Job Discussion Forums

[Pitarou]

From a Junior High School practice exam:

[fluffyhamster]

Did the instructions promise fuller marks for any comments praising the English classes? Allow me to slap you on the back so you can give your hand a rest.

But seriously, well done, Pitarou! (Or you and your colleague both!). News quite like this must be something of a first (or pretty rare) here on Dave's.

[OneJoelFifty]

Let's all share something nice then.

I had the mother of a very bright student I coached for an English speaking competition thank me, and tell me that I'm the reason he enjoys studying English. It did feel good.

This week we made greeting cards in second grade, I got a couple of boys that really struggle with English involved by telling them to make theirs a birthday card for me.

[seklarwia]

I think one of my favourite moments was when a boy who got into a fair bit of trouble and who hated English spoke about how he enjoyed studying with me during inokori and that he was grateful that I would often stay quite late helping him so that he could attend club activities that day in his speech during the graduation ceremony - he was receiving a sports recommendation for HS, so practice was extremely important for him.

Another was when a mute student who had social problems (among other things) wrote a letter to her teacher saying that she enjoyed spending time with me both in and outside class because I always acknowledged and was kind to her. Interestingly, the same student had amazing English comprehension skills, so I used to get her to help me with errands (photocopying, handing out leaflets, giving things to teachers, etc) whenever she escaped from classes.

... actually most of my top memories involve special or really naughty students. Special students because I went out of my way to spend alot of time with them (I used to help my mother out at her school - she specialises in foreign language ed and special needs) and naughty ones because two of my JTEs at my JH were year heads, so the worst kids in those grades would often spend a lot of time in the office with me so we had time to bond.

There have been many moments for me when I've thought, "This makes it worth while." But my most cherished moments are not the big successes with the students who are good at or like English; mine are the often small successes with the black sheep or those who really struggle.

[rxk22]

Came in mid year for an ES, as the ALT bailed. At the last calss, the kids said that they learned a lot more, and had way more fun with me, than the last teacher. Was kinda blown, as that's not how Japanese usually compliment people.

But good on you TS.

[Cool Teacher]