Last year I made the decision to apply to teach somewhere abroad. Out of all the beautiful places in the world, I chose the Middle East. Why? I love the culture. I have visited a few countries there already. I love the food. What more is there to ask for? So I ended up getting a few job offers and chose Kuwait as that was the only country I had not been to. I did some research on it and it seemed a better place to reside, relax and also a great hub to travel to places from.
Fast forward to now...I have settled well. Unfortunately my flatmate wasn't enjoying it so she left at Christmas. I have found that the workload is now similar to the UK, I still have planning and marking and assessments. However, I have free periods to do this all in which ensures I do not take work home. The only work I do, do is planning and assessments at home as I can't seem to concentrate at work to do it.
In terms of teaching, it is going well. I love my class and the majority of my parents are lovely. I have a lovely rapport with my class. We're like a big family - they're always excited to tell me things which is sweet. I actually missed them when I was back in the UK for holidays. In terms of teaching and learning, I feel settled in Year 2 and that I am more creative as we don't have the same technologies as the UK. Also, I have been offered a great opportunity in terms of leadership which I am pleased about considering I am only in my 3rd year of teaching.
I do miss teaching in the UK though, it is more structured and teacher's are expected be more knowledgeable with regards to levels and their children's assessments. I can't wait to get back into UK teaching. I will definitely miss the free time and weekends though when I return to the UK.
The only two things I can't seem to comprehend are:
1. Teachers calling children 'dumb' and 'stupid' as if they cannot succeed.
The amount of times I hear this in the staffroom is unbelievable. Firstly, no child is dumb. They may take their time to learn something compared with a smarter child but they might actually excel in something else other than academics. Secondly, if that child is a low achiever then what is the teacher doing to ensure they can access the curriculum??
I am by no means an excellent teacher but I really strive hard in my job to make sure each child learns something or takes something useful away from each lesson.
2. Teacher's attitudes here.
Honestly I think in all the countries and I really don't mean this disrespectfully but they must have had it really easy with teaching. Here there are the basics and all i hear is complaints all the time. It's like you're a teacher, you chose to move here, teach your kids to the best of their ability. The teachers here just want to relax and party and do the very very least amount of work. Teaching is my passion and when I see others not putting in 100% it does frustrate and make me sad as these children are the next generation and we need to instill good values and aspirations in them.
Sometimes I have to disregard these and just get on with my teaching but when it occurs daily it can be hard to take yourself out of the situation.
3. Parent's not parenting their children.
The culture here is to leave everything for the maid/nanny to do. I think I have seen very few if any parents discipline their children or care for them when they are out. Nothing is wrong with having a maid but being ignorant of them yes. I have had to teach my children that they need to brush their teeth, take showers daily and dress themselves. It is happy to know that they have listened to me and really proud that they can now brush their teeth and explain to their parents that they need to shower and dress themselves. I wish parents would take more responsibility in caring for their children.
I really hope that one day I am teaching in a school that has everything set in stone, with minimal changes and disruption and where I am valued as a member of staff. As we say in the Middle East, InshaAllah :P
Love & Blessings,
Sara xx
