Mrs.
Nancy Ekpeze, is an educator with passion, she loves adding value to the
education sector, and she is also a convener of Educational Administration
Network on Facebook, a group that has more than 9,000 member world over, she
speaks more about her passion on education and other pressing issues.
Interviewed By Olayemi Odejayi
TEG: Good evening ma, firstly, we want to specially
appreciate you for given us audience to have this interview
Ans:- you're welcome
TEG: Can we meet you ma?
Ans:- I'm Nancy Ekpezu, an educator and school
administrator with over twenty years experience in the education sector. I'm
currently a school administrator in Lagos, Nigeria; I'm also the convener of
the Educational Administration Network on Facebook, almost 9,000 members from
different countries.
I love
adding value to the education sector by putting structure in schools and
improving customer service, productivity and professionalism
TEG: Wow! Interesting
TEG: Ma, where is the location of your school in Lagos?
Ans:-My employers may not want this here. I need
permission from them to talk about the school as it's not a one man business.
It's owned by a multinational company
TEG: ok ma
TEG:You said you have over twenty years experience in
teaching profession, what prompted you to go into teaching?
Ans:- I got into teaching by accident as it wasn't my
plan at all. I was posted to lecture in a tertiary institution during my
National Youth Service Corps. After the one year NYSC, I couldn't get a job in
the places I had applied because they required a certain number of years of
experience which of course I did not have.
So the only
available job was teaching. I decided to make do with it and then later
discovered it was something I enjoyed doing. I found in it a level of
fulfillment I could not explain to anyone else.
TEG: That means you did not study education in your first
degree?
Ans:- I did not originally study education as my first
degree but I delved into it later
TEG:- Interesting!
TEG: Tell us your first day experience as a teacher
Ans:- It was horrible to say the least! I didn't know
where to start from since I had never taught a primary three class. I couldn't
control the children as I had not been given any formal training on classroom
management. I left work that day feeling very confused and wondering if I'd to
go back there.
TEG:-Talking about classroom management, I think is the
major challenges teachers are facing till today, how can we solve this
problems?
Ans:- Training on understand children psychology is very
important in managing them, in and out of the classroom. Also an organized
teacher does better in managing the class.
Older
teachers should mentor the younger and upcoming teachers on this. Teachers in
their own, should make attempts to research on ways to improve their classroom
management
It's not
rocket science!
TEG:- In recent years we have visible changes in the
educational sector, especially in private institutions. Are you satisfied with
this level of development?
Ans:- Yes, obviously there have been visible changes in
the education sector, especially in the private schools as you've rightly
stated. Technology has come in to be a great tool for teaching and learning.
There's a great awareness about professional development and teachers are
making better efforts at training to improve their skills. Also there are
efforts to improve on the perception and image of teachers, and to increase
their earning power. And these are commendable! But we still have a long way to
go especially in our clime.
I think we
have too much emphasis on foreign curricula instead of making time to properly
develop ours and deliver it excellently.
TEG:-let look at the Curriculum, is there any difference
between Early Year Foundation and Montessori Method of teaching, because that
is what schools are concentrating on now?
Ans:- I really must say I am not a curriculum specialist
but I do know we need to adapt whatever we teach to our environment.
TEG:-Just last month, we lost one of the colleague in the
industry, in person of Mr. Joseph Aisida, Ma, what can you say about his
personality?
Ans:- I knew
Joseph Aisida personally and I must say that he was a force to reckon with in
the education sector in our clime. He exemplified what a true 21st century
teacher ought to be. He demonstrated professionalism in his dealings.
He was
knowledgeable about his field and very willing to share. The Executive Teacher
will be greatly missed by all who know him.
He also had
unique leadership qualities of selfless service and humility
TEG:-One debatable issue in education today is about
double promotion for students, what is your view on this? Good or bad
Ans:- I strongly believe children should not be rushed
through school. Kids should be allowed to learn at their pace and to go through
the natural process of maturing without undue pressure from adults. There's no
point skipping a class. That's a whole year's scheme of work left undone in the
child's life. Children should pass through every class including primary six.
TEG:- Finally, Your advice for old, young and upcoming
teachers
Ans:- Older teachers should not relent on their efforts
to keep developing themselves. They should become role models and mentors to
the younger and upcoming teachers.
To the
younger teachers, be encouraged to make a full time career of teaching. Give it
your all and be all out to develop yourself and make a difference. Teaching has
been redefined and not be looked down on. It's up to you.
Upcoming
teachers, the sky shouldn't be your limit. Keep aiming higher. Develop your
philosophy of teaching and define your niche
TEG:- Thanks very much for your time. We appreciate
You're-
welcome.
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