School started on Tuesday and I gotta say.. it's going very well! I love it! I was a bit shocked or taken back when it turned out that I would have to teach some middle school classes. I haven't taught kids below Grade 11 in ages and so I was a tad nervous when I found that I would be encountering 12 and 13 year olds on a daily basis. eeeek! However, so far I am loving my job!
Right now I'm teaching English or Language to Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 10, Grade 12 and then a Grade 12 High Level Literature course. It's really busy but I'm totally into it. My high level lit class is the one that freaks me out the most. These kids are intense and some of them are applying to very prestigious universities. I wonder how in the world I'll be able to help them.. I have never felt like such a fraud. The good thing with that is that I have also never felt so inspired to pour my heart and soul into my work. The even better thing is that I have received so much encouragement and support from my English Department that I'm okay with all the stress and pressure. It's a very happy situation.
I'm working closely with one teacher who is phenomenal. Her students have gotten into Oxford and Cambridge and she is the epitome of a brilliant English teacher. She's the kind of teacher that I wish I had. Anyway we are both teaching a section of the high level lit class which means we meet and discuss and collaborate quite frequently. I have learned so much from her already. Next Friday we are having a speaker from the Globe Theatre in London come to talk to the class about Hamlet and then later we're off to see it performed in a castle somewhere.
The younger grades are really quite fun to teach. The kids are enthusiastic and it's a nice break after dissecting Blake or Donne.. I think it will be okay.
The overall vibe of the school is fantastic. Everyone is happy to be there and everyone knows that it's one of the best schools in Germany. The kids are high quality and interesting and engaged and the problems are few and far between. It's quite well organized and resourced and there is a lot of freedom with being in Europe. The field trip rosters are incredible! We have quite a few authors coming to speak to the kids and are able to get our hands on some pretty cool things... including interactive white boards.. but I won't bore you with tech talk. The point is.. this is a good place!
So as of right now.. I love my job! I love Germany and I'm starting to love my flat. (I did a big IKEA shop on Monday and bought a bed.. which I assembled myself.. and my crate of worldly goods arrives tomorrow.. so then I'll be a little more settled). I've also signed up for German lessons.. which start in September so I'm on my way!
2 comments:
Wow! The adventures never cease with you! What a challenge teaching 7s and 12s... This will stretch you, but it will be good for your students and for you. Perspective is always a useful thing. Those immature Grade 7s are actually quite sweet and obedient... and they will eventually be mature Grade 12s... and those annoying Grade 12s were once a lot worse... Oh how far they come!
It is great that you have solid colleagues to work with.
I am just beginning to think seriously about my school year firing up. Anyway, blessings to you as your year unfolds.
Sounds like you have settled in great! Teaching Middle Schoolers would make me go "EEK", too. lol I am so happy that this transition is going smoothly for you!! Enjoy learning German!
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