US Teacher in Turkey

      I must say I am glad I didn't miss the online teaching practices going on in Covid World  - as much as it pains me that I can't meet my students face-to-face.  Teachers are using their creativity and problem solving skills to do (mostly) what they have always done in the classroom, albeit sitting in a chair and looking at the squares of faces on the screen.  I have learned much.      To begin, I learned how to use Google Meet.  I learned to split my screen in order to show students a power point I've prepared, while still seeing them.  I learned to give on line quizzes...an utter fail at Google Sheets quiz, but an on line platform called Quizizz works well.  I learned (this week) I can create a google doc, share with students, and we can collect "tone vocabulary words" or write a paper together as a class.  My biggest challenge this week was giving a "listening quiz" - an assessment required if you teach a foreign language, which now I am! I bask i

       I finally made it to the doors of Enka School Istanbul!  The environment of the school met my expectations and beyond!  The school is sprawling, set on green grounds along a hill.  This hill is accommodated by constructing various buildings on these levels.  For example, the pre-school is set higher than the main school.  Since this school was built as part of a sports complex, the fields and courts are on various levels too.  Need tennis courts?  Level out the hill and build the tennis court.  All around are trees, grassy patches, benches and statuary.  I haven't had the chance to walk much of  the grounds, but see it from a car each morning.      The main building has 3 floors (I think!) and in parts of the building there are sublevels!  I've talked with faculty who've been here several years and they shake their heads saying, "I still get lost." But, in a week's time I've found the English Department office, all the classrooms where I do my onlin

 Before I leave the blog for a few days...I'm going to be buried in grading and planning the rest of the week...I want to give a shout out to all my teacher friends and family who are on line teaching.  What a worm hole it is!  A true test of will to accomplish.  So, to all my teacher friends and family, I am now with you. You deserve a mountain of money to compensate for the headaches and learning curves you have had to maneuver. That being said, I am managing on-line learning.    I am in awe of the technical support at Enka .  I have a number of people to call with problems. We "meet" on Google Meet and they show me, through the wonder of split screen and screen sharing, how to go about fixing or doing whatever I need to do.  I'm not doing anything "fancy," but I can show a Powerpoint, a Video, or blank page where students can watch me write as they brainstorm (I like to do on the white/black board in the classroom).  This week I successfully set up separa

 There is so much you don't expect when in a new country.   I have these modern Miele appliances in my apartment. They are German and for lack of a better word - sophisticated.  I used the stove after I googled how to turn it on.  The washing machine was a real challenge.  I watched several You Tube videos of how to operate, and used my Google Translate app to read the dials.  The first load I did I believe took 3 hours to run through!  Then, I found a short cycle and I'm never leaving it, no matter what I wash.  I'm just not that picky! I find it odd - but I am American - that dryers are a rarity in Turkey.  Especially in apartments.  This washer is supposed to "dry" as well.  What comes out is a steaming damp garment.  It's not helpful. But, my apartment came with a nice functional drying rack and I was actually surprised twithin a day most everything was dry.   I have a Miele dishwasher, but I'm not going to attempt!  I'm perfectly satisfied washing

 I haven’t been in Turkey a week and I’m getting braver.  So many have advised me to be careful and I am.  But I have felt more uncomfortable with my surroundings in New York City than in Istanbul. I’ll spare all the details of why, but I had to find my bank today.  Enka School did the preliminary set up, but I had to go to the bank to finalize the account.  As soon as I finished my last class, I set Google Maps and took off.  Google Maps said it was a 9 minute walk.  It didn’t mention it was all uphill!  I follow my map and it leads me right to the wrong bank!  I put my phone away and just started asking. I pointed to the name of the bank on my phone and watched as Turkish residents waved their arms in the direction I needed to go.  Slowly, breathlessly I made it! I was so proud of myself, I decided to do  a little shopping.  Found an office supply store...I can’t believe they don’t have colored folders in Istanbul! Then I stopped by a cute little market near my apartment—their fish d

     Thank you for visiting my blog.  I hope once the start of school settles in and I'm finished getting groceries, bank accounts, Turkish SIM cards, etc.  I will write more often.         September 7, 2020                                                                               4 Days in Turkey  I am here.  Istanbul, Turkey.  And I am teaching.  Boy am I teaching.  Lots of work. But I'm doing whata teachers all over the world are doing.  This on line teaching is tough.  Yet, I'm loving it.  Really.             The plane trip was uneventful.  I flew out of Chicago to Istanbul.  Direct.  I was so exhausted from teaching on line at 1:00 AM in the morning the past week, that I actually slept.  Which is why I missed the little white slip of paper deposited on my tray during the night.  I saw it at one point, in the darkness, and put it in the seat pocket, thinking I'll figure that out later.  So, when I get to customs I present my passport with the precious visa attac

The past 3 days I have experienced on line teaching up close and personal.  It’s like relearning how to drive.  Tough.  But doable.  My Turkish students have been delightful.  They have been friendly and positive.  They are key to whether this adventure of mine will be successful.   I have to say it has been surreal teaching Turkish students-at 2:00 AM-in Lexington, Kentucky!  That all ends today.  In about 3 hours I will be flying away to Istanbul!  I am nervous, excited, panicked, calm, all at the same time!  I worked toward this for over a year-I began the application process last July. I have prepared for the trip since being hired in January.  The past few weeks I have studied new computer programs and planned on line lessons.  But I have dreamed of this moment since I attended my first IB training in 2007.  It’s happening.  I’m teaching overseas!!