This week was my last week at USA Academy. The beginning of the week was pretty normal, mainly because I tried to forget that it was my last week because I wasn’t trying to get in a distraught mood. I helped teachers in their classes by keeping students on task and answering any questions they have. I am so glad I chose a country where I speak the host language because that made my job easier.
3 June, Monday
On Monday, I was with Teacher Angela again and I helped her grade materials and assignments and log them into this little booklet and into the school system. While doing that, I realized just how many classes Angela teaches… TEN separate classes! She teachers 9th (US 8th) grade science and social students—2—10th (9th) grade science and social studies—4—1st year (10th grade) history and business/management—6—2nd year (11th grade) history and business/management—8—and 3rd year (12th grade) history and business/management—10 in total! It’s no wonder that she is so drained and stretched so thin; she depended on me quite a bit while I was here, which I do not blame her for considering all ten classes and separate lesson plans she has to create! I did a lot of extra work for her like making lessons and activities for her classes; I did the work for her without batting an eye, but logging in the grades made me realize just how badly she needed me.
4 June, Tuesday
On Tuesday, I was supposed to be with Teacher Suany, but the director of the English department of the school, Jesus, forced me to substitute 1st graders (kindergarten) since the teacher of science, English, and “project” (all taught in English) was in labor. Since I do not have training for little kids, Suany was working with the kids while I substituted for her students. However, after the first two hours of the day, Jesus made me teach the younger kids. He said that I would be good for me and that I need the practice. I later found out that in Ecuador, when you study in the university to be a teacher, you do practicum and student teaching at all grade levels—which is different at NAU where I only did practicum—and will be doing my student teaching—at the secondary level because that is the focus of my degree and field of study. It was so tiring working with those children; this experience amplified my reasoning for preferring secondary level. First of all, the kids did not know how to read; second, they were so rude and judging every little thing I did—I couldn’t win with them; and last, they were constantly off-task and I basically had to chase them around the room to get them to sit down. I was exhausted by the end of the day while I was meeting with Teacher Moises after school to discuss the plans for tomorrow; I felt so bad because I was practically falling asleep while Moises was talking to me.
5 June, Wednesday
Jesus wanted me to continue with the little kids the following day, even though I was supposed to be the substitute for Moises while he was out for Wednesday. When I met with Moises, I wrote an email to the principal of the school, asking that I please not be with the little kids again—as it was not part of what I signed up for. I was reluctant and scared, but I knew I needed to stand up for myself and be confident and assertive. I understand that it is important to do what your supervisors tell you to do, however, I do not want to continue with the little kids because 1) I do not have the training for that, and 2) I applied for his position to work with kids age 11 and older. The principal was very understanding and said he would take care of it by finding another replacement for the primary teacher. However, Jesus was a bit bitter with me the following day since, to him, I went behind his back and was immature about not wanting to do something; although, Moises and I think that I was very respectful in my email asking to not substitute for the little kids. So, on Wednesday, I substituted for Moises, which went incredibly well. The students followed directions and respected me. Although, I think they were just glad to not have their normal teacher around. I didn’t teach anything, I just guided them through workbook pages since their English exams are this week. My substituting for Moises reassured me that secondary-level classrooms are where I am meant to be—I feel more comfortable and work well with the students at this age, even if some of hem might still be immature. Thursday was a normal day as well, with not much difference; I still was guiding students through workbooks to help them prepare and review for their exams.
7 June, Friday
Friday was tough for me in the beginning because I realized it was my last day with the students. I started to get overwhelmed with feelings as I took pictures with them—and I decided that I would return the following week before I leave for my flights back home. I got pictures with a few classes, and I am so glad I did because I want to look back at the pictures and remember the impact that each individual student had on me during these three weeks. Once I decided that I was returning on Tuesday, the day went by a lot easier. Angela even invited me to go out into the center of the city with her, so I can get to know more before I leave—and that went magnificently. Although I was slightly uneasy because we were taking public transit and would be out at night, she made me feel comfortable and safe. We got to know each other more personally, showing each other photos of our families, hobbies, and travels. She was very fascinated with the pictures I showed her from my time abroad in Europe—and even asked me to send her some pictures because she really liked how I took the pictures and she wants to paint the pictures into portraits; I can’t wait to see the results!
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| 9th Grade EBG Natural Sciences |
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| 3rd BGU Business & Management |
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| My Lovely Host Teachers: Sunay, Moises, and Angela (left to right) |
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