potential... if...").

✅ *Stay solution-focused* : Show genuine care for the child's growth—never display hopelessness or use damaging words 

 ✅ *Engage parents constructively* : Listen actively, validate their feelings, and tactfully guide them on their role in addressing the challenges.

✅ *End with encouragement* : Offer reassurance and a hopeful outlook for the child's progress.

 *A EPC approach* builds trust and strengthens the parent-teacher relationship.

Please adhere to the scheduled time 

You're Lifted!

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BEHAVIOURAL MANAGEMENT POLICY: ABOLITION OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

PUNISHMENT is a consequence for negative behaviour. When applied correctly, it aims to discourage undesirable behaviour, foster discipline among schoolchildren, and more importantly, encourage the development of positive habits. The primary purposes of punishment include:

1. Demonstrating societal disapproval

2. Serving as a deterrent to others

3. Balancing or compensating for misbehaviour

Point number three highlights a crucial aspect: punishment MUST NOT be excessive or disproportionate—this is known as RETRIBUTIVE PUNISHMENT (RP). Forms of RP include:

➡️Punishing out of anger or uncontrolled emotions

➡️Using punishment as a display of authority

➡️Delaying punishment for too long after the offense

➡️Punishing unjustly

➡️Enforcing punishment outside the Behavioural Management Policy (BMP)

As an educator, punishment cannot be entirely ruled out in guiding children toward good behaviour. However, it MUST be carried out with understanding and within the limits of BMP.

 *21st-Century Approaches to Disciplining Learners* 

As a manager of your class, there are several ways to discipline students effectively. Physical punishment—such as caning, slapping, spanking, kicking, pinching, or forcing students into uncomfortable positions—is NOT acceptable. The government has officially banned corporal punishment due to its potential to harm both students and educators. Besides hardening the hearts of offenders, physical punishment can be especially dangerous for learners with underlying health conditions, potentially leading to serious complications. Therefore, schools must establish discipline standards that comply with the law.

 *What Is Corporal Punishment?* 

Any action that causes physical or emotional harm to a learner is considered corporal punishment. This includes:

👉Caning

👉Slapping

👉Use of abusive language (which causes emotional wounds that are difficult to heal)

 *Does This Mean We Should Ignore Misbehaviour? NO!* 

Instead, educators should use alternative disciplinary measures aligned with modern educational practices:

 *Effective Disciplinary Strategies* (in line with 21st century approach)

1. *Verbal & Non-Physical Corrective Measures* 

- Verbal reprimands

- Using a disappointed tone

- Warning cards (Yellow/Red) and Green cards for praise

2. *Minor Corrective Actions* 

- Head down on the desk

- Holding lips together

- Raising hands with eyes closed

- Kneeling and facing the wall (within reasonable limits of the classroom)

 - *Note* : Never send students out of the classroom during teaching.

3. *Detention & Supervised Isolation* 

- Assign an isolated seat near your desk or office

- Take away break or sports time based on compliance

- Withdraw privileges enjoyed by other well-behaved students (e.g., games, free time)

4. *Increasing Responsibility* 

- Keep the student occupied with additional academic tasks

- Assign leadership roles (e.g., class monitor, noise control, behaviour reporting)

- Keep a record of their infractions and make them aware of it

5. *Community Service* 

- Involve them in light tasks such as picking up papers, disposing of waste bins, or cleaning the chalkboard (Avoid assigning tasks that could risk infections, such as cleaning toilets.)

6. *Restricting Access to Distractive Items* 

- Confiscate distracting objects (e.g., balls, lipstick, chewing gum, unauthorized jewelry) and store them with proper labeling

7. *Encouraging Positive Behaviour Through Praise*

- Publicly commend well-behaved students (e.g., "You're well-behaved—keep it up!")

8. *Escalation of Disciplinary Measures* 

- If Misbehaviour persists despite classroom interventions, escalate the issue:

-  Report to the Head of the Disciplinary Committee, providing details of the steps you’ve taken

- Refer to the School’s Disciplinary Policy for appropriate action

9. *Involving Parents* 

- Communicate with parents to ensure a collaborative approach to discipline

10. *Advanced Disciplinary Actions* (For Serious Offenses)

- *Suspension* (temporary removal from school)

- *Expulsion* (permanent removal from school)

-  *Law Enforcement* Involvement (for criminal offenses)

 *Final Words* 

As an educator, patience and professionalism are key in shaping young minds. Discipline should be corrective, not destructive.

God bless you as you uphold these values with dedication.

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Thank you for being a concerned and caring coach!

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 *@OVECafo*

Are you a TRUE teacher?

"When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, *Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"* (Matthew 16:13 )

Dear teacher, who are you?Are you a true teacher or a cheater? A true teacher is dedicated, passionate, and goes the extra mile to ensure students/pupils succeed. In contrast, a cheater works only for the paycheck, indifferent to whether real learning takes place.

Dear educators, take a moment to reflect. Are you truly committed to the growth of your learners? Strive to be an intentional teacher—one who loves both learning and those you teach.

Wishing you a fulfilling and impactful day!

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@ *OVECafo*

SUCCESS IS LIKE AN ICEBERG

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 3:14

People admire success when they see the trophies, achievements, and recognition. But what they don’t see are the sacrifices, struggles, and relentless effort beneath the surface.

Success is built on sleepless nights, rejections, disappointments, persistence, and resilience. It demands discipline, good habits, focus, and effective time management. The journey is never easy, but those who remain committed despite the challenges eventually rise to the top.

So, the next time you see someone winning, remember—there’s a story behind the glory and pressure before the treasure. Stay consistent, keep pushing, and trust the process.

Your sun will rise!

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@ *afo4Jesus*

CREATING VALUE.

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men" (Matthew 5:13)

 *Dear friends, are you SALT or an INSULT to you community?* 

Salt doesn’t need to look like other ingredients or release an aroma like other seasonings—yet without it, the soup is tasteless.

People of true impact don’t fight for position, visibility, or recognition. Their results speak for them, not their propaganda.

You don’t need to shout to be heard; people naturally quiet down to listen to the wise.

Salt maintains its integrity even amidst pollution. Have you ever seen someone demand to taste salt before buying it? No—because salt has proven its integrity over the ages.

If you must swear for people to believe you, then you lack integrity.

If your identity is only recognized when attached to a title or a family name, then your own name carries little weight on the scale of moral principles.

Is your life adding value to the world like salt, or is it an insult? Are you really amplifying your impact in your community?

The only way salt loses its taste is by mixing with too much of the wrong things. Watch your associations—stay around people with noble values.

Salt is precious. Don't waste it. *Stay pure.* 

Good morning!

(Copied and modified)

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@ *afo4Jesus*

PATH TO TRANSFORMATION

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." — 2 Timothy 2:15

Dear friends, transform your life! Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Commit to continuous learning and personal growth in your calling or profession.

What do you do? *Learn, unlearn, and relearn.* Leverage technology, upskill with confidence, and reskill with purpose. Unlock your potential, create value, make an impact, and amplify it in this era of endless opportunities!

Have a THRILLING TUESDAY

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VOICE OF TRANSFORMATION*

esus says, "I can do nothing by myself; I judge only as I hear" (John 5:30). 

May God's divine inspiration and innovative ideas empower you to make a lasting impact in your generation

Where others are struggling, you shall soar. In a world filled with scarcity, you shall experience abundance. You shall rise above the chaos, and your blessings shall overflow to nations in Jesus name.

*Always speak what you desire, and watch transformation unfold. Just as God's voice transformed creation and rebirthed the earth, let your voice rebirth your reality today. Declare possibility, promise, and renewal.*

Your week ahead is blessed and fruitful. 

Good morning.

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https://pastorafolabi.cw.center/

 *@OVECafo*

KEEP MOVING

According to the former American president, Franklin D. Roosevelt

 " *There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still".* 

Dear Educators,

Never stand still. Seek more knowledge, be resilient and keep moving. Even the most minor step in the right direction is better than standing still.

 Decide to go forward towards your goals today!

YOUR SUN 🌞 WILL RISE!

HAPPY SUNDAY  

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@ *OVECafo*

EI: STAY CALM

Emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for teachers as it enhances their ability to manage emotions, build strong relationships, and create a positive learning environment. Precisely EI helps teachers stay calm and composed during challenging situations and enables them to handle disruptive behaviours among learners effectively. Importantly EI helps teachers manage their own stress and avoid burnout.

Dear Educator,

Truly, students/pupils can be mischievous or annoying at times.

But don’t let anger control your emotions. Lack of EI can cloud your judgement, disrupt your clear thinking and trigger errors or wrong actions.

But what do you do? Pause! Don’t chase that student/pupil. Take a deep breath. Give yourself time to calm down before reacting.

Think carefully about the outcome of your actions. You’ll be glad you did.

Stay amazing! Stay calm

Remain blessed.

ENJOY A WONDERFUL WEEKEND 

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@ *OVECafo*

HOW TO BECOME A PRODUCTIVE TEACHER

Becoming a productive teacher requires effective time management, organization, collaboration, and a strong focus on student learning outcomes. Here are key strategies to enhance productivity:

1. *Set Clear Goals* 

Define what you aim to achieve in your teaching practice, such as creating structured lesson plans, setting student learning targets, and developing professional growth strategies.

2. *Manage Time Effectively* 

Use a planner or scheduling tool to organize tasks, prioritize activities that impact student learning, and avoid multitasking to enhance efficiency.

3. *Stay Organized* 

Keep teaching materials and student records structured. Utilize digital tools like cloud storage and project management apps to streamline tasks.

4. *Collaborate with Colleagues* 

Engage with colleagues for idea-sharing, co-planning lessons, and participating in professional development opportunities.

5. *Focus on Student Learning* 

Use data to guide instruction, personalize learning experiences, and provide targeted feedback to support student growth.

6. *Practice Self-Care* 

Maintain physical and mental well-being by getting enough rest, exercising, and taking breaks to prevent burnout.

A productive teacher effectively manages time, stays organized, collaborates, and remains focused on student success. By cultivating these skills, teachers can maximize their impact and achieve professional fulfillment.

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@ *OVECafo*

How to Become a Productive Teacher

Becoming a productive teacher requires a combination of effective time management, organization, collaboration, and a strong focus on student learning outcomes. Here are key strategies to enhance productivity in teaching:

1. Set Clear Goals

Define what you aim to achieve in your teaching practice. This may include:

• Creating well-structured lesson plans.
• Setting specific targets for student learning.
• Developing strategies for professional growth.

2. Manage Time Effectively

Time management is crucial for productivity. To optimize your time:

• Use a planner or scheduling tool to organize tasks.
• Prioritize activities that directly impact student learning.
• Avoid multitasking—focus on completing one task at a time for better efficiency.

3. Stay Organized

An organized workspace and structured resources can significantly enhance efficiency. Consider:

• Keeping teaching materials, resources, and student records systematically arranged.
• Utilizing digital tools such as cloud storage, project management apps, and digital grade books to streamline tasks.

4. Collaborate with Colleagues

Building a network of supportive colleagues can enhance teaching effectiveness. Engage in:

• Sharing ideas, feedback, and teaching strategies.
• Co-planning lessons or co-teaching sessions.
• Participating in professional development opportunities together.

5. Focus on Student Learning

Student success should be at the heart of every teaching strategy. Achieve this by:

• Using data to guide instruction and make informed decisions.
• Providing personalized learning experiences that cater to diverse student needs.
• Offering targeted feedback to help students grow academically.

6. Reflect on Your Teaching Practice

Regular self-assessment fosters growth and improvement. To enhance your practice:

• Evaluate progress toward your teaching goals.
• Seek feedback from students, colleagues, and mentors.
• Identify areas for development and implement necessary adjustments.

7. Practice Self-Care

Sustained productivity requires maintaining your physical and mental well-being. Ensure that you:

• Get enough rest and exercise regularly.
• Take breaks to recharge and prevent burnout.
• Engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress management.

Conclusion

A productive teacher is one who efficiently manages time, stays organized, collaborates effectively, and remains focused on student learning. By consistently developing these skills, teachers can maximize their impact in the classroom and achieve greater professional fulfillment.

THE IMPORTANCE OF LESSON FEEDBACK FROM LEARNERS

During teaching, counseling, mentorship, or skills training, it is crucial to pause and gather feedback from learners through questioning or evaluation. A good teacher should not talk non-stop but should frequently pause to ensure no learner is lost during the lesson. Additionally, a teacher should be attentive to verbal communication and sensitive to non-verbal cues and students' body language ensuring every learner is engaged and demonstrates good understanding. Collecting feedback from students is essential for several reasons, including:

 *Improves Teaching Effectiveness:* Feedback helps teachers understand what’s working and what isn’t, so they can adjust their methods and strategies to better meet students' needs.

 *Enhances Student Engagement* : When students see that their opinions matter and can influence how they’re taught, they feel more invested and motivated in their learning.

 *Identifies Learning Gaps:* Feedback can reveal areas where students are struggling or concepts they haven’t fully grasped, allowing teachers to provide targeted support before facing real life challenges.

 *Encourages Reflective Learning:* It prompts students to think about their own learning process, fostering self-awareness and helping them take more responsibility for their education.

 *Builds a Positive Classroom Environment:* Regularly seeking feedback shows that the teacher values student voices, which can strengthen the teacher-student relationship and create a more inclusive learning environment.

 *Supports Continuous Improvement* : Feedback contributes to a cycle of continuous improvement, where teaching practices are refined and adapted based on direct input from learners.

 *Tailors Learning Experiences:* Teachers can use feedback to differentiate instruction, providing a more personalized learning experience that caters to diverse learning styles and needs.

 *Boosts Learning Outcomes:* Ultimately, when teaching aligns more closely with student needs and preferences, learning outcomes improve, and students achieve greater academic success.

Dear Educators,  the  majority of your  class students may find it difficult to provide the feedback you need due to pride, shyness, or time constraints. This is why you need to be patient and take the time to find creative ways to encourage feedback, helping them engage more effectively with your lessons.

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INFLUENCE OF A TEACHER'S BEHAVIOUR*

Educators are INFLUENCERS. They play a crucial role in shaping the lives of their students/pupils in so many ways: 

1. **Role Model**: Educators serve as role models for their students. Good behaviour sets a standard for learners to emulate. 

2. **Classroom Management**: Effective classroom management is closely tied to an educator's good behaviour. 

3. **Building Trust**: Trust is fundamental in any educational setting. When educators behave in a consistent & ethical manner, they build trust with their learners.

4. **Student Motivation**: Students are more likely to be motivated & engaged when they see their educators behaving in a positive & professional manner. .

5. *Professionalism**: Good behaviour is a hallmark of professionalism. 

Jesus' teaching philosophy which was rooted in Servant Leadership demonstrates to us that students learn not just from teaching in the classroom but from the character and behaviour of their teachers. To actually influence our learners, teaching must be lived out and our actions must precede our words.

Acts 1:1 says:

".....of all that Jesus began both to *do* and *teach* "

Believe me honestly, *children are good imitators.* When Educators exhibit good behaviours or values such as fear of God, Integrity, Respect, Empathy, Meekness etc. they set a precedent for learners to follow. 

Remain blessed as you continue to show & share good characters.

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 *@OVECafo*

TEACHING IS PASSION

Happy Monday, Dear Teachers!

"Teaching is not just a profession; it's a passion. Without passion for your subject and for your students, you'll never be a great teacher." - Robert John Meehan

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he goes old, he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

May your passion for teaching and your commitment to shaping young minds make a lasting impact this week!

Have a fantastic week!

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 *@OVECafo*