I decided to go into work today to set up my classroom. The floors had been waxed so the tables and chairs were all over the place. The past two years I’ve been teaching with my desk at the front of the classroom. I must admit I didn’t think about the set up all that much, except that the tables had to be in groups of four and that all the pupils should be able to see the black board with relative ease. I just kept the teacher’s desk at the front because that was just the way it was already set up. Now I’m starting an experiment with my desk at the front, but on the side. This way I’ve got electricity supply for my laptop and I’m not the focus of the classroom any more. When a colleague of mine saw my set-up, he pointed out that from my position I would be looking at some pupils’ backs. I say there would be roughly four pupils where this will be the case. Anyway, it’s not like my desk is glued to the floor, so if it doesn’t work out, I could always change it (back) again.
This is what it looks like for now.
Furthermore, I found a small bulletin board which the janitor is going to put up for me (if he doesn’t forget, that is). There I could put up announcements, the chores schedule, and news headlines. I’ve still got two big maps (one of the Netherlands and one of Europe) that have to be put up. I’m also planning to put more of the pupils’ work up this year.
Isn't it magnificent?
Then it was actually my first day of school. I’m starting on a master of education, so I’ll be able to teach the higher levels as well in about three years. The school I attend is in Amsterdam in a building that was previously inhabited by the Dutch version of the IRS, and has now been renovated. I think it’s an exceptionally good looking building, and it’s a far cry from the building where I obtained my bachelor’s; when I walked from the subway station to the school building, I had to pass the penitentiary – inspirational, don’t you think? When I was waiting for the introduction to start, I enjoyed the beautiful view of the city.
Some people go on holiday to see this.
I discovered that only four other students had enrolled and one of them was not at the introduction. I already knew C. from my bachelor’s, which is a plus. Then there was Ni., a woman who was born on Curaçao and who teaches at a regional training centre; and Ne. who has a master’s in psychology and teaches English at a secondary school like me.
In November I have to take my first shot at the CPE. I’ll have to score at least at B level on all topics in order to pass the programme, but I’ll get two tries each year of my studies. The idea of having my knowledge of English tested is actually quite scary, since it’s the language I teach so I have to some kind of competent, but who knows, I might score a D (or worse, E) in all or some of the skills. I’m actually aiming for all As. I’m an over-achiever. The actual classes are going to start next week. I won’t lie, I’m excited.
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