Host School Arrival

A day or two prior to the introduction of the students, the American staff will arrive in the host community.  Often this event is met with much celebration and euphoria.  A welcome dinner “banquet” will likely take place and involve most if not all of the Chinese staff.  There will be introductions, brief speeches, and many toasts (“gam-bae”) with water, soda, or Chinese beer.

At this occasion, the Americans will likely meet their classroom partner, a Chinese National teacher.  S/he will serve as classroom aide, translator, and friend to her American guest.  This professional is also there to learn about American English, American culture, and American teaching styles.  This person is likely to become your best Chinese friend.

Classroom

Each staff will be given a classroom key.  Don’t lose it (put it on a string or yarn, and wear it around your neck).  

On Saturday, the day before the students arrive, the Visiting Staff will be expected to unpack their classroom materials in the staff office, become familiar with their classroom, and decorate their teaching space to represent an American classroom as well as making it unique to themselves and reflect the state they are representing.

The staff office will be a private meeting and planning space.  Here, each staff will establish a space for materials.  Furthermore, there will be tables where communal materials will be available for all staff.  The office will also have computers with internet and printer connections.

Classrooms are all basically the same.  Desks may be arranged in any manner that suites the visiting teacher.  It’s hard to say exactly what materials and technology will be available in the classroom.  Nevertheless, it is likely there will be a computer and large screen monitor, so consider preparing ppt slide shows of your family and for your State Lesson.  Most schools will have a technician on staff to assist teachers with the use of available technology.

Decorating classrooms is a big deal.  Post maps of the world, the United States, and the state you represent.  Adorn the space in recognizable American icons and symbols while avoiding overt military representations and never post religious icons or symbols.  Your state should dominate the classroom.  This may include tourist attractions, indigenous animals, history, etc.