The contract is signed...now I just have to do all the paperwork! I'm off to Spain to teach English as a second language! I'll be teaching kids ages 9 to 14. That could get interesting! I'll have to get used to being Ms. (my last name) rather than "Cheryl," like I am in my classes now. (And yes, it will be Ms, not Miss. My marital status is not my students' business!) I'll have to make the transition between teaching business people and teaching kids. (which means, YAY! I get to be slightly kookier!) I'm excited!
The only thing that makes me a bit nervous is, I was bullied at that age. And a lot of kids are. I want to be the sort of teacher that doesn't put up with that nonsense in my classroom. And I have a feeling that keeping kids from picking on each other is a lot easier in theory than in practice. Regardless of what anyone might say about how bullying is "part of childhood" or it "makes you stronger," no child should have to put up with being treated that way by his or her peers. Because not everyone just brushes themselves off and gets over it. Some people spend good portions of their lives trying to get over how they were treated as children. I'll be in a position to do something about that. In a position to make a positive difference in children's lives. It's a great opportunity. And a great responsibility. So I guess it's safe to say I am honored and terrified at the same time...
Comments (1)
I have a friend who spent two years in Japan teaching ESL. I hope you love it as much as she did. Best of luck to you.