Teaching Experience

What have you learned about yourself as a teacher from the work you are doing in the schools both positive and negative?

Teaching aboard is a completely different experience than teaching in the U.S. I think the schools and teachers here are more laid back and the requirements are not as strict. I have learned how to be more laid back as well which could be a good or bad thing. Sometimes I feel that I'm not doing as much as I should be. Mary and I were able to take the students the teachers gave us and make our own schedule. I struggle with how much we should take the students out of their general education classes since in a few weeks we will not be there to give them special education services. At the same time, I think the students could benefit from supplemental instruction outside their classrooms. I learned how to be patient with the students in a different way. The culture is much different than ours. A class that might seem out of control here is typical in Belize. If a class is really loud and students are constantly out of their seats in the U.S. then the class is usually considered out of control. Here it is not a huge deal. Class discipline is different. I have learned to be stern but not overly controlling. Teaching everyday has made me grow as a teacher. My students are so loving and friendly.