By Terikya Duncan
“My name is Terikya Duncan, and I have been teaching ICT and Entrepreneurship to S.4, S.5, and S.6 students at Kisiki College for 14 years. Since 2021, I have also taken on additional responsibilities as a nominated District Education Leader (DEL). Before joining the STiR Teacher Changemaker Development Program (TCMDP), I was complacent, believing I had everything figured out. However, my students’ poor academic performance made me realise the need for change.
Discovering the Growth Mindset Approach
The program introduced me to growth mindset strategies that encouraged creativity and adaptability in my teaching. This shift not only enhanced my personal growth but also emphasised the importance of fostering a supportive environment for my students. I learned to implement practices such as allowing extra time for struggling students, praising their efforts, and promoting collaboration through group work. These changes transformed the dynamics of my classroom, leading to significant improvements in both student performance and enthusiasm, which pleasantly surprised me.
Improved Student Outcomes
I have been teaching subsidiary ICT for some time. Before fully engaging with the Changemaker activities, only 50% of my students passed, while the rest struggled. However, since joining the program in 2018, my students’ results have greatly improved:
- 2018: 64 students taught; 57 passed with a C3 or higher, 7 failed.
- 2019: 100 students taught; 90 passed.
- 2020: 84 students taught; 77 passed.
- 2022 & 2023: 98% of students passed the UNEB examinations.
I attribute this remarkable improvement to the knowledge, skills, and teaching practices I gained through the Changemaker program.
Recognition and Leadership as a District Education Leader
My dedication to continuous learning was recognised when the Namutumba ASSHU District Chairperson appointed me as a DEL. This acknowledgment has strengthened my leadership skills and elevated my role in training other teachers.
Transforming Teaching Practices
The approaches introduced by STiR are easy to implement and have revitalised our teaching practices, resulting in increased student engagement and motivation. I’ve learned that effective teaching is about inspiring a love for learning and fostering student success. At Kisiki College, I train fellow teachers during network meetings and collaborate with neighbouring schools to support their professional development. This collaboration promotes continuous improvement among educators, despite logistical challenges.
Collaboration and Broader Impact
My experience as a DEL has positioned me as a valuable resource for School Education Leaders (SELs) and district officials in coordinating STiR activities and broader school development initiatives. I am grateful for the strengthened relationships among school administrators, teachers, and district officials, as well as the continuous professional development opportunities provided by STiR Education. These have significantly reshaped our educational landscape.”
