Erasmus Job Shadowing at LYordan Yovkov, Burgas, Bulgaria June 02 – 06 2025
Written by: Abdorreza Panahi
This report details the job shadowing activities undertaken by Abdorreza Panahi during a one-week immersion program at Yordan Yovkov School from June 2nd to June 6th, 2025. The primary objective of this experience was to gain a holistic understanding of the daily operations within an educational institution, with a particular emphasis on pedagogical practices and the intricate interplay between administrative functions and academic delivery.
Supporting Headteacher’s Management Activities
My time at Yordan Yovkov School began with an invaluable opportunity to observe and assist in the headteacher’s management activities. This aspect of the job shadowing provided crucial insights into the strategic and operational leadership required to steer an educational institution. The headteacher’s role extends far beyond mere supervision; it encompasses visionary planning, resource allocation, and a deep understanding of educational policy and its practical implementation.
Each morning commenced with a brief debriefing session, during which the headteacher outlined the day’s priorities and challenges. These sessions often involved discussions about student welfare, staff development initiatives, curriculum adjustments, and upcoming school events.
A significant portion of my time was also dedicated to understanding the daily operational rhythm of the school from a leadership perspective. This included observing how unexpected issues, such as a sudden staff absence or a minor infrastructure problem, were addressed swiftly and efficiently to minimise disruption to learning.
Participation in Teaching Activities: Physics, Mathematics, and IT
The core of my job shadowing experience was undoubtedly the immersion in teaching activities across Physics, Mathematics, and IT. With three lessons a day, this provided an intensive and comprehensive insight into contemporary pedagogical approaches and classroom management strategies. My involvement transcended mere observation; I actively participated, offering support to students and teachers alike.
Physics Lessons
I observed and assisted in classes ranging from introductory concepts in mechanics to more advanced topics in electromagnetism. In a Year 9 Physics class, for example, the lesson focused on Newton’s Laws of Motion. I helped the teacher set up a small experiment demonstrating inertia, assisting students in collecting data and guiding them through the calculations. This hands-on approach was incredibly effective in solidifying theoretical understanding. I noticed the teacher’s emphasis on inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to ask questions and formulate hypotheses rather than simply memorizing facts. My role here was to circulate among the students, answering individual queries, providing clarification on concepts, and ensuring that all students were actively engaged in the experimental process.
In a Year 11 Physics class studying electrical circuits, I assisted with demonstrations involving multimeters and oscilloscopes. I helped students troubleshoot their circuit designs and interpret their readings. I also had the opportunity to explain complex concepts, such as Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Laws, in simpler terms to students who were struggling. The teacher skillfully incorporated real-world examples into the lessons, linking theoretical physics to everyday phenomena, which significantly enhanced student engagement. I actively participated in group work sessions, facilitating discussions and ensuring that all members contributed equally. This experience reinforced the idea that effective Physics teaching requires not only a deep understanding of the subject matter but also the ability to make abstract concepts tangible and relevant.
IT Lessons
Carrying Out Administrative Activities in the Secretarial Office and Front Office
Beyond the classroom, a significant portion of my job shadowing was dedicated to understanding the administrative backbone of the school. In the secretarial office, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the administrative processes involved in managing student records. This included observing how student admissions are processed, how attendance records are meticulously maintained, and how academic progress reports are prepared and disseminated. I assisted with data entry, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality in handling sensitive student information. I also learned about the procedures for managing school correspondence, including incoming and outgoing mail, emails, and important notices to parents. This involved organising documents, maintaining filing systems, and ensuring timely communication.
A significant aspect of my time in the secretarial office was observing the coordination of school events and meetings. I saw firsthand how schedules were managed, invitations sent, and resources allocated for various school activities, from parent-teacher conferences to school-wide assemblies. This provided insight into the meticulous planning and coordination required to execute these events seamlessly. I also gained an appreciation for the administrative staff’s role in supporting teachers with their daily needs, such as photocopying materials, preparing classroom resources, and managing the inventory of supplies. The ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities simultaneously was a key skill demonstrated by the secretarial staff. I also learned about the school’s communication protocols, observing how important announcements were disseminated to the school community through various channels.
This job shadowing has provided a robust foundation for understanding the intricate world of education. It has been a privilege to learn from such dedicated professionals and observe firsthand the commitment to excellence that permeates every aspect of the school.
Last but not least, I deeply appreciate the help and support of AIC and Mr. Steve’s kind assistance before and during this Erasmus trip, which included providing helpful suggestions and information for all aspects of the program.
Written by: Abdorreza Panahi
Avicenna International College, Budapest
08. June. 2025