Job Discussion Forums

strawberry · Joined: 23 Jun 2004 Posts: 15

I guess you could consider this an adequate school. There's a large Special Needs Department at this school as well. However, teachers aren't told beforehand that many of the special needs students are 'main-streamed' into regular classes. So you might end up with, let's say, a deaf student in your class. There's nothing wrong with Special Needs students in regular classes, but teachers aren't given teaching assistants to help with the load. Classes aren't divided up year to year. So you end up with a group of kids that have been in the same class with each other since KG. The first day of school is like the second week of March: kids bouncing off the walls like it's a party. The average cost of tuition is about US$6000 per year. But the classrooms aren't insulated. The furniture is old. The carpets are dingy. Also, homeroom teachers are required to do outside break duty twice a day, everyday, even when it's hot as hell. Combine all of that with a management team that partakes in gossip just as much as the teachers do. One of the only good things at Dasman is the canteen that serves hot food. The accomodation for teachers is located way outside of the city. They do provide daily transportation, but if you want to venture out on your own, it'll cost you big time. Plus, the area where the housing is located isn't very convenient, and as a woman, I wouldn't walk in that area alone. Although the building is secured with an electronic gate and cameras, across the road are buildings that house low income laborers. But if you can overlook all of those things, you might be happy for a while.

sweetpea · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Bursa, Turkey

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Well Sweetpea,

Apparently you haven't lived or worked in the Gulf. Here they herd large groups of usually subcontinental men into barracks complexes, 10 or 20 to a room, living there for normally 2-3 years without having a vacation or a holiday back to see their families. They normally work 7 day weeks, sunrise to sunset, and are hauled around in what I would call a cattle truck. They have no entertainment or AC, so they hang about outside their hovels in large discontented, bored groups during what little free time they have.

I have had to walk through large groups of these men, and though you may very well be safe, it is an extremely uncomfortable experience. Men who are forced to live like animals with no female companionship for years on end are very scary. If I were you, I would not be too critical of the OP, since you likely haven't the slightest idea what it is like if you haven't lived there or if you are not female.

It is little more than slavery.

VS

sweetpea · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Bursa, Turkey

Dear Veiled: At what point was I critical of the original poster? Confused

I just asked why she was frightened by low-income laborers.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Well Sweetpea

Curt comments such as yours on this board will almost always be interpreted as a criticism of the original poster - to me, it suggested that she was either insensitive or racist or elitist or just being silly. If you were not being critical, I apologize and suggest that perhaps you need to make your questions clearer, and also perhaps apologize to the original poster who may or may not have interpreted it thus. The main drawback to these informational boards is that not being able to see or hear the poster. Brevity is often not the best choice. Smile

And emoticons can also be used to soften what might appear to be criticism.

But, either way, you got your answer.

VS

Fred Bilbo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 52 Location: Kuwait

The accommodations while it is true are about 30 minutes from the school are excellent. A very nice garden, pool, and BBQ area make it a great place to live. The apartments are large and well furnished. They are very close to the Hilton hotel beach complex, and 10 mins from Fahaheel town which has a wide range of shops, restaurants and malls. All in all one of the best accommodations for teachers in Kuwait, IMHO.
Our local Asian neighboroughs have NEVER caused a problem. My wife and child feel perfectly safe living in the area. They are more likely to fear unwanted attention from the locals rather than the 'low paid expat workers'

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Hi Fred,

Haven't seen you around here for awhile. Smile

I don't know the neighborhood, nor have I ever lived in the Gulf having a husband or child with me. And, although I have never actually felt in any danger while passing through large crowds of 'low-paid expat workers' - I can remember few times that could compete with them for total discomfort. These men have a way of staring at you with the most total hatred. I suspect that you men may not even notice it. I also suspect that these workers are more angry at their situation than with me or any other female that passes by.

I learned to 'ignore' the glares / stares, but I know many women who are never able to overcome their fear of these men. I must say that it is one of the things that I liked least about life in the Gulf.

VS

Fred Bilbo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 52 Location: Kuwait

Hi VS,
Yes I'm still here, I'm sure that it must be far more intimidating for females. In the current climate it is best to give any place with crowds a miss.

sweetpea · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Bursa, Turkey

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Sweetpea,

I found the OP's post very clear, and if you choose not to apologize, that is your business, and a reflection of your manners.

VS

tundrateacher · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 11 Location: bethel, ak

yes...this reply is a few years late! In answer to the first post: Is it so bad to have a special needs student in your classroom? What are you teaching for if you can't handle it? It's common practice in the states.
And complaining about outdoor duty? Try 20 below zero!! Then you can complain a little more!
Carlton Court was an awesome place to live...lived there for 4 years. Walked in the area, when my car was taking a break. the men across the street are harmless. We didn't have the luxary of transportation to work...be thankful for that one. And they pay for your phone there now too! So what is a 5 KD trip now & then? you're making enough there to handle that!

Enjoy life! Make it a happy one!

Rommel · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 121

tundrateacher · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 11 Location: bethel, ak

I again disagree!!! but who am I to say? I only lived at carlton court for 4 years...left for work between 6:15 -6:30 and always made it to work on time!! When I worked in California... took an hour to get to work on public transportation...so whine someplace else, people!! (AND in hawaii...took an hour to drive to work and it was only 30 miles down the road!) life could be worse!

Rommel · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 121

tundrateacher · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 11 Location: bethel, ak

"I'm sure Carlton Court was considered a nice building at one time. (Pre-Saddam days) " hmmm I left in 2003...not really that long ago, I'd say!

"I've never been to Hawaii, but I'm guessing the scenery and the drivers are a little better." well...scenery is better! drivers...no way!! it's a crazy drive. Not for the faint of heart. AND I have driven in both places...so I do know how they compare.

Rommel...giving information is ok and warning people about things is fine. But don't be so dang negative!! AND Dasmans housing is NOT the worst of all teacher housing! I saw some pretty bad ones while visiting other teachers. So...you have the good, the bad, the ugly! have a great day!