Over the river and through the woods and into the classroom we go...

Well, I (Andy) have been wanting to articulate some of my experience and am finally sitting down to do so. I am working very closely with Mr. Joseph Cayatano, the local manager (think superintendent of schools) as we travel to schools, observe teachers, tour facilities and attend staff meetings. There are thirty schools in the Toledo district under the care of Catholic management and our goal is to visit every school at least once per term. This translates into travelling anywhere between 2-4 hours every Tuesday and Thursday during the week. The roads are rough, unpaved, rocky and sometimes flooded. One trip to the village of San Benito Poite required us to wade through 2 flooded creeks to be sure that the truck could safely cross the swelled creeks. Although the terrain is similar what one might see in a commercial for a Ford F-350 Super Duty truck, our vehicles pale in comparison. In Joe's own words, "We have two trucks available. The first is okay, and the second, well, it will get you there." The ride on these days is rough but it helps to think of it more like a rough massage through some of the most beautiful county I have ever seen. Tall mountains, large green plants, and rushing rivers remind me that this is God's country, still very hidden and isolated from the rest of the world.

As we arrive at schools, we are welcomed by the principal and given a quick update on the news of the day, whether it be the construction of a latrine, the status of the school's feeding program, or relations with the village community. While Joe stays with the principal to review attendance logs and staff registers, I take to the classrooms. This is the part that I love, being able to observe classrooms in action. I try my best to "sneak in" without disturbing the class. It is not easy since the students are well trained to stand and provide the usual choral greeting, "good afternoon Sir". It is especially difficult to be in cognito in the younger grades as these students stare at the unique looking stranger.

Within a few minutes, the class resumes its regular pace and I get to to be a fly on the wall. I take this time to view the room, the layout of the desks, and various charts and signs that the teacher has posted around the room. No pre-made commercially available alphabet charts, safety posters or motivational signs here. Every character, rules poster, and academic sign has been painstakingly drawn and colored by the teacher and each has at least a few years of use under it's belt.   There is a very long and specific list of essential charts that the government requires to be present in each and every classroom including national symbols, alphabet in both English and Spanish, and manners protocol.

 After familiarizing myself with the physical setting, I start to observe the teacher's interaction with the students, his/her classroom management and lesson delivery. During this time, I try to record at least 2-3 good points to offer some praise and reinforcement. As a teacher, I always liked it when an observer recognized the positive aspects of my teaching. The more difficult task is to mention the not so positive aspects in a supportive manner. I have been trying to phrase my criticism in the form of open questions. "How will you redirect the student in the back who has been distracting those around him?" "What strategies have you found to be successful when it comes to getting the class's attention?" "How will you assess if the students understand the lesson's objectives?" My goal is to gently bring these issues to light and offer some reflective direction.  Oftentimes, the teacher and I have had the opportunity to discuss these observations face to face during a break time.  This has been a most interesting lesson in tactfulness and relationship building as I am expected to observe and offer suggestions, while trying to be more of a coach than a critical voice. I feel that my suggestions have been well received, which is something that I'm always worried about. I certainly do not want to offend anyone and no teacher wants someone to walk into their room and point out faults.  One of the more unfortunate realities that one teacher commented on is that young Belizean teachers find it difficult to admit the areas that need improvement.  On the other hand, there certainly is some very good and effective teaching going on here.

Typically, our staff meetings do not include a meal such as
 this.  Today, the staff was celebrating a farewell
 baby shower for their Vice Principal.

One of the things that I like to point out when we hold staff meetings is that, in my experience, most practical professional learning comes from colleagues, not from degree programs or workshops. I try to encourage these younger teachers to seek help from those veteran staff they work with.  Near the end of our stay, Joe and I spend some time with the staff (numbering anywhere from 3-12 teachers) discussing these best practices.  I am always very pleased with the dialogue that emerges from these sessions.  It has proven to me that teachers can be their own best resource and, if they are given the time to reflect and share, they can certainly learn a lot from one another.  Good teaching is the same no matter where you are. It comes down to dedicated individuals who are willing to do what they can in the best interests of their students.  I hope to share more of these experiences, but will have to wait for future posts to do so.

Independence!

September is the month of independence for Belizeans and they make no buts about it, it is a celebration worthy of month long festivities. Starting at the end of August one can find houses, cars, windows and shops adorned with the Belizean flag. I would have to say that I've never seen a display of patriotism to the extent that the Belizeans go. This year is extra special as it is the 30th year anniversary of Belize's independence. To give you an idea as to how young this country is their founding father, George Cadle Price (the equivalent to our George Washington), just passed away a few weeks ago.
The month starts off with a Carnival type parade and a queen pageant in Belize City. However, with fewer than 6000 residents, the town of Punta Gorda does surprisingly well with their own Independence celebrations. Earlier in the month the country celebrated the Battle of St. George's Caye which was a decisive battle between the British and the Spaniards over the country of Belize (the British won out). There was a presentation of the pageant queen along with a fireman's parade followed by a demonstration from the Belize Defense Force (BDF) This was followed by a party in Central Park, complete with music, dancing, and a dj. That was just the beginning.
As the month ensued so did the celebrations. The government organizes what they call the Children's Rally. The idea is to give the children their own opportunity to celebrate their country and to display their patriotism. Many classes head to the local civic center during school hours to participate. Representatives from all of the schools in the surrounding Punta Gorda area then gathered together and paraded around the streets, waving flags, beating drums and carrying school banners. Preschools, such as our son's, had government appointed buses that were decorated and participated in the parade as well--shouting "hip hip hooray" along the route. As the parade wrapped up and the kids headed home (who can have school after that right?) the government paid for to each child to be sent home with a treat or goody bag of treats and a juice bottle. We went on the bus with our son's preschool, our two oldest daughters walked with their school and our youngest daughter watched the parade from her classroom as it went by. It was really a great experience to see so many children all supporting their country in such a public way.
On September 21, Belizeans celebrate their independence--the day when they were officially no longer a British colony. The celebrations here tend to be more communal than familial and they begin on Sep. 20 (Independence Eve). The majority of festivities took place at Central Park and included a bounce house (yay for my kids), beer, food, political speakers, music and dj. There was also some amazing authentic garifuna music that was performed by a group from one of Toledo district's only garifuna villages, Barranco (see youtube link for some video footage). They make heavy use of drums, rattles, and tortoise shells as instruments. At 11:45 p.m. the BDF marched into Central Park and did a 21 gun salute. After that was the countdown to midnight. As the clock struck midnight fireworks were set off at the pier a few blocks away. We were extremely impressed as they were as good as any suburban US city's fireworks. The festivities went until 2 a.m. but that was just too late for this young family, we left by 12:30 a.m.
The next morning, Independence Day, began with a large rally and another 21 gun salute (the BDF sure like their guns). This was followed up with a large parade that had representatives from nearly every school and organization in the area. Andy was very happy to see a troop of Boy Scouts marching in the parade all decked out in uniform. As the parade wrapped up, there was more music, food, and festivities in the park but because of the long night and hot weather, we just didn't last too long. Later that afternoon was a bike race in which participants had to bike around the town's main streets 12 times. Some of the participants came decked in proper biking gear and multiple speed bikes while others wore street clothes and flip flops and rode their basic 1 speed bikes. We didn't get to see who finished but I believe there was a $250 prize for first place.
The month has wrapped up with a memorial service for George Cadle Price, the founding father, first prime minister and leader of People's United Party. The kids were off school and there was a special mass and procession to Central Park for an ecumenical service. Simultaneously, there was a funeral mass in Belmopan (the capital city) followed by a burial in Belize City. We do not have a TV signal nor do we get a good radio signal but riding around town, it was very apparent how well Mr. Price was loved and revered. Nearly every house in town had either a tv or a radio tuned to the solemn, all day service.

Celebrating Belize's independence has been a real treat for us. Not only was it a great time but it was wonderful to see so many people come together for a common purpose.