The Unlikely Teacher

Episode 1: "When We Met Durojaiye Ibrahim"

We meet a man named Durojaiye Ibrahim, better known as Jay. 🧑🏾‍🌾 A young man in his early 20s, Jay is a half-Yoruba and half-Hausa blend, with an interesting twist—his grandfather was American 🇺🇸. Growing up with a rich heritage, Jay’s father, Ali Ibrahim, is a successful Hausa farmer, well-known in his community for owning vast farms and managing livestock 🐄.

But Jay, despite his father’s successful farming empire, has always struggled with the path set before him. He didn’t want to take over the family business. Instead, he wanted to carve his own way in the world. Ali, however, is still very much active in the business, so he can’t inherit it yet.

His mother, Toluwa (a calm, supportive woman), has no job either, so Jay doesn’t feel like he can turn to her for help in finding a direction. The pressure is on. 💼

After finishing his university studies at the age of 20, where he majored in Agriculture, Jay found himself in an endless search for work. With his academic qualifications, he felt it was time to start his own journey, but nothing seemed to align. Farming wasn’t what he wanted, and the world outside was much bigger. 🌍

Job Search Madness:

Jay tried his luck at various job interviews, but none of them clicked. One day, he found a job opening for a waiter at a nearby restaurant, and although he had little to no experience, he still applied. After a quick rejection, Jay realized that maybe he wasn’t cut out for the traditional 9-to-5 world...yet. 😕

But then, something caught his eye: a school in Benin City, Edo State, called Riverside Academy. He wasn’t sure if he would fit in, but it was a last resort, so he decided to give it a try. 😅

At Riverside Academy:

Jay walked into the principal's office at Riverside Academy. The principal, a sharp and confident woman named Mrs. Adebayo, looked up from her desk as he entered. Her piercing gaze met Jay's with a calm, professional smile. 👩🏽‍🏫

Mrs. Adebayo: “So, you're here to apply for a job?”

Jay nodded, trying his best to appear confident, even though his heart was pounding. She handed him a job application form, and with a polite smile, she said:

Mrs. Adebayo: “Fill this out and bring it back to me. We’ll see if you’re the right fit for our school.” 📝

Jay took the form and sat down, filling in all the necessary details. He tried to be quick but thorough, carefully considering what to write for each section.

Form Filling Scene:

Name: Durojaiye Ibrahim

Age: 20

Qualification: BSc in Agriculture

Work Experience: None

Reason for Applying: Seeking a job where I can grow and contribute to the education sector while exploring other interests.

After finishing the form, Jay stood up and smiled nervously. He handed the completed application to Mrs. Adebayo.

Mrs. Adebayo looked at the form, glanced at Jay, and smiled warmly.

Mrs. Adebayo: “We’ll get back to you soon. Thank you for applying.” 😊

Jay left the office, his heart racing but with a sense of hope flickering inside him for the first time in weeks.

To Be Continued... 🌟

What do you think? Is this the vibe you're aiming for? I made sure to keep it light, humorous, and reflective of Jay’s laid-back, uncertain yet determined nature.

The Unlikely Teacher

Episode 2: "The Interview with Miss Adebayo"

Jay’s Preparation:

The day had come. Jay was about to head to Riverside Academy for his interview with Miss Adebayo. Although his heart was still pounding from the uncertainty of his future, he had to look the part. After all, first impressions mattered.

Jay stared at his wardrobe. He quickly picked out a blue checked shirt, a pair of black trousers, and some formal shoes—enough to make him look professional without trying too hard. He didn’t want to come off as too stiff. 💼✨

He stepped out of the house and got into his old, reliable car—a hand-me-down from his father. He drove through the streets of Benin City, past the busy markets and winding roads. With every bump on the road, his nerves seemed to increase.

Finally, he pulled up to Riverside Academy. The school stood tall, with a large iron gate in front, and the greenery surrounding it gave the place an air of serenity and professionalism. Jay took a deep breath and parked his car in the staff parking lot. He stepped out, adjusting his shirt and running a hand through his hair.

He walked towards the administration block, where he was supposed to meet Miss Adebayo. The office was located on the second floor, and as he walked in, he felt the coolness of the air conditioning and the calm atmosphere of the school.

The Interview:

He entered Miss Adebayo’s office, where she was already seated behind her desk. The principal was a poised, well-groomed woman in her early 40s. She looked at Jay and smiled, gesturing for him to sit.

Miss Adebayo: “Welcome, Mr. Ibrahim. I’m glad you could make it. Please, have a seat.”

Jay smiled and sat down, feeling his heart race, but he tried to keep his composure.

Miss Adebayo: “So, I see that you’ve applied for a teaching position. Can you tell me a bit about yourself and what led you to choose this path?”

Jay: “Well, Miss Adebayo, my name is Durojaiye Ibrahim. I studied Agriculture in university. My father’s a farmer, and I grew up around the business. But I realized that wasn’t really my calling. I’ve always had an interest in teaching and wanted to make an impact, especially in the lives of younger people. So, I decided to apply for this position. I want to be someone who shapes minds and helps students grow.”

Miss Adebayo: “That’s an interesting story, Mr. Ibrahim. But why did you specifically choose to teach Agriculture, Physical Education, and Social Studies?”

Jay: “Agriculture is in my blood, so it felt natural for me to pursue that subject. As for PHE and Social Studies, I’ve always enjoyed sports and social sciences. I believe those subjects are critical in shaping a well-rounded individual. They teach discipline, teamwork, and awareness of the world around us.”

Miss Adebayo: “That’s a thoughtful answer, Mr. Ibrahim. Now, tell me, what motivates you to be a teacher? Why not go into another field?”

Jay: “I want to make a real difference. I’ve seen how education can change lives—how a single teacher can influence someone’s future. That’s what keeps me motivated. It’s about creating opportunities for young people to grow and discover who they are.”

The Test:

After a few more questions about his teaching philosophy and approach to managing a classroom, Miss Adebayo handed Jay a set of sample questions. The questions were designed to test his knowledge of the subjects he would be teaching: Agriculture, Physical Education, and Social Studies.

Agriculture Questions:

Explain the process of crop rotation and why it is important in sustainable farming.

Jay’s Answer: “Crop rotation involves planting different crops in the same field each season to preserve soil fertility and reduce pest buildup. It’s important because it ensures the land remains productive and helps in controlling diseases that affect specific crops.”

(Correct answer) ✅

What is the difference between irrigation and drainage in farming?

Jay’s Answer: “Irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops artificially, while drainage refers to the removal of excess water from the soil.”

(Correct answer) ✅

Physical Education Questions:

What are the basic principles of training in sports?

Jay’s Answer: “The basic principles are overload, progression, specificity, and recovery. Overload means increasing intensity gradually. Progression is the process of increasing difficulty over time. Specificity refers to tailoring the training to the sport, and recovery ensures the body has time to heal.”

(Correct answer) ✅

Explain the concept of teamwork in sports and why it is important.

Jay’s Answer: “Teamwork in sports means working together to achieve a common goal. It’s important because it builds trust, improves communication, and allows each member to contribute to the overall success of the team.”

(Correct answer) ✅

Social Studies Questions:

What is the importance of learning history in the modern world?

Jay’s Answer: “Learning history helps us understand our past and how it shapes the present. It teaches us lessons from past mistakes and successes, giving us a better perspective on current events.”

(Correct answer) ✅

Define cultural diversity and explain why it’s important in society.

Jay’s Answer: “Cultural diversity refers to the variety of cultures within a society. It’s important because it fosters tolerance, promotes understanding, and enriches the social fabric by exposing people to different perspectives and traditions.”

(Correct answer) ✅

Miss Adebayo reviewed the answers and nodded. Then, she asked Jay for his exam records from university to see his grades. Jay handed her a copy of his transcript.

Jay’s Exam Results

Agriculture: B+

Physical Education: A

Social Studies: A

Other Subjects: Mostly B and B+

Miss Adebayo smiled and looked up at Jay.

Miss Adebayo: “Your academic record is impressive, and your answers to the questions were solid. We’re very impressed with you, Mr. Ibrahim.”

She paused for a moment before continuing.

Miss Adebayo: “We’ve decided to offer you a position here at Riverside Academy as a Primary 2 Class Teacher. You’ll also be teaching Physical Education and Social Studies for Year 3 to Year 5. Welcome to the team!” 🌟

Jay couldn’t believe it. He had just landed his first teaching job, and it was all starting to feel real.

To Be Continued... 🌱

What do you think? Is the tone and structure working well for you?

The Unlikely Teacher

Episode 3: "The First Day in Class"

Jay’s Morning Routine:

It was a bright Monday morning, and Jay had prepared himself for his first official day of teaching. He was still getting used to the idea of being a teacher and had a nervous excitement bubbling in his chest.

Jay stood in front of his mirror, adjusting his Barcelona shirt with number 14—a tribute to his idol, Johan Cruyff. He had paired it with black trousers and his comfortable sneakers, looking casual yet ready for the day. As he checked his phone for the last time, he made sure he had his scheme of work in hand, ready to go. He placed it in his bag, grabbed his red pen, and set out for the school.

Arriving at Riverside Academy:

Jay drove through the busy streets of Benin City to Riverside Academy, feeling a mix of anxiety and determination. Once he parked and entered the school, he went straight to the Vice Principal’s office.

The Vice Principal, Mr. Oladipo, a calm and collected man in his 40s, looked up as Jay entered.

Mr. Oladipo: “Good morning, Mr. Ibrahim. Miss Adebayo would like to see your Scheme of Work for the first month. Could you please submit it to me so I can give it to her?”

Jay handed over his completed Scheme of Work for Physical Education (PHE) and Social Studies for Years 3 to 5.

Jay’s Scheme of Work

Physical Education (PHE) - Week 1 to Week 4

Year 3:

Week 1: Introduction to Teamwork - Activities to promote cooperation and coordination. 🏃‍♂️

Week 2: Basic Motor Skills - Running, jumping, and throwing exercises.

Week 3: Games and Fair Play - Introduction to basic rules of common sports. ⚽

Week 4: Simple Fitness Challenges - Running, jumping, and agility drills. 🏅

Year 4:

Week 1: Introduction to Team Sports - Soccer basics, passing and shooting.

Week 2: Health and Fitness - Importance of physical exercise. 🏋️

Week 3: Hand-Eye Coordination Games - Fun activities to improve coordination.

Week 4: Competitive Games - Organize friendly sports matches.

Year 5:

Week 1: Physical Endurance - Running long distances and stamina-building exercises.

Week 2: Teamwork and Communication - Group sports and strategy discussions.

Week 3: Advanced Skills in Soccer - Tackling, defending, and positioning.

Week 4: Review of All Skills Learned - Competitive mini-tournament. 🏆

Social Studies - Week 1 to Week 4

Year 3:

Week 1: Introduction to Social Studies - Understanding the community and our roles. 🌍

Week 2: Family Structures - Types of families and their roles in society.

Week 3: Cultural Diversity - Exploring Nigeria’s diverse cultures.

Week 4: Nigerian History - Key figures and events that shaped our nation.

Year 4:

Week 1: Geography of Nigeria - States, capitals, and landmarks.

Week 2: Communities and Their Roles - The importance of community in development. 🏘

Week 3: Economic Activities - Agriculture, mining, and industry in Nigeria.

Week 4: Leadership and Government - How Nigeria is governed.

Year 5:

Week 1: Natural Resources - Importance and sustainable use.

Week 2: Nigerian Heritage - Festivals, traditions, and historical sites. 🎉

Week 3: Citizenship and Rights - What makes a good citizen.

Week 4: National Unity - The importance of peace and unity in Nigeria.

Heading to Class:

Once Jay handed over his scheme, he made his way to Year 2, his first stop of the day. As he walked to the classroom, he spotted a female teacher in the corridor who handed him two markers and a red pen for teaching.

Teacher: “Good luck, Mr. Jay! You’ll do great!” 😄

Jay thanked her and walked into Year 2B. The classroom was a warm mix of energy and curiosity as the students looked up at him with wide eyes. Jay stood at the front of the class, his markers in hand, ready to introduce himself.

Jay: “Hello, everyone! My name is Mr. Jay. I won’t even dare tell you my age if you were thinking of it!” 😂

The students giggled, and Jay smiled.

Jay: “Okay, let’s go ahead and introduce ourselves. Tell me your name, your age, and one thing you love!”

Introductions by the Year 2B Students (10 students in total):

Ifeoma - "I’m Ifeoma, I’m 8, and I love playing with my dolls!"

Chijioke - "I’m Chijioke, I’m 7, and I love soccer!" ⚽

Emmanuella - "I’m Emmanuella, I’m 8, and I love singing!" 🎤

Oluwadamilola - "I’m Damilola, I’m 7, and I love drawing!" 🎨

David - "I’m David, I’m 8, and I love playing video games!" 🎮

Amira - "I’m Amira, I’m 7, and I love reading books!" 📚

Matthew - "I’m Matthew, I’m 8, and I love running!"

Titi - "I’m Titi, I’m 7, and I love playing with my puppy!" 🐶

Chinonso - "I’m Chinonso, I’m 8, and I love dancing!" 💃

Oluwatomiwa - "I’m Tomiwa, I’m 7, and I love swimming!" 🏊‍♂️

Jay took it all in, his heart warming as he got to know his students. After the introductions, it was time for assembly.

The Morning Assembly:

The bell rang, and all the students of Riverside Academy gathered in the assembly hall. Jay followed them down the stairs, feeling a sense of belonging as they filed in. The principal, Miss Adebayo, was at the front, giving her weekly announcements.

Miss Adebayo: “Good morning, students! I hope you all had a restful weekend. Let’s begin with our pledge!” 🇳🇬

The students stood up and recited the National Pledge in unison. Afterward, Miss Adebayo gave a brief motivational speech:

Miss Adebayo: “Remember, your education is a gift. Use it wisely to build your future. Let’s have a great week!”

The students cheered, and the assembly came to a close.

First Lesson - Year 3 PHE:

Jay checked his scheme of work for Physical Education for Year 3, and he saw that the topic for Week 1 was Introduction to Teamwork. He made his way to the classroom, excited to start his lesson.

When he entered the room, the Year 3 students were already seated and waiting. Jay smiled and started the class.

Jay: “Hello, everyone! I’m Mr. Jay, and today we’re going to learn about teamwork. Teamwork is all about working together with your friends to achieve something great. Can anyone tell me why teamwork is important?”

A student raised their hand.

Student: “It helps us work faster and better!”

Jay: “Exactly! Working together means we can achieve more. Now, let’s play a game where we need to work as a team!”

Jay set up an activity where the students had to pass a ball to each other without dropping it. It was a fun, cooperative activity that got everyone involved. He encouraged them to communicate and support each other, reinforcing the importance of working as one.

As the lesson came to an end, Jay was satisfied with how it went.

Jay: “Great job, everyone! Remember, teamwork makes the dream work! See you next time!”

To Be Continued... 🌟

Is this what you had in mind for the episode? Let me know if you'd like any adjustments! 😊