The 3rd Annual
Teacher's Conference is off to a great start! We had 88 teachers and
administrators registered...but 102 show up! They came from surrounding villages
and mountains. Some walked 3-4 hours to be here. We gave them a bag of teacher
supplies and a neck tie at the registration desk. The conference opened with
prayer and a song ("How Great Thou Art"). Tammy spoke about why she teaches and
asked the teachers and administrators to write down three reasons why they
teach. Next, we had a break-out session with approximately 25 per class, where
they were trained in: 1) Classroom Management, 2) Special Needs, 3) Lesson
Mastery, 4) Lesson Planning. During this time, the administrators (approximately
15) were trained on the moral imperative of leadership, building relationships,
and respect. They also discussed the basic needs for their school. The last
session was an opportunity for them to ask questions. It was interesting that
they experience some of the same issues that we do in the USA (i.e. fighting
parents, not enough classroom time, slower learners, etc.) We concluded the
session with singing the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," and prayer.They
received lunch before they left, probably the only meal of the day for most of
them. The teachers were so interested in learning how to be better teachers and
they were very appreciative of what they learned.
Some basic general observations about today:
1) They did not complain about anything (heat, bugs, supplies, etc.)
2) They asked great questions and are truly interested in helping their students.
3) While language, culture, and lifestyles may be different, educators can likely agree--kids are kids, wherever you go!
1) They did not complain about anything (heat, bugs, supplies, etc.)
2) They asked great questions and are truly interested in helping their students.
3) While language, culture, and lifestyles may be different, educators can likely agree--kids are kids, wherever you go!
