This week was our first week at our schools. I was placed at Katzir Junior High School and I am lucky enough to be working with Perri and Jordan. Here is us on our first day of school on Monday.
The middle school houses 7th through 9th grade students. It’s amazing how different the school system is in Israel versus the United States. First, the students don’t move from room to room in between periods. Instead, teachers go to the students. They get all of their subjects in the same classroom. There is also no designated lunch period. In between periods, there are short breaks ranging from 5 to 20 minutes long. Students and teachers are expected to eat and do whatever else they need during those breaks. School is also 6 days a week; Sunday - Friday. Lucky for me, I only have to work Monday-Thursday.
Things are also much more casual, but that seems to be a trend for the entire country. I can wear jeans and t-shirt to work and still be dressed appropriately. Students call their teachers by their first names. While the kids are definitely a bit more crazy here, there seems to be a mutual respect between the teachers and students.
This week, we have been observing different classes. There are 5 English teachers and they want us to be able to see all of the different grade levels as well as the different levels of English the students have. It’s interesting to see how in the same grade, there will be some students who are severely lacking in their English skills. while others can have long and great conversations.
I can say with certainty that I am going to have an unbelievable experience at Katzir and I cannot wait to start teaching!
Things are also much more casual, but that seems to be a trend for the entire country. I can wear jeans and t-shirt to work and still be dressed appropriately. Students call their teachers by their first names. While the kids are definitely a bit more crazy here, there seems to be a mutual respect between the teachers and students.
This week, we have been observing different classes. There are 5 English teachers and they want us to be able to see all of the different grade levels as well as the different levels of English the students have. It’s interesting to see how in the same grade, there will be some students who are severely lacking in their English skills. while others can have long and great conversations.
I can say with certainty that I am going to have an unbelievable experience at Katzir and I cannot wait to start teaching!