On October 19, YK Pao School’s fourth annual ‘Sprout Cup’ training event for teaching assistants officially launched. The ceremony was attended by our teaching assistants and hosted by Ms Grace Wang. Also on hand to lend their support was the TA management team. Mentors Madam Ni Guyin and Ms Yin Guofang served as ‘Sprout Cup’ advisors, sharing their personal experiences and encouraging our aspiring teachers.
The opening ceremony was serious yet warm, and after our mentors had greeted each of the TA’s, Ms Grace gave an introduction to the ‘Sprout Cup’ event to participants, explaining its roots, purpose as well as its rules. Crick Chen, Deputy Executive Principal and head of TA management, clarified that the ‘Sprout Cup’ was not a competition, and will not used for job promotion purposes. Rather, it is a showcase for teaching assistants, as well as an opportunity to reflect on their learning. She stressed that the panel will not be evaluating lesson plans, teaching content or teaching skills when assessing a TA’s teaching performance. Instead, the main focal points will be on the TA’s use of language, teaching capacity, interaction with students, as well as the TA’s commitment – the ability to ‘see’ the students.
Headmistress Ni Guyin, with her 60 years of experience in education, has spent a great deal of time with students. Known for her upmost sincerity and cheerful disposition, she welcomed Pao School’s teachers with the simplest of words, instantly easing the tension in the room and doing away with the sense of hierarchy that often exists between young people and senior headmasters: ‘I’m so happy to see all of you.’ Ms Ni began recounting the unforgettable and memory-filled story of her teaching career, which began at the age of 18. To this day, she even remembers her students, some of which she had taught several decades ago, by name, leaving everyone astounded. Having dedicating her life to education, Ms Ni explained the importance of focus and determination to one’s purpose. Ms Ni also gave three suggestions to TA’s: set goals; know the curriculum and teaching objectives; and, when in the classroom, learn what it takes to to be in the classroom.
Frank and forthright, Ms Yin explained that as part of YK Pao School’s tradition, many of our outstanding teachers began as TA’s, and that one must be self-motivated, self-reliant and independently become the expert at their own craft. She hopes that TA’s will see Pao School and ‘Sprout Cup’ as valuable learning opportunities and make full use of both resources.
The Pao School community is looking forward to hearing about its TA’s accomplishments in the near future!
