Monday morning and I am sitting around not doing a whole lot. I´ve printed out all of my class rules and handbooks and put them in for copying so I´ll have them the first day. My emergency substitute plans are in and my start-of-year diagnostic exams are ready.
Unfortunately, administration is still locked up trying to put out a schedule. They still haven´t published any class rosters (and 1st Course, the equivalent of US 7th Grade starts tomorrow). They are also painting my classroom, again. They spent the weekend ripping out my wall, replacing it and newly mounting my brand-spanking new whiteboard. The fumes are eye-watering so there is no working there.
In short, I have literally nothing to do at the moment except wait. Once the actual schedule, and especially the class rosters are published then it will be super-hectic getting everything settled, but until then I am blogging and doing some work on my online class I am taking.
Cheers!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Paint, Meetings and Termites
Colegio Americano is abuzz with activity as we try to get everything ready for students next week. Everything is getting a fresh coat of paint, last minute repairs are being made.
In the middle of this some workmen come into my classroom. They are there to replace my old, wall-mounted whiteboards. Cool! Only one problem, it seems the old Whiteboards were all that were containing a massive next of termites.
It runs about 15 meters long by about 3 meters high along the wall behind my desk.
In several places I can push my arm through and wave at the people in the next room (an administration office). So basically they have three days to repair the entire wall by the time classes start next Wednesday.
Meanwhile, all the teachers and administrators are busy sorting through all the paperwork and planning you have to do just to get started in a year.
Here is an exterior view of my classroom, with workers raking, painting, repairing desks and who knows what else.
Hopefully all of this chaos will be finished come student time, and we can look like a nice, tranquil school again.
In the middle of this some workmen come into my classroom. They are there to replace my old, wall-mounted whiteboards. Cool! Only one problem, it seems the old Whiteboards were all that were containing a massive next of termites.
It runs about 15 meters long by about 3 meters high along the wall behind my desk.
In several places I can push my arm through and wave at the people in the next room (an administration office). So basically they have three days to repair the entire wall by the time classes start next Wednesday.
Meanwhile, all the teachers and administrators are busy sorting through all the paperwork and planning you have to do just to get started in a year.
Here is an exterior view of my classroom, with workers raking, painting, repairing desks and who knows what else.
Hopefully all of this chaos will be finished come student time, and we can look like a nice, tranquil school again.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
International vs International
There is International Teaching, and then there is international teaching. Today has been a solid lesson in the difference between the two.
A quick explanation - for decades international teaching primarily meant teaching in a school that had mostly Native-English speaking teachers, teaching a Western (US or UK) type of curriculum to mostly international students of diplomatic families or business expatriates. In many ways it would be like teaching back home, including good support mechanisms.
In recent years there has been a vast expansion of local schools who are offering an English-language program to local students and hire a few foreign teachers to round out the language expertise and provide educational expertise not readily available through local teachers.
Lisa teaches in an INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL. I teach in an international school. That's not bad, per se, but it is vastly different.
For example, we are back from vacation break and are preparing for students to return this week. I was never sent a contact to tell me a schedule for first week activities, transportation, when I should be there, nothing. I ended up calling the HR office to find out when the expresso would pick me up.
On Monday we were first told there would be a meeting at 8:30, then it was pushed back to 11:00. We were told the next few days we would have some workshops, but no schedule was put out. We were told we needed to write up our syllabus for our classes and have them in by Friday, but we didn't find out what the breakdown in classes/grade levels would be until today (Wednesday). We also didn't get out textbooks until today so we could see what we are supposed to be teaching. Today I sat through most of a 7-hour presentation on Special Education (in Spanish, not English for the foreign hires). A couple of new teachers we have are all bug-eyed. They had expected to simply be handed books, curriculum and syllabus and go for it. No such luck here.
Of course, that is part of the charm at teaching at a school like this. You aren't told what to teach, because frankly, the local educators really don't know what to teach. That's why they hired the foreign teacher. For a teacher who likes to teach their own way, with a minimal of school restrictions, this is paradise.
Of course, if you are in a position of needing a lot of direction and hand-holding, this type of a job is probably not for you.
Me, I love it. After the end of the day, I stood chatting with one of our new teachers, Wilhamena from Holland (who speaks 9 languages, 3 fluently), as we chatted about the day and watched a three foot iguana chow down on some leaves about ten feet from us. Can't get these experiences standing on the street in front of your school, I'd wager.
A quick explanation - for decades international teaching primarily meant teaching in a school that had mostly Native-English speaking teachers, teaching a Western (US or UK) type of curriculum to mostly international students of diplomatic families or business expatriates. In many ways it would be like teaching back home, including good support mechanisms.
In recent years there has been a vast expansion of local schools who are offering an English-language program to local students and hire a few foreign teachers to round out the language expertise and provide educational expertise not readily available through local teachers.
Lisa teaches in an INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL. I teach in an international school. That's not bad, per se, but it is vastly different.
For example, we are back from vacation break and are preparing for students to return this week. I was never sent a contact to tell me a schedule for first week activities, transportation, when I should be there, nothing. I ended up calling the HR office to find out when the expresso would pick me up.
On Monday we were first told there would be a meeting at 8:30, then it was pushed back to 11:00. We were told the next few days we would have some workshops, but no schedule was put out. We were told we needed to write up our syllabus for our classes and have them in by Friday, but we didn't find out what the breakdown in classes/grade levels would be until today (Wednesday). We also didn't get out textbooks until today so we could see what we are supposed to be teaching. Today I sat through most of a 7-hour presentation on Special Education (in Spanish, not English for the foreign hires). A couple of new teachers we have are all bug-eyed. They had expected to simply be handed books, curriculum and syllabus and go for it. No such luck here.
Of course, that is part of the charm at teaching at a school like this. You aren't told what to teach, because frankly, the local educators really don't know what to teach. That's why they hired the foreign teacher. For a teacher who likes to teach their own way, with a minimal of school restrictions, this is paradise.
Of course, if you are in a position of needing a lot of direction and hand-holding, this type of a job is probably not for you.
Me, I love it. After the end of the day, I stood chatting with one of our new teachers, Wilhamena from Holland (who speaks 9 languages, 3 fluently), as we chatted about the day and watched a three foot iguana chow down on some leaves about ten feet from us. Can't get these experiences standing on the street in front of your school, I'd wager.
Monday, March 23, 2009
D-Day
Sorry - I had to use D-Day as the headline here. I have substituted for my wife's English Lit classes a time or two and the students know me for a history geek. Late last week they asked my wife to ask me what the "D" in "D-day" actually means. I should have said "look it up" but I couldn't resist.
Anyway, today is my back-to-school day. Teachers back and who knows what wonderful, professionally fulfilling meetings I will have over the next ten days (please note, that WAS sarcasm there). I know we have to do them, but it still makes for some long boring days I'd rather spend preparing my classroom.
Anyway, Lisa is off to school, and I have a few more minutes to shower and wait for my bus to get here (we do have to get to school an hour later this week, so that is something). So ta-ta and I'll blog you later.
Anyway, today is my back-to-school day. Teachers back and who knows what wonderful, professionally fulfilling meetings I will have over the next ten days (please note, that WAS sarcasm there). I know we have to do them, but it still makes for some long boring days I'd rather spend preparing my classroom.
Anyway, Lisa is off to school, and I have a few more minutes to shower and wait for my bus to get here (we do have to get to school an hour later this week, so that is something). So ta-ta and I'll blog you later.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Last meal before...
Yes, it is my last night of freedom before it is back to school. Actually, I am looking forward to it. I have a collection of great students for another year, and it always is a good thing to make new starts.
Of course, my first week at school will be a little odd. All the math and science and English teachers have their own thing going. Yet I teach Business and Marketing, so even in a school of 1600 students, my department consists of the department head (who teaches accounting and office procedures)and another teacher who teaches economics and a little marketing. I'm not sure the rest really know what I do.
Any way, I have far more boxes of stuff to take the school in only one trip, so I am organizing it to bring what I need first (office supplies, planners and the like) then bring my books and posters and whatever else over the next few days.
Of course, my first week at school will be a little odd. All the math and science and English teachers have their own thing going. Yet I teach Business and Marketing, so even in a school of 1600 students, my department consists of the department head (who teaches accounting and office procedures)and another teacher who teaches economics and a little marketing. I'm not sure the rest really know what I do.
Any way, I have far more boxes of stuff to take the school in only one trip, so I am organizing it to bring what I need first (office supplies, planners and the like) then bring my books and posters and whatever else over the next few days.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
EEK! Last Weekend!
Well, my eventful vacation is almost over. I am slaving away mightily trying to get last minute stuff done before I am back to school on Monday.
Today's mandatory requirements:
Help Lisa wash the dogs (eewww!)
Wash Laundry
Finish my online university class assignments for the week.
Tommorrow's Hope to Get Done List:
Complete packing of classroom supplies to bring on Monday and Tuesday.
Finish organizing my classroom Internet blogs for the upcoming year.
Do meal cooking so we don't have to cook a lot this next week.
Plus finish the hundred other little details I'd like to get done before I have students. Wish me luck!
Today's mandatory requirements:
Help Lisa wash the dogs (eewww!)
Wash Laundry
Finish my online university class assignments for the week.
Tommorrow's Hope to Get Done List:
Complete packing of classroom supplies to bring on Monday and Tuesday.
Finish organizing my classroom Internet blogs for the upcoming year.
Do meal cooking so we don't have to cook a lot this next week.
Plus finish the hundred other little details I'd like to get done before I have students. Wish me luck!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Living in Guayaquil
Had a person I was exchanging some emails with ask me a bunch of questions about living in Guayaquil. I thought I'd share his questions and my answers here.
How do the Ecuadorians on the street treat you?
Very, very good. Very friendly, and if you have any Spanish they love to ask you about the US (the taxi drivers will talk your ear off). However, it is a city of over 2mil people so it has its bad areas and crime issues. It has a fair amount of economic crime directed at foreigners (pickpockets and the like) but violent crime against foreigners is almost unknown. There are some poor beggars and street kids hustling money by selling sweets, but overall it is very good.
How is the food?
It is near the Pacific Ocean so heavy on seafood, ceviche is very popular. Typical [i]almuerzo[/i] (lunch) is a soup (they do them good here) served with rice, beans, a vegetable or salad, meat, fresh squeezed fruit juice and a postre (small dessert) for about $1.50. Comida Typica (typical food) is heavy on vegetables, fruits (they have about 20 different types of bananas and plantains). Chifas are their version of chinese food which serve fried rice and noodle dishes. There are also a wide range of western style restaurants - TGI Fridays, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Burger King, etc are everywhere if you need a fast food fix.
Cost of living?
This is a tough one. If you live mostly on the economy then it is very cheap. That means shopping mostly like the locals do and eating generally like an Ecuadorian - it is incredibly cheap. You could easily save 50-60% of your salary if you do that, and still travel and enjoy. However, meals at malls and chain restaurants like McDonalds etc are very expensive, while higher quality imported items are EXTREMELY expensive. So if you don't mind living on local resources (and Guayaquil is a fairly modern city) then COL is very low compared to your salary. Living like you are still in the States will become VERY costly.
Would it be easy to find a fully furnished/all bills paid apartment/condo/house that is near the campus/or near a bus line? How much for rent per month(US)?
We are in a very large townhome shared by 3 teachers for $580/mo, furnished (although we added a few things). plus utilities of about $75/month. It is very easy to get a fairly nice place on your own (with assistance from the school) in the $300 range in Urdesa or Kennedy Norte. Housing allowance is $400, so good deal.
How is the transportation system(city and country)?
Transportation is everywhere and extremely cheap but it is insane. Buses are everywhere, in fact any bus you want will almost certainly be along within 5 minutes, but there is no bus map so you simply have to ask until you find what linea works for you. Buses are cheap - $0.25 - but generally are crowded and dirty. Taxis are also everywhere, and you can go most places in town for $2-$5. Buses that go in between cites are also extremely frequent and cheap. You can pretty much go to any city in the country by bus for less than $15. Local air flights are convenient, but tend to be less reliable - $120 round trip between Quito and Guayaquil. Going to the Galapagos is VERY expensive.
How are the services: Internet, WiFi, electricity, telephone, water & sewage system, etc.
Mostly good but it is a Third World Country so there can be times of outages, especially during the rainy season of January-April. Water should not be drank, because of biologicals, but bottled water is widely available and relatively inexpensive. Local telephone service is very expensive. Most people have cell phones which is much cheaper, and do a lot of texting, which is even cheaper here. Many people, myself included, use VoIP providers like Skype because of the price. I can actually call the US for 10% the price of a call local $0.015/min US vs $0.12/min local Ecuador.
How do the Ecuadorians on the street treat you?
Very, very good. Very friendly, and if you have any Spanish they love to ask you about the US (the taxi drivers will talk your ear off). However, it is a city of over 2mil people so it has its bad areas and crime issues. It has a fair amount of economic crime directed at foreigners (pickpockets and the like) but violent crime against foreigners is almost unknown. There are some poor beggars and street kids hustling money by selling sweets, but overall it is very good.
How is the food?
It is near the Pacific Ocean so heavy on seafood, ceviche is very popular. Typical [i]almuerzo[/i] (lunch) is a soup (they do them good here) served with rice, beans, a vegetable or salad, meat, fresh squeezed fruit juice and a postre (small dessert) for about $1.50. Comida Typica (typical food) is heavy on vegetables, fruits (they have about 20 different types of bananas and plantains). Chifas are their version of chinese food which serve fried rice and noodle dishes. There are also a wide range of western style restaurants - TGI Fridays, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Burger King, etc are everywhere if you need a fast food fix.
Cost of living?
This is a tough one. If you live mostly on the economy then it is very cheap. That means shopping mostly like the locals do and eating generally like an Ecuadorian - it is incredibly cheap. You could easily save 50-60% of your salary if you do that, and still travel and enjoy. However, meals at malls and chain restaurants like McDonalds etc are very expensive, while higher quality imported items are EXTREMELY expensive. So if you don't mind living on local resources (and Guayaquil is a fairly modern city) then COL is very low compared to your salary. Living like you are still in the States will become VERY costly.
Would it be easy to find a fully furnished/all bills paid apartment/condo/house that is near the campus/or near a bus line? How much for rent per month(US)?
We are in a very large townhome shared by 3 teachers for $580/mo, furnished (although we added a few things). plus utilities of about $75/month. It is very easy to get a fairly nice place on your own (with assistance from the school) in the $300 range in Urdesa or Kennedy Norte. Housing allowance is $400, so good deal.
How is the transportation system(city and country)?
Transportation is everywhere and extremely cheap but it is insane. Buses are everywhere, in fact any bus you want will almost certainly be along within 5 minutes, but there is no bus map so you simply have to ask until you find what linea works for you. Buses are cheap - $0.25 - but generally are crowded and dirty. Taxis are also everywhere, and you can go most places in town for $2-$5. Buses that go in between cites are also extremely frequent and cheap. You can pretty much go to any city in the country by bus for less than $15. Local air flights are convenient, but tend to be less reliable - $120 round trip between Quito and Guayaquil. Going to the Galapagos is VERY expensive.
How are the services: Internet, WiFi, electricity, telephone, water & sewage system, etc.
Mostly good but it is a Third World Country so there can be times of outages, especially during the rainy season of January-April. Water should not be drank, because of biologicals, but bottled water is widely available and relatively inexpensive. Local telephone service is very expensive. Most people have cell phones which is much cheaper, and do a lot of texting, which is even cheaper here. Many people, myself included, use VoIP providers like Skype because of the price. I can actually call the US for 10% the price of a call local $0.015/min US vs $0.12/min local Ecuador.
Internet Scam Alert
ALERT * ALERT * ALERT
Here is another Internet Scam that preys on hopeful job seekers looking for an overseas teachers jobs.
It runs off several names :
jobs4teachers.com
GlobalESLJobs.com
PaidTEFLJobs.com (recently shut down by hosting company for fraudulent conduct)
is run by a guy supposedly named Harry Graber, who is supposedly working out of Germany, but in reality the IP addresses of the Internet Sites end up originating in either Nigeria or the Dominican Republic (bad news in itself). They offer a 24-hour customer assistance line.
They advertise high paying jobs with fantastic benefits. You are directed to fill in an application on line, then within 48 hours you receive an email such as this:
Dear Lisa:
Your application has been approved as of today. We checked all relevant
details in your application and everything looks fine with the information
you have provided. You definitely qualify for our Teacher Recruitment
Process. In less than ten minutes you could take the steps to changing
your life. Our recruitment process aims to ensure that the right teacher
reaches the right place.
Your Application has already been reviewed by some of our registered
employers and one school in particular is eager to get to know you right
away. This school is located in Paris, France - Reference number 5622.
Please find more information in the job list on our website.
The Job Placement Package includes:
-a guaranteed paid teaching job in a country of your choice.
Jobs4Teachers is associated with by far more than 600 reputable
Schools in 32 countries worldwide.
-Visa Processing and work permit. Our dedicated visa processing
team will walk you through this process every step of the way.
-Airport Pick-up and settling down. A Jobs4Teachers representative
will pick you up at the airport and help you to get settled into your life
as an English teacher.
Simply click the link below to follow up with the Placement Process:
http://www.jobs4teachers.org/teacherplacement/fee/index.php
You will be guided step by step through the entire process.
Sincerely Yours,
Gloria Weinberg
Teacher Support
Jobs4Teacher Support Team
Email: support@jobs4teachers.org
Web: http://www.jobs4teachers.org
Fax/Phone: +49-0-3221-1272059
Alte Landstrasse, Frankfurt, Germany
Copyright © 2002-2008 by Jobs4Teachers – Global job market for Teachers
When you contact them, you are told one school wants to interview you, but you need to forward a $45-$100 "application fee" before they can connect you with the school for the interview.
When you pay the fee, for some reason the "access code" for the interview doesn't work, and it continuously gets rescheduled, until you are requested to pay a higher fee, etc.
Remember, almost any Internet site that asks you to pay a "membership fee" or "application fee" to get an interview is a scam. Recruitment agencies get paid big fees FROM THE SCHOOLS to find good candidates.
Here is another Internet Scam that preys on hopeful job seekers looking for an overseas teachers jobs.
It runs off several names :
jobs4teachers.com
GlobalESLJobs.com
PaidTEFLJobs.com (recently shut down by hosting company for fraudulent conduct)
is run by a guy supposedly named Harry Graber, who is supposedly working out of Germany, but in reality the IP addresses of the Internet Sites end up originating in either Nigeria or the Dominican Republic (bad news in itself). They offer a 24-hour customer assistance line.
They advertise high paying jobs with fantastic benefits. You are directed to fill in an application on line, then within 48 hours you receive an email such as this:
Dear Lisa:
Your application has been approved as of today. We checked all relevant
details in your application and everything looks fine with the information
you have provided. You definitely qualify for our Teacher Recruitment
Process. In less than ten minutes you could take the steps to changing
your life. Our recruitment process aims to ensure that the right teacher
reaches the right place.
Your Application has already been reviewed by some of our registered
employers and one school in particular is eager to get to know you right
away. This school is located in Paris, France - Reference number 5622.
Please find more information in the job list on our website.
The Job Placement Package includes:
-a guaranteed paid teaching job in a country of your choice.
Jobs4Teachers is associated with by far more than 600 reputable
Schools in 32 countries worldwide.
-Visa Processing and work permit. Our dedicated visa processing
team will walk you through this process every step of the way.
-Airport Pick-up and settling down. A Jobs4Teachers representative
will pick you up at the airport and help you to get settled into your life
as an English teacher.
Simply click the link below to follow up with the Placement Process:
http://www.jobs4teachers.org/teacherplacement/fee/index.php
You will be guided step by step through the entire process.
Sincerely Yours,
Gloria Weinberg
Teacher Support
Jobs4Teacher Support Team
Email: support@jobs4teachers.org
Web: http://www.jobs4teachers.org
Fax/Phone: +49-0-3221-1272059
Alte Landstrasse, Frankfurt, Germany
Copyright © 2002-2008 by Jobs4Teachers – Global job market for Teachers
When you contact them, you are told one school wants to interview you, but you need to forward a $45-$100 "application fee" before they can connect you with the school for the interview.
When you pay the fee, for some reason the "access code" for the interview doesn't work, and it continuously gets rescheduled, until you are requested to pay a higher fee, etc.
Remember, almost any Internet site that asks you to pay a "membership fee" or "application fee" to get an interview is a scam. Recruitment agencies get paid big fees FROM THE SCHOOLS to find good candidates.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Quito Plane Crash
At 5:30 this evening a military plane carrying three military personnel, plus the spouse and child of one (what?) crashed into an apartment building near the Quito airport in a thick fog, killing two additional people on the ground. I'm wondering if I know any of them, since I have done so many Aviation English classes for a lot of military pilots and air traffic controllers here.
Here is a link to some video reports (this one in Spanish, but there is also access to some English reports.
Here is a link to some video reports (this one in Spanish, but there is also access to some English reports.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Sick Day
Oof - some crud is running around teaching circles. It hit Lisa last week and it has hit me hard today. I feel horrible. Doesn't it figure that I get sick the last few days of my vacation?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Gift Bag
There are students, and then there are students. Opened the front door this morning for Lisa to catch the morning expreso to her school. There was a little gift-bag type of thing sitting on the front porch. What is this? Inside is a bunch of papers and a note.
"Ms Evans, it is 10:45 at night. Sorry for the late hour but I wanted to turn these journals to you. I could not find your doorbell. The papers are in the bag. Sorry for the late hour."
Evidently Lisa told her classes that if they had late assignments turned in by yesterday, she would be able to grade them before grades had to be posted for report cards on Wednesday. Anything turned in today wasn't guaranteed to be graded in time. Of course, my question would be if credit can be given for an assignment turned into the teacher's home at 10:45 pm and still be counted "on time."
My opinion can not be expressed on a public board.
"Ms Evans, it is 10:45 at night. Sorry for the late hour but I wanted to turn these journals to you. I could not find your doorbell. The papers are in the bag. Sorry for the late hour."
Evidently Lisa told her classes that if they had late assignments turned in by yesterday, she would be able to grade them before grades had to be posted for report cards on Wednesday. Anything turned in today wasn't guaranteed to be graded in time. Of course, my question would be if credit can be given for an assignment turned into the teacher's home at 10:45 pm and still be counted "on time."
My opinion can not be expressed on a public board.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Meeting to Where?
Just had one of those fun get-togethers I love. Three young pilots who are hoping to get some advanced certification to be able to do international flights. They need to pass the English certification test. When in doubt, they are told to come see me, since I practically wrote the test here (actually, parts of it I did write).
Anyway, these meetings all go the same way. They explain what they need, a talk to them a little bit to get a feel for their English level. Then I tell them what it will cost. They say they want to do it, but don't pay. "We have to talk about the money" they say. This sometimes means they simply need to hit up relatives for it. Other times it means that there is no way in hell they can afford my fee and I never hear from them again.
So tentatively we start classes together on Monday, which just happens to be my first day back at Colegio Americano, which means that if it comes off I will be a very busy boy for a few weeks.
Anyway, these meetings all go the same way. They explain what they need, a talk to them a little bit to get a feel for their English level. Then I tell them what it will cost. They say they want to do it, but don't pay. "We have to talk about the money" they say. This sometimes means they simply need to hit up relatives for it. Other times it means that there is no way in hell they can afford my fee and I never hear from them again.
So tentatively we start classes together on Monday, which just happens to be my first day back at Colegio Americano, which means that if it comes off I will be a very busy boy for a few weeks.
NCLB Braniac Admits Failure
An article in the National Review seems to show Michael J. Petrilli, one of the major writers of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, and co-author of the book "No Child Left Behind: A Primer" has concluded the NCLB "as enacted is fundamentally flawed and beyond repair."
Among critical problems he cites:
The mandate of "highly qualified teachers" was a good idea, but the NCLB stated that local school authorities were in charge of defining what was highly qualified, leading to a "race to the bottom".
Schools have become "test-prep factories." They teach to the new standardized tests instead of developing real academic skills.
School choice laws are meaningless because there aren't enough really good schools, and no useful mechanism to improve poor schools.
He reportedly says that he still believes in the underlying theories that inspired the law, but that the mechanism of the NCLB is fatally flawed.
As for one who is a teacher, and has seen my wife teach in the "test-prep factories" of California...
DUH!
Among critical problems he cites:
The mandate of "highly qualified teachers" was a good idea, but the NCLB stated that local school authorities were in charge of defining what was highly qualified, leading to a "race to the bottom".
Schools have become "test-prep factories." They teach to the new standardized tests instead of developing real academic skills.
School choice laws are meaningless because there aren't enough really good schools, and no useful mechanism to improve poor schools.
He reportedly says that he still believes in the underlying theories that inspired the law, but that the mechanism of the NCLB is fatally flawed.
As for one who is a teacher, and has seen my wife teach in the "test-prep factories" of California...
DUH!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Barefoot Gringo
What fun. Lisa doesn't like to grade at home, because there are generally too many distractions for her to concentrate. So she heads out and asks me to check on our parakeet we keep on the front porch. No problem. She heads off and I see the bird's perch is askew. I spend some time straightening it, doing feed, and making the little girl comfortable. Then I turn to go in and see the front door is locked closed.
I am in my shorts, no shirt, no shoes, no keys, no cell. Lisa has just gone off to spend several hours grading.
Oh joy.
Nothing to it but to walk barefooted across the sizzling pavement (the equatorial sun is just blazing today) for three blocks, cross the main street of Victor Emilio Estrada to the little shopping center where Lisa normally goes to grade. First little restaurant, not there. I see her at the second place, through the window, but the guard at the door is not going to let a bare-footed, bare-chested guy come waltzing into the place. but I call out and Lisa hears me. She quickly sizes the situation up. She has a massive grin and says joyfully "I bet I know what happened!" as she dangles her keys in front of me.
So much fun, living in Ecuador, don't you think?
I am in my shorts, no shirt, no shoes, no keys, no cell. Lisa has just gone off to spend several hours grading.
Oh joy.
Nothing to it but to walk barefooted across the sizzling pavement (the equatorial sun is just blazing today) for three blocks, cross the main street of Victor Emilio Estrada to the little shopping center where Lisa normally goes to grade. First little restaurant, not there. I see her at the second place, through the window, but the guard at the door is not going to let a bare-footed, bare-chested guy come waltzing into the place. but I call out and Lisa hears me. She quickly sizes the situation up. She has a massive grin and says joyfully "I bet I know what happened!" as she dangles her keys in front of me.
So much fun, living in Ecuador, don't you think?
Saturday, March 14, 2009
American School of Guayaquil
At the suggestion of a few of my friends, I am going to start posting some reviews of international schools around the globe. I’ll start with the school where I currently teach.
Colegio Americano de Guayaquil
This picture is some international teachers at Colegio Americano, circa 2008
General Description:
The American School of Guayaquil is a K-12, bilingual IB school with 1500 students. It is located in the city of Guayaquil (Pacific Ocean port), Ecuador. It follows the IBO World School program. The campus itself is a lush spread of acreage, widely shaded by trees, and populated by several dozen large, fierce looking iguanas (don’t worry, they are vegetarians)! It is run by its own school board, and actually has numerous activities. It has a separately operated Pre-K facility, Primary School, Secondary School, and it’s own Blue Hill College, essentially a small, private business college that holds night classes on campus and that works in concert with several international universities.
The facilities are a bit of a dichotomy. The primary school, Pre-K to 6th Course (the equivalent of 6th Grade in the US) is housed in modern buildings with excellent facilities (the picture above was taken in the Primary School area). The secondary school, Courses 1st-6th (equivalent of 7th-12th Grade US) are in much older buildings. Classrooms are fairly spare. While there are five large computer labs and a well-stocked library, there are no computers in classrooms. There is free WiFi that covers most of the campus and there are three computers in the teacher’s lounge for use, so technologically Colegio Americano lags many upper international schools in this regard.
Academics:
Academics are in Spanish and English, depending on the program the students are in and the nationality/ability of the teacher. The school follows a broad IBO International Baccalaureate degree program for all secondary students, with international degrees available for English Literature, Social Studies, History, Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geography and others. Classes generally range in size from 25-35 students.
There are lots of extracurricular events, and teachers are expected to work several evening and Saturday functions without extra pay.
Students:
Students are generally from upper middle-class to upper class families. Most (about 97% are Ecuadorian with a few from other countries (Canada, South Korea and China, mostly).
Teachers:
Salaries for international hire teachers start at $16,000-$20,000/year depending on area of expertise and experience. The highest salaries tend to go to English Literature teachers. The salary is very high compared to what locals make, but it depends on how you live. Imported products are extremely high, but if you live mainly on local economy it is very cheap. Teachers can save about $700/month of their salary quite easily, $1000 or more if they are at the upper end of the pay scale or are a teaching couple.
Benefits include most of the standard items you expect for international schools including annual flights to home of record, 400$/Month housing allowance, assistance in finding housing, international health insurance (Clements), annual round-trip transportation, $450 excess baggage allowance, international courier service for letters, Spanish lessons (40 hours, basic Spanish), 3 staff polo shirts (optional).
Qualifications: Bachelor's, teaching certificate, appropriate experience and bi-cultural adaptability. Colegio Americano is not accredited under any international, US, UK or Canadian organizations, so they do sometimes consider uncertified teachers who have some teaching experience. You don’t need any Spanish, but a little helps. Being fairly competent in conversational Spanish is a huge help.
Guayaquil:
Guayaquil tends to be a love it/hate it type of place. It is Ecuador’s major port city, so it is heavily business oriented. At around 2 million people, it is also much larger than many think when they sign on. There are numerous Western-style Malls and a plethora of chain stores and restaurants like Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Burger King, Victoria’s Secret and many others. Right next to them might be a little hole-in-the-wall café that serves almuerzo (lunch) of soup, meat, vegetable, rice and a fruit juice for around $1.50 a person or less.
Gualaquil by itself has limited attractions. The shore-side Malecon 2000 is the main feature of the city, having 2.6 kilometers along the main estuary of shops, gardens, museums and Imax theaters. There are a wide range of concerts and special events that follow a typical latino taste. However one of the best parts of Guayaquil is its location. It is a short bus ride to the Pacific beaches of Las Playas, Salinas, and Ecuador’s famed Ruta del Sol. It is the main departure point to fly to the Galapagos Islands and it is conveniently placed to use as a springboard for trips to the Amazon Rain forest (Oriente) or the old Spanish Colonial cities of the Andes, Cuenca and Riobamba.
Like much of South America the police are largely corrupt and ineffective, and like most large cities there are a fairly large amount of property crimes against tourists and foreigners. However, if you are security conscious and aware you should have little problem. As an example, I have been in Ecuador three years and have never been the victim of a crime. Of course, I am a very big guy who keeps an eye on things. My wife, who is not nearly as aware as I am, has been pick pocketed three times during the same time.
Overall, Colegio Americano is a good place to cut your teeth in international teaching, or to use as a springboard to travel throughout South America.
Big Judge
A picture came back from the recent Senior Project event at InterAmerican Academy. This was taken while the three judges on my board were listening to the presentation of one of the applicants for Honors. I am the massive gringo on the right. Next to me in the background is Victoria Gallegos, a member of the school board. On the left is Dr. Piadad Saloman, the school medic.
The presentations were wonderful. One student described her several weeks of volunteering at a children's hospital emergency room - including one doctor having her put in stitches on a child's lacerated arm (?!?!?!?!?!) Another designed and made her own clothing line. A third went through the experience of putting a modeling portfolio together. Excellent projects and wonderful presentations.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Substituting
Lisa woke up sick today. In fact, when she called in she found that seven faculty members were out sick. So I got drug out of my bed early to sub for Lisa's classes. Hey! I'm supposed to be on vacation!
So I am now at InterAmerican Academy on a prep period doing a quick blog update. I teach five English Literature classes today, which is a nice change of pace from the Business and Social Studies I do. It is always fun to me to brush the dust off some old classics and discuss them with students. Right now, Lisa's classes are covering the following books (in class period order):
10th Grade - "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers
11th Grade - "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne
12 Grade AP English - "One day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" by Alexander Solzhenitsyn
8th Grade - "Hiroshima"
9th Grade - "Red Badge of Courage" by Stephen Crane
So fun teaching, but I had to get up sooooo early today!
So I am now at InterAmerican Academy on a prep period doing a quick blog update. I teach five English Literature classes today, which is a nice change of pace from the Business and Social Studies I do. It is always fun to me to brush the dust off some old classics and discuss them with students. Right now, Lisa's classes are covering the following books (in class period order):
10th Grade - "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers
11th Grade - "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne
12 Grade AP English - "One day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" by Alexander Solzhenitsyn
8th Grade - "Hiroshima"
9th Grade - "Red Badge of Courage" by Stephen Crane
So fun teaching, but I had to get up sooooo early today!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Robot Teacher for Japan
As if teachers are worried about their jobs enough as it is, now we have to beware of technology. It seems that a Japanese inventor has designed a robot to teach in Japanese Primary schools. Named Saha, the robot can take role, give lessons from a prepared text, even shows emotion. Of course, I am wondering how the robot will do answering questions like "Why does Johnny stand up when he goes pee" and chasing after young students who don't understand what they are supposed to do. See the full story about Saha, the robot teacher from Japan, here.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Racism in China - International Teaching
Just felt I had to share this as an example of where the world is despite all mankind has gone through. I am an international teacher and I am in the season of checking out overseas teaching positions to see if there is one I want to land in. My wife and I have been considering Asia for our next adventure.
I researched my way around to the largest teacher job site for China and nosed around. Over 2,700 positions available for foreign teachers. All right! Looks good. I opened up a number of listings and was astonished to see the same thing listed on each job posting as part of the minimum qualifications:
Whites only.
I checked to see if it was something I was misinterpreting and it turns out I wasn't. If you are Black, Creole or anything other than lilly-white English speaker the People's Republic of China does not want you teaching their children.
I know there is racism in America. We still have a long ways to go to be the society we ought to be. But I live and work in the Third World, and there is a constant reminder of how good we really have it in America.
I researched my way around to the largest teacher job site for China and nosed around. Over 2,700 positions available for foreign teachers. All right! Looks good. I opened up a number of listings and was astonished to see the same thing listed on each job posting as part of the minimum qualifications:
Whites only.
I checked to see if it was something I was misinterpreting and it turns out I wasn't. If you are Black, Creole or anything other than lilly-white English speaker the People's Republic of China does not want you teaching their children.
I know there is racism in America. We still have a long ways to go to be the society we ought to be. But I live and work in the Third World, and there is a constant reminder of how good we really have it in America.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sad Day
Some sad news. The three new born kittens all appeared to develop some sort of respiratory problem and they all died withing 48 hours of being born.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
International Day
My school, Colegio Americano, is truly not an international school in the strictest sense. It is, however, the type off the vast majority of "international schools" out in the world, the type that offer an English language medium curriculum to local students. Lisa's school on the other hand, InterAmerican Academy, is a true international school in that the students are primarily from the international community of Guayaquil. While Colegio Americano is about 98% Ecuadorian, InterAmerican is about 40% Americans, 40% other nationals and the remaining approximately 20% being students of local Ecuadorian families.
One great thing they do is have a great celebration every year on a Saturday, International Day, where they celebrate the diversity of their community. People show up in traditional dress, set up booths where they show off typical art and sell food from their countries. meanwhile there are lots of activities for children such as making Chinese paper crafts, Korean jump rope and many other things.
The food most in demand came from the Korean and Indian booths, with the booths of Ecuador and the USA following close behind. Lisa's 8th grade students had an activity where they had the smaller kids coloring in flags of their favorite countries. It was a sizzling hot day, but there was lots of fun times for all.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
New Kittens! Oh no!
Yesterday afternoon Beth had three kittens. Lisa is ecstatic. I am resigned to a household that now includes 6 felines, 5 dogs and a single terrified parakeet.
I need a drink.
(sigh)
I need a drink.
(sigh)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Running Around
Friday and I needed to get around and get a few things done. One of the great things about living overseas is that many places have much better transportation options than you typically have in the United States. Of course, "better" does depend on your point of view! If your idea of good is clean, quiet and comfortable, maybe not so much. Cheap and convenient? Then definitely so!
I left home around 2pm and walked the three short blocks to the bus stop (known as a parada here) and caught Linea 54 which goes to right in front of my school. I flagged down an ancient bus painted blue and white and paid my $0.25. The bus is grimy, noisy, with plastic seats that are filled. I am one of about a dozen that are standing as we huff down the road, driver laying on the horn at every opportunity. Fifteen minutes later I slither through the mass in the aisle and hop out of the bus. At Colegio Americano I drop of some documents to the HR department.
Then I’m back out to the street to hail a passing cab. It is an old Lada, about 18 years old and you can only open the passenger door from the inside. It is a fairly quick trip to Mall del Sol, a fairly modern, Western-style enclosed mall. The trip in the taxi costs $2.50. I do our weekly shopping at MegaMaxi – kind of an Ecuadorian equivalent of a SuperWalmart. Shop, and then grab another taxi home at another $3.00.
When school is in, my work provides an expreso which offers free rides to and from work. For most employees in Ecuador, where the minimum wage runs about $175 a month, this is an important benefit. Imagine working for $175 a month and you had to spend $25 on getting around?
Tomorrow I get to spend more time at Lisa’s school, they are having an international culture day and her 8th Graders are responsible for something or other. I’m coming along to lend whatever support and heavy lifting I can.
I left home around 2pm and walked the three short blocks to the bus stop (known as a parada here) and caught Linea 54 which goes to right in front of my school. I flagged down an ancient bus painted blue and white and paid my $0.25. The bus is grimy, noisy, with plastic seats that are filled. I am one of about a dozen that are standing as we huff down the road, driver laying on the horn at every opportunity. Fifteen minutes later I slither through the mass in the aisle and hop out of the bus. At Colegio Americano I drop of some documents to the HR department.
Then I’m back out to the street to hail a passing cab. It is an old Lada, about 18 years old and you can only open the passenger door from the inside. It is a fairly quick trip to Mall del Sol, a fairly modern, Western-style enclosed mall. The trip in the taxi costs $2.50. I do our weekly shopping at MegaMaxi – kind of an Ecuadorian equivalent of a SuperWalmart. Shop, and then grab another taxi home at another $3.00.
When school is in, my work provides an expreso which offers free rides to and from work. For most employees in Ecuador, where the minimum wage runs about $175 a month, this is an important benefit. Imagine working for $175 a month and you had to spend $25 on getting around?
Tomorrow I get to spend more time at Lisa’s school, they are having an international culture day and her 8th Graders are responsible for something or other. I’m coming along to lend whatever support and heavy lifting I can.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Smell of Paint is in the Air!
Had to stop by the school today. During my recent trip to The States I lost my passport and had to go through horrible hoops to get an emergency replacement so I could travel back to Ecuador. Now here in Ecuador, most of my paperwork for the bank, my teaching position and my visa is in the old passport so I have been running around getting things updated, and today my first stop was Colegio Americano. Stupid me, I accidentally brought my WIFE's passport, not mine, so it was a wasted trip and I'll have to go back again tomorrow.
However, in South America school is getting ready to start a new year - the vacation goes from February to March, unlike North America where it typically goes June-July - and the maintenance crew is going whole hog. Lockers are getting sanded, repaired and painted. New signs are up. Doors are getting a fresh coat of paint and it appears that the exteriors of the classrooms are going to have a fresh coat slapped on. March 23rd teachers are back and April 1 students return. What a wonderful April Fool's Day!
After that I did some shopping, then headed over to my wife's school, InterAmerican Academy. They are a true international school operating on the North American schedule so they are just closing out their 3rd quarter. They had got together a teacher's vs. the school's basketball team and they needed a few extra bodies. Of course, I was the oldest and least in shape of everyone on the court but I had fun and got through it without lasting injury. (InterAmerican Academy Sharks 38, Guests 26).
Then it was home to work on an online class I am taking on phonics reading instruction. Next week my wife is asking me in to teach a seminar to some of her classes on research for research papers. Hey! I'm supposed to be on vacation!
However, in South America school is getting ready to start a new year - the vacation goes from February to March, unlike North America where it typically goes June-July - and the maintenance crew is going whole hog. Lockers are getting sanded, repaired and painted. New signs are up. Doors are getting a fresh coat of paint and it appears that the exteriors of the classrooms are going to have a fresh coat slapped on. March 23rd teachers are back and April 1 students return. What a wonderful April Fool's Day!
After that I did some shopping, then headed over to my wife's school, InterAmerican Academy. They are a true international school operating on the North American schedule so they are just closing out their 3rd quarter. They had got together a teacher's vs. the school's basketball team and they needed a few extra bodies. Of course, I was the oldest and least in shape of everyone on the court but I had fun and got through it without lasting injury. (InterAmerican Academy Sharks 38, Guests 26).
Then it was home to work on an online class I am taking on phonics reading instruction. Next week my wife is asking me in to teach a seminar to some of her classes on research for research papers. Hey! I'm supposed to be on vacation!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
The Usual Suspects
Here is a quick look at four of our family (ie Lisa's children). Top is Pocahontas (Pokey), front left to right is Marko Antonio (Tony) Cleopatria (Cleo) and Sacajawea (Sexy).
Dueling Vacations
One reason I finally decided to take the plunge and become a teacher was vacations. The two-month vacations my wife annually took seemed beguiling when compared to the short times I managed away while in business. Better yet, we thought, how about being able to take lengthy vacations together? Even travel extensively together! How cool is that?
Travel? Check with places like Colombia, Mexico and of course our current location of Ecuador. The problem we has was our positions at two different schools. You see, Lisa teaches at a true international school, one that is accredited in the US system and follows the American-typical schedule of classes August-May. My school is more of a high-level Ecuadorian school which follows the typical South American schedule of April-January. Of course, this means no shared vacation times.
Except this week, since I am still in the waning days of my "summer" vacation, while her school is out for a week for Spring Break. We've actually had time to do some things together. Granted, it is amazing how much we are actually doing on school stuff. She is getting ready for class Monday, while I have to start thinking about what I am doing for "next year."
Funny about that. I had lost my passport during a recent trip - something which deserves its own blog entry and I hope I get to it soon - so I needed to stop by my school so they can get the new passport information. While there I stopped in to chat with MariaLaura, the school's International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator. She mentioned classes "next year" and I teasingly replied, "you know that 'next year' is in three weeks, you know."
"Don't tell me that!"
So yeah, the days are counting down until March 23 and I have to be back to work.
I have been monitoring the job listings at The International Educator and right now there are over 1100 teaching jobs posted there. We have to make a decision soon if we want to remain here another year or to look for a new place. We will have to see.
Travel? Check with places like Colombia, Mexico and of course our current location of Ecuador. The problem we has was our positions at two different schools. You see, Lisa teaches at a true international school, one that is accredited in the US system and follows the American-typical schedule of classes August-May. My school is more of a high-level Ecuadorian school which follows the typical South American schedule of April-January. Of course, this means no shared vacation times.
Except this week, since I am still in the waning days of my "summer" vacation, while her school is out for a week for Spring Break. We've actually had time to do some things together. Granted, it is amazing how much we are actually doing on school stuff. She is getting ready for class Monday, while I have to start thinking about what I am doing for "next year."
Funny about that. I had lost my passport during a recent trip - something which deserves its own blog entry and I hope I get to it soon - so I needed to stop by my school so they can get the new passport information. While there I stopped in to chat with MariaLaura, the school's International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator. She mentioned classes "next year" and I teasingly replied, "you know that 'next year' is in three weeks, you know."
"Don't tell me that!"
So yeah, the days are counting down until March 23 and I have to be back to work.
I have been monitoring the job listings at The International Educator and right now there are over 1100 teaching jobs posted there. We have to make a decision soon if we want to remain here another year or to look for a new place. We will have to see.
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