We have quite a mixture in our teaching staff here at school. Our elementary is a single section school with class sizes ranging 10 to 20 students. Of the eight classroom teachers (including PreK), there are 1 Egyptian, 1 New Zealander and 6 Americans. Then there are specialists in PE, Computers, Music, Arabic, French, Art (shared with 7-12). The specials are taught by 1 American, 1 Chinese, 1 Englishman and 4 Egyptians. There are several support staff assisting the elementary school including with 1 American (Pat), 1 New Zealander and the remaining are Egyptian. In the 7-12 we have 2 math teachers, 2 science teachers, 2 language arts teachers, 2 social studies teachers, 1 French teacher, 1 Arabic teacher, 1 PE teacher, 1 media specialist and then the registrar, principal and I teach a couple of classes along with one other staff person who teaches in fine arts and social studies. The 7-12 staff has 5 Egyptian, 1 Englishman, 1 Canadian and the remainder are from the US. It is an interesting blend of staff. Here is a picture of the high school courtyard.
Last night as we were walking after school, we came back around 5:00 PM – this is the time that all students have to be off campus. Most leave within a few minutes after school is out at 3:05 but some stay after to make up work or attend a practice. It was interesting to see all of the nice cars parked outside the gates with the drivers waiting for the students to come out. It is such a contrast to the neighborhood that the school is located.
I gave my first test today and of course the students wanted me to postpone it – no different than in the US – it was not a long test. Typically it should have taken 20 to 25 minutes to complete. Most of the students took 30 to 40 minutes as they read over each question and pondered the answers carefully. When I corrected them tonight, I had 10 of the 12 score B+ or higher. They are very motivated by grades and their technique for study involves a lot of memorization.
