Introduction

My name is Sacha Jn Baptiste Serieux and I have been a teacher for the last two years. I cannot in good faith say that teaching has been my childhood dream come true. I became a teacher because I was drawn to the prospect of greater job security within the public sector (specifically the Government Service) as compared to the private sector.

The last couple of years in this profession has been a very interesting one. The emotions that I have felt ranged from regret to bliss. Adjusting to the demands of being a teacher was a tremendous struggle, marked by several occasions when changing careers seemed to be the most sensible decision. My struggles included undisciplined students, unmotivated and unresponsive students, a lack of adequate resources, a lack of regulation and an inadequate remuneration package.

Nonetheless, theses were countered by occasions which brought me such joy and satisfaction that I could not imagine being anywhere else.

My perspective of the teaching profession has improved. I am now able to appreciate that although the financial benefit of being a teacher is insulting to say the least; being a teacher can be a very rewarding an inspiring experience for teachers who are qualified to teach. By means of my training, I am learning the technical expertise, creativity, sound judgment and insight required to educate my students well.

I chose to teach Modern Foreign Languages and English and English Literature because I love and have a deep appreciation for language. It annoys me tremendously that the lines of formality as regards the written and spoken forms of language are becoming blurred. It seems that persons are losing the value that they once placed on the intricacies language. We appear to be moving toward a 'universal language'. This trend is understandable because of globalization and mass communication, however the negative effects are undeniable. One such negative result is the merging of English Language and English Literature in the Secondary School syllabus. Through my teaching of the languages, more specifically English Language and English Literature, I intend to encourage and help my students to develop an intrinsic appreciation for all elements of language, as well as to hone their literacy skills.

My ENG 203 portfolio will be posted primarily via this medium. It will consist of my reflections on the material, discussions and activities covered in my course. The portfolio will serve as a documented reminder to me of my progress, as well as an avenue for others to learn from my course content, personal experiences and to share their own. It will hopefully lead to a spirited interchange of ideas, for the duration of my course on the Teaching of Adolescent Literature.