Work, the first month.

So it has been about one month since I started working as a NET (Native English Teacher)! I think that things have been going pretty well. The kids are generally nice. Just like back in the States, there are a couple who I would like to never have to teach again but that just comes with the territory of teaching. Let me explain my schedule a bit. I teach all levels of kids from babies (my youngest is about 9 months I think) to Junior high students and even a couple of parent classes. They are spaced out throughout the week. I have more than one of each level so, for example, I have three different baby classes in a one week period. Luckily, the company that I work for uses a textbook and has a curriculum. Other people are not so lucky! It took a little adjusting for me to go from having my own classroom with a set daily schedule to working in and out of classrooms (although I have kind of basically claimed two) and having a schedule that varies day by day.

When I first arrived, it was very hard for me to get adjusted to. This was mainly because I came in right as seminars and supplemental lessons were happening. They basically taught me all about the textbook in training and then said "But now, forget the textbook. You have seminars and supplementals coming up!". I was told to just do whatever I wanted. I had no problem thinking of lesson ideas but actually planning and doing about 6-8 lessons a day at different levels was tough. Now, we are back on the regular schedule and I would say things are going much more smoothly. 

I think my biggest challenges have been organization and parent communication. Most days, it seriously looks like a tornado hit right after I have taught a class! I'm getting much better at this though. It helps me a lot that I bought some binders. I never thought I would be a binder person, but hey, you do what you must to survive. I also wish that I could really talk to parents sometimes. The majority of them don't really understand English. I have a lesson explanation after ever lesson but I always get the vague feeling that they don't really know what I'm saying. It can be really awkward sometimes.

The biggest advantages and celebrations I've had with this job have been with the variety of levels and energy of the classes. I LOVE being able to teach all age ranges again. Don't get me wrong, I loved my middle schoolers but there is always something wonderful about working with 4 yr olds and some other age groups. It adds some fun variety to the day! I also enjoy the pace and energy of the lessons. Since I teach at a conversation school, I only see my kids once a week. We spend time playing vocabulary and conversation games. It's a lot of fun to get to do that everyday. Although it can be taxing. I think I may develop a love for coffee while I'm here...