Here I am sitting at my desk in my hotel room in the Westin in downtown D.C. For the first time in my work life, I feel as if I am truly valued as a professional.
It may seem silly to my friends who work as architects, pilots, lawyers, but you have to know that we teachers don't often get to go to conferences. When we do, we often have to beg for the time away from the clasroom, supplement with our own money, share rooms, etc., etc. The unstated message is that teaching and teachers are not valued therefore, not funded. In U.S. culture and even in our own teaching institutions, we are often not afforded the status of true "professional".
Not so here. I have my own beautiful room with wifi, two very fluffy clean white beds, and I even had a 5-minute chair massage in the lounge this afternoon. In addition, each fellow's creativity is valued and encouraged. One of the major components of each person's post is to identify a need at the host institution and develop a project around that need. Each grant includes a budget to make that project a reality.
In addition, we were each given a generous allowance to choose books. My choices focus on pedagogy and language acquisition theory, as those are the classes I will be teaching in which I have the least experience.
Orientation sessions this week include topics such as public diplomacy, health benefit information, regional security briefings, and introductions to the many people at the embassy with whom we will be working.
There are 143 other fellows that are being placed all over the world. Fellows are working in countries such as the Ukraine, Syria, Egypt, Brazil, Guatemala. . .88 countries in all, and their bios are rather impressive. All posess master's degrees; many have Ph.D.s. Almost all have taught in many countries, speak at least two languages (one speaks eight!), and many have been Fullbright recipients and/or Peace Corps volunteers. I have to admit, I have had moments when I wondered how I was chosen to be among this class.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Monday, August 6, 2007
Academic Schedule for Dokuz Eylul, 2007/2008
I. Term Courses - 9/24/07 - 1/11/08
I. Term Final Exams - 1/14/08 - 1/26/08
Mid-term Holiday - 1/26/08 - 2/18/08
II. Term Courses - 2/18/08 - 5/30/08
II. Term Final Exams - 6/2/08 - 6/14/08
Holidays:
Ramadan Festival: 12-13-14 October 2007
Republic Festival: 29th October 2007
Muslim Festival of Sacrifices: 20-21-22-23rd December 2007
New Year Holiday: 1st of January 2008
I. Term Final Exams - 1/14/08 - 1/26/08
Mid-term Holiday - 1/26/08 - 2/18/08
II. Term Courses - 2/18/08 - 5/30/08
II. Term Final Exams - 6/2/08 - 6/14/08
Holidays:
Ramadan Festival: 12-13-14 October 2007
Republic Festival: 29th October 2007
Muslim Festival of Sacrifices: 20-21-22-23rd December 2007
New Year Holiday: 1st of January 2008
Friday, June 29, 2007
Unknowns
Well the time to leave is drawing near, and yet there are still so many unknowns. I have no idea where I'll be living, when I'll be leaving, what my work schedule will be, if I can bring my dog.
I have sent four emails to my contact in Turkey, and it is as if they went into a black hole. The current EL fellow in another part of Turkey told me that the Turks don't answer email. I thought she was overgeneralizing, but my experience is proving her right. She also told me that I wouldn't find out about school holidays until I show up to teach someday and find that classes have been cancelled and that I shouldn't plan to accomplish anything while I am there or it will, "break my heart". I am hoping she is wrong about the last two.
I did get a list of classes I would be teaching. I've requested the syllabi, but I am doubtful that I will get anything. I guess part of being a teacher is being a good actor. I will show up on the first day of my classes, not knowing anything about the content of the class or the books being used, and attempt to be confident.
I think the hardest thing is not hearing back about whether I can bring my dog Duncan. He brings so much joy to my life that I can't imagine leaving him behind. My mom and Jim have offered to watch him. I know he loves to visit there and play with their dogs. He will be happy, but I'll miss him terribly.
Nevertheless I look forward to something new and challenging. I have been practicing my Turkish on my bike rides to and from work each day. I listen to the audio files and then *try* to pronounce the words. To the people I pass by, I am sure I look a bit crazy muttering those unintelligible syllables.
I have sent four emails to my contact in Turkey, and it is as if they went into a black hole. The current EL fellow in another part of Turkey told me that the Turks don't answer email. I thought she was overgeneralizing, but my experience is proving her right. She also told me that I wouldn't find out about school holidays until I show up to teach someday and find that classes have been cancelled and that I shouldn't plan to accomplish anything while I am there or it will, "break my heart". I am hoping she is wrong about the last two.
I did get a list of classes I would be teaching. I've requested the syllabi, but I am doubtful that I will get anything. I guess part of being a teacher is being a good actor. I will show up on the first day of my classes, not knowing anything about the content of the class or the books being used, and attempt to be confident.
I think the hardest thing is not hearing back about whether I can bring my dog Duncan. He brings so much joy to my life that I can't imagine leaving him behind. My mom and Jim have offered to watch him. I know he loves to visit there and play with their dogs. He will be happy, but I'll miss him terribly.
Nevertheless I look forward to something new and challenging. I have been practicing my Turkish on my bike rides to and from work each day. I listen to the audio files and then *try* to pronounce the words. To the people I pass by, I am sure I look a bit crazy muttering those unintelligible syllables.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Going to Turkey!
Most of you already know by now, but as of September, 2007, I will be living and working in Izmir, Turkey as an English Language Fellow (you can now call me an ELF J).
The English Language Fellow program is run through the State Department and it coordinates with embassies and teaching institutions in other countries to set up 10-month teaching appointments. My position will include teaching English, linguistics, grammar, and teaching methodology to undergraduates at Dokuz Eylul University, which has a student body of about 40,000 students. In addition to teaching, I hope to learn a good bit of the language and do some traveling while I am there from September ‘07 – June ’08 (possibly longer).
If you’ve ever considered visiting Turkey, now is the time! Although my accommodations will probably be modest, I would be thrilled to host any of my friends or family who may visit. Izmir is a city of 3 million on the Aegean coast. Besides having beautiful weather, Izmir is also near many ruins and Greek islands.
Below is my new contact information including a phone number local to Denver that you will be able to reach me at throughout my time in Turkey.
Contact Me
Phone: (303)-800-6072
Skype melaniebrooks74
Email: melaniebrooks74@hotmail.com
Blog: http://itineranteacher.blogspot.com/
The English Language Fellow program is run through the State Department and it coordinates with embassies and teaching institutions in other countries to set up 10-month teaching appointments. My position will include teaching English, linguistics, grammar, and teaching methodology to undergraduates at Dokuz Eylul University, which has a student body of about 40,000 students. In addition to teaching, I hope to learn a good bit of the language and do some traveling while I am there from September ‘07 – June ’08 (possibly longer).
If you’ve ever considered visiting Turkey, now is the time! Although my accommodations will probably be modest, I would be thrilled to host any of my friends or family who may visit. Izmir is a city of 3 million on the Aegean coast. Besides having beautiful weather, Izmir is also near many ruins and Greek islands.
Below is my new contact information including a phone number local to Denver that you will be able to reach me at throughout my time in Turkey.
Contact Me
Phone: (303)-800-6072
Skype melaniebrooks74
Email: melaniebrooks74@hotmail.com
Blog: http://itineranteacher.blogspot.com/
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