Teaching

    I have officially concluded my first week of working as an English Teaching Assistant! To sum it up in one word, it has been wonderful.

    My fellow teachers have been very welcoming to me, answering any questions I have, introducing me to the students with enthusiasm, and granting me their trust. They’ve complimented my German abilities and my motivation numerous times, which I appreciate. Although most of my conversations have been with those who teach English or who have spent time abroad in an English-speaking country, I have also conversed with staff members predominantly in German. Last Friday, I bonded with many of them as we took a train to a nearby town, hiked 5 kilometers to a Biergarten, ate lunch, hiked the 5 kilometers back, and finally rode the train back to Erlangen together. Although it was extremely mentally taxing to hear and speak so much German for hours on end while engaging in light exercise, I think I made a good first impression. Since then, some of them have watched how I present lessons and handle a classroom, and most seem eager to have me in their classrooms again (my permanent schedule is not 100% set yet).

    Making interpersonal connections and discussing cultural differences have been some of my favorite moments so far in Germany. Just yesterday, I spoke with one of my colleagues about the differences between American teachers and German teachers, both in terms of expectations placed upon them and the treatment they receive. I spoke frankly about the challenges that today’s American educators face, such as criticism from administrators, politicians, and parents, certain states or areas banning books and regulating what teachers can/should teach, and gun violence. The exchange of knowledge, personal experiences, and differing perspectives is, to me, the heart of the Fulbright experience. I find the process of learning extremely fulfilling, and I cannot wait to see how I grow as a person by the end of this year.

    The students have been, of course, the best part of my week. Overall, they strike me as intelligent, inquisitive, good listeners, and well-spoken. In addition, they seem to be remarkably well-behaved. On Tuesday, there was a mistake on the class schedule, so the teacher and I needed to move our class of Year 5 students from the second floor down to the basement. I was extremely impressed when the teacher simply told the students about the mix-up, then they quickly gathered their belongings and began walking. No lines, no arguments in the hallway, no need to monitor them every step of the way. The teacher and I walked at the back of the group, and by the time we reached the correct classroom, most of the students were already seated and pulling out their supplies. 

    I posed two questions to some of my classes: First, why is it important to learn English, or what are your personal motivations for learning English? Second, is it important for native English speakers to learn another language? A surprising number of students answered “No, it is not necessary,” for the second question. With both questions, we discussed English being the lingua franca of the world, how widespread English education is across the world, and the influence of American pop culture, such as music and movies.

    There were a couple times this week when I stumbled over my words or embarrassed myself, but I managed to laugh it off without feeling shame. I hope my students feel comfortable experimenting with English with me and making mistakes because I have already made several mistakes in German, such as saying my favorite German food is Käse Schinken instead of Käse Spätzel; my students managed to correct me when I said, "It's the German version of macaroni and cheese!" I'll use my own struggles as a German learner to inform my decisions as a teacher and I hope my students can relate to my experiences.

    This week, the students reminded me of why I love teaching so much. After I finished my introductory lesson, some of the classes surprised me by clapping for me. It was touching to look around and see such genuine smiles and appreciation from these students. Other students waited after class to speak with me privately or ask me a personal question. Even after only one week, I remember a few names and a few instances where a student and I connected over something (like being Ravenclaws and liking Luna Lovegood!). I still miss my students from last year, and I hope the connections I make this year are as just as deep and fulfilling. I am endlessly grateful for this opportunity, and I can already tell I am going to love my job.

    Even the school’s cafeteria is impressive. When I ate lunch with some of my colleagues, I discovered that the cafeteria has its own personal chef who makes the meals each day. Rather than typical American school lunches of cardboard pizza, bendy carrots, a tasteless fruit cup, and a box of milk, I enjoyed a full serving of fresh, hot ratatouille with some sort of delicious Austrian dessert. 

    Since this school is focused on the arts (music, theatre, and visual arts), many of the walls are decorated with the students’ creations. Walking out of the building earlier, I passed a group of girls playfully singing in harmony with each other. I have also been asked to occasionally attend rehearsals for the school play, which will be in English, and offer my help with pronunciation, phrasing, etc. It is wonderful to be in a place where the arts are not only properly funded, but also openly valued and celebrated.

    Next week, I will add the primary school to my weekly schedule. As of now, I will work at the high school on Monday through Wednesday and at the elementary school on Thursdays. I have Fridays reserved for lesson planning and my university coursework (and a little bit of travel, when I have the chance).

    Accepting this Fulbright award is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I am expanding my horizons, growing in independence and knowledge, and living in the moment. Education is a wonderful gift and I hope my students benefit from this year as much as I know I will.