Former Expat Teacher Acclimating to the American Way!

As I try to prepare for my impending return home, I find that I am more nervous than when I left. Not because of any political issues that are going on at home-not that those things help the situation. I feel it is because so much has changed in the world of education. Even when I was at home, I was in a Pre-K program and under a different set of rules. Stringent nonetheless I might add.  Being that I left before moving up, I am afraid I am at a disadvantage. I talk to other teachers who point out some of my strengths. It makes me feel better and I am reminded that I shouldn't sell myself short. It is a very bad habit I have yet to leave behind. It takes a lot of a person to stay here for 7 years and to actually work and make a difference. I can honestly say that I haven't had a year where I didn't do either of those things and for that I am proud. It takes skill to get children with little to no English to be able to work in a classroom setting and be successful and exc...

In classic B fashion,the PD began to come together well this morning in my mind. I knew roughly what I was doing but bits and pieces came to mind as I did this or that.This is what I did and why: So we have standards for phonemic awareness,talking/listening,writing,reading and these are the same for us teaching in English and the Arabic teachers teaching Arabic. The need? for the children to do center activities to learn these things,less paper/pencil activities,less sitting,more participation,more activities that allow for authentic assessment. Possible solution? A PD that is translated let me back up...that is INTERESTING to someone who speaks English SL or possibly not at all. So :interesting,easy to duplicate,relevant to what you need to be doing in class,fun for the kids,etc. My teacher translated for me after each segment.The teachers seemed interested and seemed as if they just might duplicate some of these activities to teach Arabic to the kids. I enjoyed it,it was...

I havent been blogging as much but things are still going on. I have pics,once more,that should have BEEN posted... More importantly, I have WORK to do. unlike many days where I finish it AT work,lol. Thats one major difference here though not sure thatll last forever-or at least the time I am here. We are set to turn in portfolios to be reviewed by someone,not sure who. And I started one upon arrival but stopped because things werent in place for me to do one. Im used to doing one and basically it shows that you are actually doing your job-or at least its SUPPOSED to. Changes are trickling in. Sometimes it feels like its pouring in. Like before they were knocking but noone was opening the door but now it is and,at least at my school,its welcomed by the LTs...I suppose. Maybe I should only speak for myself :-). One of my KG1 teachers says that she enjoys when I come to her class because I bring center activities and the kids learn. It made me feel good to hear that. Her class is ...