Rights of the Child

Here is a video I made with the children in my class, concerning the Right's of a Child

Full stops, Fasching and Fahrenheit

When moving to Berlin, I knew that language and culture might be a bit of a barrier but there are some things I did not consider when moving here. For instance, I tried baking my favourite banana bread but I found out that baking soda does not live in Berlin. After trying a variety of substitutes (including suggestions from German recipes) and fighting my with gas oven, I'm left with a rather dry banana bread and a better knowledge of Fahrenheit/Celsius conversions.

Last fall, we were shocked to find that Halloween was just a parade of dressed up expats and their kids marching down the street. We found out that the bigger celebration is actually Fasching (a mardi gras equivalent) where pretty much any costume goes... and is encouraged. This holiday, however, comes complete with parades and politician bashings!

Finally, although not knowing German has proved to be a barrier here, my "Canadian English" has received a few laughs and funny looks. My students correct the way I say "Tuesday" and " tomato" which, at times, has made me want to "call the whole thing off". Don't be surprised if I come home saying bin and full stop instead of garbage and period.

new teachers don't usually get to do this

Yesterday our tiny staff of 4 got taken out to a nice lunch and were given the afternoon off so we could have a meeting to discuss the school's concept. We met with curriculum coordinators and the school's founders as well as some parents and the non profit organization that we're a part of. The aim of the meeting was to revamp, rewrite and rethink the school's current concept, which was written without the help of teachers!

Now that we know the children and the school has been established for almost 2 years, they wanted a fresher view on the original concept. We decided on class sizes, who should be admitted and the break down of the grades. It was amazing and inspiring and an incredible , once in a life time opportunity. Despite having sat in a board room for close to 7 hours, I left with a renewed appreciation for the school and my work.

working gal

After months of being a woman of leisure, I have decided to buckle down and look for work, actually I don't have a choice. I'm happy to report that within a week of sending out 2 applications, I had two interviews and two offers. I am back in the system, I have a job! (See below for position I accepted).

I know most of you think I'm a nerd for being excited about work, but this fall when I saw all the kids and their new Spongebob Schwammkopf backpacks, I missed school. I missed being the biggest person in the room, I missed knowing all the answers and I especially missed getting sick on a regular basis (although on a very happy note, no seasonal allergies in Germany for me.)

The interview was like nothing I was prepared for in Canada- I had to teach a sample lesson to 26 kids, then have an hour long interview with the principal, curriculum developer and a parent from the parents committee. Isn't that great? They actually care about the credentials of the people they hire, instead of guaranteeing a job to anyone who completes university and sticks around long enough to get a tenured position. (Teacher friends, this comment is not directed at you, but you know what and who I mean!) .

BERLIN _____________ School is looking for a primary school teacher

• starting January 2009
• mother tongue English, preferably with some knowledge of German
• with a primary school teaching degree equivalent to the German “Staatsexamen”
• with teaching experience in the age group 5 to 8 (years 1 to 4), preferably in mixed-age groups
• subjects: English, topics/environmental studies, social learning; teaching experience in physical education, music or arts welcome
• willing to contribute to the organization of a newly founded primary school on the basis of the school concept