Job Discussion Forums

[mimi_intheworld]

Vancouver - look through the discussion forums (as I was doing last night) - there seem to be a healthy selection of twentysomethings going, too. I get the feeling that there are more middle-aged (well, 30s-50s anyway) Western teachers in the Gulf States because the qualifications, training and experience required are much higher than, say, teaching in China. At least that's my explanation.

I have to say, even after reading the well-balanced post by MsParker, I am still quite excited to go. I know it could end up a hot mess, but I am staying positive. Every school is iffy, and it simply cannot be worse than my last teaching post, in England, after which I quit teaching for a year to recuperate. In fact, I'm sure it'll be better. Besides, I love teaching language. It will be awesome.







(Okay, this is a caffeinated, well-rested, ridiculously optimism-fueled post, so feel free to pooh-pooh it and dash my hopes and crush my optimism as you like. I can take it. And a dose of realism will probably be well-timed.)

[veiledsentiments]

You asked for it!!

There is nothing wrong with being optimistic. But, once you are there, you need to be realistic in your expectations... of such things as... efficiency. I would say that along with your optimism, pack plenty of patience, and a sense of humor.

It won't be an easy job... it will be a challenge... but it should be interesting... so take your curiosity too.



VS

[mimi_intheworld]

Ah...patience. Well, I feel accustomed to inefficiency from institutions, as some of the places I've lived/worked in the past did not have that trait high on their list of essentials. And I am terribly relaxed about things not working out as expected/planned or "on time". So long as it's not entirely my fault for things going askew, we just roll with it, yes?

Maybe I'm just reading too many new teacher blogs, all full of excitement and energy and luxurious orientation digs. Surely perceptions will change once school starts.

[veiledsentiments]

Otherwise known as "the honeymoon" period. Reality will intrude. Just like most things in life, we expat teachers weigh the positive and negatives continuously and our decisions on how long to stay are in the balance.

I ended up staying for over 15 years. But, I was teaching university level and the situation was quite different from this program.

VS

[Sunny Dawn]

I too would love some info on the attrition rate.

That said, a lot of people expressed an interest in renewing their contract. Clearly, there was something they preferred about their job to the one they had (or didn't have) in their home country, and no, I don't think it was just the money. I suspect it has something to do with the fact that the "Teach Like A Champion" crowd has yet to fully penetrate ADEC - they make one's teaching life far more impossible than a bunch of spoiled boys.

Ms Parker admits that she hasn't worked for ADEC, and that hearsay advised her not to. Hearsay advises a lot of things. But at least she is up front about this.

BTW, girls are often married before they graduate. Assuming the duties upon graduation may decrease the desire to achieve, but it is not the worst thing that could happen to a student upon graduation.

[mimi_intheworld]

[mimi_intheworld]

Oh, also, VS - that honeymoon period is a doozy for ADEC teachers. Two weeks of magical delirium in a resort, and then....!

Like I said, I've been reading a lot of new teacher blogs, and do you know what's discussed most? Food! Bless them, I know this period of luxury will be remembered fondly as reality sets in, but it's almost overwhelming right now. (No doubt I'll be happy enough to blog about the luxury when my turn comes, but I like to pretend I know better, having done this before, in other countries, without the benefit of any orientation whatsoever.)

[vancouver_syndicate]

I'd like to know what "Teach Like A Champion" means as well.

I'd be curious what the attrition rate as well. Especially considering this is a two year contract.

[cam]

My experience with Teach Away was confusing.

I applied last year for a position in the UAE and was interviewed a couple days after applying. I felt the interview went quite well and actually was under the impression that I would be getting a job offer. However, I never heard from Teach Away again! No idea why.

I also had a couple colleagues who are more qualified than myself and they didn't even land an interview with Teach Away.

Lastly, is "Teach Like a Champion" being used by Teach Away or the local schools?

[veiledsentiments]

[johnslat]

Maybe it's connected to this book:


Amazon.com Review
Teach Like a Champion offers effective teaching techniques to help teachers, especially those in their first few years, become champions in the classroom. These powerful techniques are concrete, specific, and are easy to put into action the very next day. Training activities at the end of each chapter help the reader further their understanding through reflection and application of the ideas to their own practice.
Among the techniques:

Technique #1: No Opt Out. How to move students from the blank stare or stubborn shrug to giving the right answer every time.
Technique #35: Do It Again. When students fail to successfully complete a basic task?from entering the classroom quietly to passing papers around?doing it again, doing it right, and doing it perfectly, results in the best consequences.
Technique #38: No Warnings. If you're angry with your students, it usually means you should be angry with yourself. This technique shows how to effectively address misbehaviors in your classroom.
The book includes a DVD of 25 video clips of teachers demonstrating the techniques in the classroom.
Top Five Things Every Teacher Needs to Know (or Do) to Be Successful
Amazon-exclusive content from author Doug Lemov

1. Simplicity is underrated. A simple idea well-implemented is an incredibly powerful thing.

2. You know your classroom best. Always keep in mind that what�s good is what works in your classroom.

3. Excellent teaching is hard work. Excellent teachers continually strive to learn and to master their craft. No matter how good a teacher is it�s always possible to be better.

4. Every teacher must be a reading teacher. Reading is the skill our students need.

5. Teaching is the most important job in the world. And it�s also the most difficult.

http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-Champion-Techniques-Students/dp/0470550473

And I hope I'll be excused if I say, "Duh." Got Obvious?

Regards,
John

[mimi_intheworld]

Oh. It's one of those books. Meh. Thanks for the info, john, and on we go!

[johnslat]

Dear mimi_intheworld,

On we go, indeed, teaching, it is to be hoped, like champions (or should that be "as champions"?)

I also teach like my hair is on fire (good thing I'm not bald), and, of course, I teach like a rock star:

http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-Your-Hairs-Fire/dp/0670038156

http://legendaryteaching.com/uploads/Teach_Like_A_Rock_Star.pdf

The latter, of course, without the drugs and booze - and, unfortunately, also minus the groupies.

Regards,
John

[Darsky]

I'm a current ADEC teacher, in my second year. I love my school, but last year was a beast to get through, with constant changes and little clarity.

This year is similar, but I'm more prepared for uncertainty. Did I mention that I love my students?

You have to be flexible and not take anything personally.

In interviews experience matters little, but a flexible positive attitude is of the utmost importance. Teachaway is looking for highly adaptable teachers. If you are set in your ways, or rigid at all you'll probably have an aneurysm.

The experience is similar to a disorganized inner city school in the states. If you think you can handle it come on over! Us guinea pigs from last year broke in the schools in general, so you'll at least have a veteran or two to help you get through it.

[redsnapper]

Don't forget to check out the "well-recognized" International Schools that are accredited with groups such as WASC. Also, there is a small military secondary school in Bahrain as well that is considered one of the best DODEA schools.

Good luck!