36th year of teaching / the most rewarding

Yes, it is true, this is my 36th year of teaching.  Teaching is the only career I ever considered, though at one time in my youth I thought I would become a P.E. teacher.  For me teaching is all about the students, not the administration, latest researched based curriculum, powers that be at the government level, or the lip service given to the importance of education.  Teaching is difficult and time consuming if you do it right, but it is also the most rewarding, creative, and fun job in the world.   I keep telling my Bhutanese colleagues that in all my years of teaching it never got easier.  There will always be change; new philosophies of education, societal problems that teachers are to solve, inadequate funding, overcrowded classrooms, testing, testing, testing, and administrations that are always asking teachers to do more, more, more.  If you truly don't love teaching, I tell young people to seriously consider a career change.

An all school assembly during "Reading Week"

This year in Bhutan has given me time to reflect on my teaching career in the States.  I am not saying that I was not happy being a teacher in Ohio and Oregon, but this year has gotten me back to basics, simplicity, and the joy of making a difference in a student's life.  Most of the BCF teachers will flat out tell you the best part of teaching in Bhutan is the students.  They are respectful and appreciative for the most part.  Education is of great importance to them, their parents, and to the country.  In a small developing country they understand that education is the key to their country's future. There are lots of problems with the educational system here in Bhutan, all of which seem to be overshadowed by the majority of the student's desire to learn, work hard, and grow into a valuable citizen of Bhutan.

Four of my class 8 students crowded around my desk 

I am working with 56 fourth through eight level students who need help with their English skills in reading, speaking, and writing.  Most of these students are not learning disabled, but what I would call ELL (English Language Learners).  The country is just developing a policy for special education and wants an educational system for "all students."  My school in Mongar is one of the pilot schools for special education.  I work with anywhere from two to seven students at a time, crowded around my desk in my office.  There are nine of the 56 whom I consider truly learning disabled and for whom I have written a simplified version of an IEP.  I am trying to pull these nine for more one on one instruction.  Most of my students seem to enjoy coming to my class.  Perhaps because they enjoy the small group atmosphere, or the supplemental reading program that I use with them which is at their reading level.  I do go into classrooms at the 5th through 8th level to help with  special English projects or to read an essay in their text.  I love going into a 7th or 8th level class and play,  "Peace Train" by Cat Stevens, or "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell, which are in their English texts and listen to them share their interpretations of the song.  Who would have thought that my MP3 player came to Bhutan with songs from my era which are in the current English texts.

"Let's Give Them Something to Talk About"

This last month has been filled with cultural shows.  My house, Pema House, was the first to perform our songs and dances.  Along with the traditional dances and modern Bhutanese dances we performed "special dances,"  which of course fell to me to choreograph.  I did a country western line dance to Bonnie Raitt's "Something to Talk About,"  the "Cha Cha Slide," and a whole house number (all 48 of them) doing Bobby McFerrin's  "Don't Worry Be Happy."  The last number turned out to be a big hit.  My contribution to GNH.

"Don't Worry Be Happy!"

Mongar LSS is now in full swing to prepare for the upcoming wedding of the 5th King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Jetsun Pema.  This is a monumental event in Bhutan and our school is   planning to build a special lunch pavilion in honor of the wedding.  The king and the future queen just finished a tour of Eastern Bhutan.  They did not have a scheduled stop in Mongar, but of course we lined the road going and coming back from the far east.  Charly got to meet him up close and personal while I was doing a workshop at a small community school.  So on his return trip I was sure I would have my chance to meet him since he searches out BCF members.  He is a great advocate of education and the students listen and admire his words about the future and the importance of a good education.  Unfortunately, it was dark when he reached Mongar and all three schools were lined up to greet him, so I did not have an audience.   I still hope to meet him before I leave Bhutan.  He is an amazing young man who truly serves the people of his country.

Charly & Friends 

Charly is on route to Thimphu as I write this, to pick up our son Zane and my brother Dean for a three week visit to Bhutan.  We are very excited to share and show them this unique and amazing country.  Zane is a photographer so I should have some amazing photos to share in my next blog.  Tashi Delek!