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.