Getting to Know My International Contact
I have finally
been in contact with a teacher in another country. I would like to introduce
you to Doni Weimer. Doni is a new mother and teaches at the International
Community School of Bangkok. Although living in Thailand for 5 years, she has only
been at her current teaching position for two. Doni has worked in the education
field for eleven years.
When I asked Doni
about issues that she faces in Thailand, she said that there were two main
issues language and self-help/responsibility. Since the primary language in the
homes of most of the students at the International School is not English,
communication can be a problem. However, when I asked her if this causes a
problem when it comes to making connections with the families, Doni said that
it is not a huge hindrance because respect of the teachers is part of the Thai
culture. The teachers are at odds with Thai culture when it comes to the topic
of self-help/responsibility. Apparently, it is not uncommon for Thai parents to
feed and dress their children well into primary school; this is the opposite of
what the teachers are trying to teach the children.
The following are
the questions and answers for this week’s assignment.
What issues regarding quality and early childhood
education are being discussed where you are?
“As an international school, we are quite removed from the local
schools and their issues. I do know that Thailand is pushing English in their
schools. This has put much pressure on the Thai schools because they do not
have enough staff to meet the English speaking goals set by the government.”
What opportunities or requirements for
professional development exist? “Each
staff member is required to set yearly professional goals. We are also required
a specific number of hours of professional development each year. (I am not
sure of the number of hours required because teachers are exempt from this
during their first year, and now that I am working on my Master’s degree I more
than cover the required hours.) The school offers some professional development
depending on your curriculum improvement focus for the year. There are many
other international schools in Bangkok, so seminars and classes are offered
throughout the year at different sites. Online learning is another way we can
grow in our professional knowledge. ICS encourages professional development. I
am currently completing my Master’s degree online which is being reimbursed by
the school.”
What are some of your professional goals? “I will complete my Master’s in Education:
Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Teacher Leadership in May. I would
like to continue to develop my understanding of building curriculum and effective
instructional practices. In the future I am open to being a curriculum
coordinator, instructional coach, or principal.”
Interview by email on February 11, 2015 and February 18,
2015 with Doni Weimer.
Anita,
ReplyDeleteI am excited that you made contact with your professional I did not have such luck, as I was reading through your blog I noticed your professional contact share information on requirements for development and career goals that are similar to the requirements in the organization i work for and the goals are so similar to mine as I can see it does not matter what part of the world we live in all of us in the education field seem to have the same goals and requirements.
Phyllis
Phyllis,
ReplyDeleteI think that the similarities to requirements here in the States is because the organization that operates the school is based in the U.S. I am not sure that Thai teachers have the same kind of requirements when it comes to professional development.
Hi Anita,
ReplyDeleteI am happy for you finally got in touch with your professional contact from Thailand. I found the resonance of the language problem Doni mentioned, this seems to be one of the main issues that students study in the international school and use English as the other language. For many foreign teachers especially from the western countries, it is not easy for them to understand or feel comfortable with some of the culture in the Asian countries. At this point for teacher really need to adjust their attitudes and know about what their biases are. Actually many families in local are understandable on the cultural differences, and when they are explained by the foreigner they are willing to show respect and being open-minded. It is good to know that professional development is given to Doni’s international school regularly and help to promote her teaching career. That gives teacher time and space to improve their quality and strengthen the teaching competence. Good post!