Part I~Introduction1. Who the teacher is:
范玲老師 / Tamshui Junior High School
2. How I found her:
Last November, I applied Tamshui Junior High School as my internship school. This August, I am going to be a student teacher in her class.
3. When and where the interview took place:
Wednesday, May third, 2006 / in a coffee shop, Tamshui
4. How long the interview was:90 minutes or so
Part II~Questions and AnswersThis informational interview is one of the important approaches to "close up" the teaching occupation. In order to help me follow up, I asked Teacher Fahn a couple of questions as follows.
1. Would you please talk about your learning and teaching background?Twenty something years ago, I graduated from the English Department of 靜宜 University and then was teaching in junior high school for two years, during which I was a substitute teacher and also in the class of education courses (at that time, it's not a must to get a teaching certificate if people were wanna-be teachers). After finishing the education courses, I attended the graduate school in 政治 University, majoring in Education. Later, I became a formal teacher in junior high school. Speaking of my teaching background, I actually have taught in three schools over these 17 years. Tamshui Junior High School is where I am working and it's the second year now. Before, I taught in 自強 and 五峰 Junior High Schools, for eleven years and one year, respectively.
What's the big difference among these three schools?Tamshui Junior High School is my mother school. Honestly speaking, I have pressure from the teachers who had taught me(人情壓力). However, compared with the previous two schools, the atmosphere among co-workers or students is much more relaxing and pleasing.
What grade are you teaching right now? Is it ranked one of the top three?I am teaching three classes of ninth grade and am also a ninth-grade homeroom teacher. The classes are all regular classes, no honored ones. Usually, my school takes "S-shap" strategy to classify students, which means one class has both good and bad students in terms of learning condition.
Which grade do you often teach?
Whom I teach is all ninth graders these two years.
What grade do you want to teach instead? Why?I prefer to teach a class from the very beginning, seventh grade. Better interaction and relationship is what I want to create. Not only can I understand and handle students' learning condition through the following three years, but also they can cooperate with my teaching styles.
2. What led to your choice of this occupation?The reason I have been a teacher is because of strong interest and enthusiasm. I like to talk to people and also like the school environment. Besides, I was an English major, so I think teaching is an appropriate choice. Most important of all, "chance" is another indispensable factor. If I don't have any chance, I might not be what I am.
3. What's your belief and philosophy of teaching?Well, my belief is not that philosophic, but simple. I like to help people, from which I can be helped as well. This belief makes me consider teaching is not just an occupation, but a job I'm in love with (志業), a calling, in other words.
Has it changed since you were a teacher?As we know, the education circle has changed over these years. And what I know is I am
teaching e-generation students and their parents are averagely well educated. So, I keep
adjusting my mind, my views, and my thoughts. The principle (bottom line) is, dedicating to education, I am still with my belief all the way--help others and I will be helped.
4. What skills do you need for this work? (ability, personality…)A sound knowledge of what I teach is a must. You know, language is changing, thus I need to improve myself all the time to upskill and enhance my language competence. Of course, I need to be organized. This is very important. Time management both inside and outside the classroom is also important. Being flexible and approachable are needs, too. In terms of personality, it's partially related to "inherency". Sometimes, I am thinking I was born to be a teacher! Well, the main principle is I can accept this job and am willing to contribute myself into education. Also, I have to know how to be sensitive to observe and react, know how to deal with interrelationship, and know how to communicate with people around me.
5. What are your major work responsibilities?What I am doing is I am a homeroom teacher of ninth grade and teach three senior classes. At the moment, my responsibilities are essentially towards my students, helping them to learn and making sure no one is left behind. For my homeroom students, future study is currently concerned. What I do is to deeply realize their learning backgrounds, conference them twice a semester, and provide them information about multi-enrollment.
If you are a homeroom teacher of seventh or eighth grade, what will be different?Seventh graders' thinking is simple since they just graduated from elementary schools. So what teachers have to concern are their familiarity with the new environment, and also the adaptation to teaching and learning. As for eighth graders, teachers will try to notice their characteristics and behavior discipline. You know, after fitting in the school, their behavior might be deviant, which ought to be concerned carefully.
6. What is a typical day like in your work?I am teaching seniors right now. Besides intensive teaching from Tuesday to Friday, I need to attend the conference held by twelve English teachers in Monday afternoon (once a month). Besides, I have to take care of my class and deal with class business. Also, class meeting is included.
What's the function of the conference?It's an English research based on teaching and learning. There are two main purposes for the conference: one is to share teaching reflections and the other is to reach common goals, like how many lessons to teach, what activities to hold, and what suggestions to solve students' learning obstacles. It's generally an idea exchange conference.
7. How do you prepare for your job?I think about what will interest the students. I try to be creative to keep them interested. I talk to other teachers about what they've done in class and what has worked or not. I have three classes to go. The lesson plan is in between, neither easy nor hard. We five English teachers in ninth grade frequently exchange experiences, discuss problems, and share resources. As you can see, teachers' teamwork is crucial here.
8. What are the working conditions on your job?(coworkers, school culture, school equipment…)
The atmosphere among coworkers is harmonic and interactive. We have good time when working and helping each other. We share the work burden, like material-designing and class-catering. We are not only colleagues but also friends. Since the school is not "enrollment-oriented", the system is not that tight; that is teachers get more freedom and respect. Working in a low competitive school is not that serious; instead, we can take it easy to teach under less pressure. Speaking of equipment, we used to be trained how to make clever use of it, but the pity thing is to integrate technology into teaching is not an easy-to-implement task in junior high school. Instead, I use a radio oftentimes.
9. How do you like your job? What makes you have passion to teach? Students' performance, school's feedback, personal interest, or winter/summer vacation?Sometimes I like my job; sometimes I don't. I was in low spirits, hated teaching, and even wanted to retire. But, when I recall my very beginning's state of mind toward teaching, I tell myself not to give up because enthusiasm still works! Whenever I consider teaching is nothing fresh at all, I usually spend one semester reframing my mood and will feel refreshed after. Praying calms me; students' positive feedback supports me and warms my heart. One thing I want to point out here is I like teaching not because of winter/summer vacation; however, I do need long vacation to rest the head and recharge my mind. After, everything is so fresh-- new semester, new students, new me.
10. Would you like to talk about the barriers and supports you face in the teaching context? (slower learners, school pressure…)
The workload is heavy sometimes. My working hour is basically from 7:30am to 5:00pm. At nights, I might have special students' cases to deal with, such as not-coming-to-school or escaping-from-home students. Their parents mostly talk to (or discuss with) me on the phone. Such students make me introspect--why they are not interested in study and/or don't want to stay home. Sometimes, these problematic students will affect my teaching and students' learning. I am not disappointed with them, but try to discover the problems. As what I mentioned above, teaching is not just teaching, I still have to pay attention to students' behavior. For English competence, the gap between the good and the bad is wide for many reasons. I try to take care of both overachievers and underachievers, giving them extra instruction when needed. On the other hand, students' positive feedback, family's and co-workers' encouragement support me spiritually. They are truly my backups.
How do you overcome the difficulties?When annoying things come to me, I will read books and relax, mentally and physically. I came to realize not to take things seriously but consider different aspects of the cases, and everything will be alright.
Have you ever compromised with the real environment?In terms of Tamshui Junior High School, I am comfortable with where I am. As far as teaching is concerned, I am estimable to demonstrate my personal style. So far, no big conflicts occur between my belief and working environment. But, the school has to intervene with "class management". In this case, I will compromise and listen to what they order.
Why or how can you "survive" for many years?Interestingly, you used the word "survive" here. Learn how to protect myself, save some ideas/thoughts inside my mind, try not to endeavor with all my heart, or I will get hurt and be frustrated.
11. As far as your career cycle is concerned, which stage do you think you are in? (pre-service, induction, competency building, enthusiastic and growing, career frustration, career stability, career wind-down, career exit)I am kind of in the career stability stage, but still pursue the professional growth and excellence. At the moment, I know how to manage the class efficiently, how to manage time well, how to self-realize and reinforce my professional skills. But in some cases, I am in the stage between enthusiastic and frustration. The mood of teaching changes over and over. Sometimes, I am satisfied with my job and am willing to update myself, but sometimes, I just get tired of it and don't want to apply new ideas at all. As you can see, the career cycle is circulated.
Do you have any plans in the near future? If possible, will you study further? What field do you think interest you most? Will you study in Taiwan or abroad? Why?
Though I got a master degree, I've planned to go to England to get another master degree on TESOL in the next two or three years. What I heard about this program is I can spend four summer vacations (two months each year) to get the diploma. Considering about my family, I think this program suits me. There are two reasons for oversea study: my sisters were studying abroad and it seems like a chance for an English teacher to seize (what I care is horizon-widening, instead of salary-raising). I believe the more I learn, the more I can give.
In terms of professional development, how often do you join seminars outside the school? What kind of activity do you participate in mostly? How do they help you?
Hmm, I usually attend seminars held in winter or summer vacation. Nowadays, textbooks are with enrichment and diversity. In order to make teaching more creative, I joined the activities held by Hess and Carve book publishers, form which I learned how to use storybooks or little novels to make my teaching animated. My school doesn't hold many English activities. School permitting, I would like to promote an "opera" activity, then students can sing and act in English. It must be fun and worth-trying.
12. What other occupations are closely related to this one? Would you like to try?
I used to teach in a cram school, but I didn't enjoy working there, though I made more money. Well, it's hard to imagine I am an office lady, whose working environment makes me afraid since I am not familiar with it. I think the occupation of tour guide might attract me. I like to talk to people and also like new things. So, I consider it as an interesting job. If possible, I will give it a try.
13. How many years have you taken care of student teachers? How did you feel toward this duty? Heavy, enjoyable, learnable? What were the good and bad points?
Last year was my first time to take over this duty. The good thing was, the student teacher, eight-year older than students, brought new concepts and the latest information to me (since I've been teaching for 17 years, my point of view is conventional). Sometimes, I had "blind spots"(盲點) in socializing with students; at this point, she had better understanding of students. It helped. However, the bad thing was we were not very much in sync, especially on the aspect of class-leading. I preferred to lead the class myself.
14. If you were hiring a person for your job, what qualifications would you look for? Let's say if you are one of the judges in the teacher-selection interview, and the interview is giving 20-minute lecture, what will you expect to see?
Creativity, interest, enthusiasm, and an ability to relate to students are necessary. Be active and enthusiastic is very much important. Without passion, teaching will be boring since you will get bored easily. If I am one of the judges, the first feeling and impression interviewees give me is important. The way of teaching is quite the same. The winning point is interviewees should be distinguished. A sweetly smiling face is very much welcome. Clear expression and good organization are also into consideration.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about pursuing this occupation? Or what suggestions will you give to a student teacher when he/she is going to have an interview in other schools?Make sure he/she knows his/her stuff. Read a lot and be enthusiastic! Pray if he/she can. Take it easy, and be confident.
15. When the term "careerless" came to me, I found it interesting. Compared with working in a company (which mostly has promotion system), do you think teaching is "careerless"?Undoubtedly, those who work in a company in higher position get higher pay. But, what I am wondering is if their ability and horizon will be widen in some extent, or the title is just like a "shell", poorly, nothing worth-sharing inside. I don't think teaching is careerless. I am not ambitious to achieve higher position, the reason of which is both Director and Principal are not at the "front line" to stay with students, which isn't included into my career goals. If I am not promoted, I will be a teacher all the way. Though the title has been "Teacher", I've kept enriching my experience and fulfilling my life. I am usually hungry with my satisfaction; in this case, I will make my world differently.
16. How does this occupation lead you to educate your children?
I have one son and one daughter, who are ten and eleven years old, respectively. My students' ages are closer to my children's. If some students are outstanding, I will ask their parents to share the raising experiences. In addition, since I spend time with students most of the time, I can know how to get along with my children and realize what they are thinking. This helps me get to know my children easily.
17. At the end, please describe your teaching career with one sentence.
It's really hard to conclude in one sentence. Though what I teach is English, but differently, whom I teach changes every year and the problems needed to be dealt with hence differ. So, I would say teaching is also a grow-up process. I do learn a lot from students. Like what I mentioned above, help others and I will be helped. I have't regretted of teaching. I am loving this job!
Part III~ReflectionWhen I was done with the interview, I found out realizing Teacher Fahn's career in only ninety minutes was limited, but I got a general picture of how she has been so far. I really appreciate Teacher Fahn's belief--help others and I will be helped. Her simple idea is clearly understood; in other words, teaching is not giving selfishly, but to help students with generosity. This open-minded attitude will lead to fruitful rewards spontaneously. Furthermore, Teacher Fahn's love toward teaching is so firm and assured that makes me meditate, in the near future, if I can handle this occupation well or not. As Fahn suggested creativity, interest, enthusiasm, and an ability to relate to students are qualifications for this occupation, I don't know how much I can demonstrate deep inside my heart. However, I do examine my attitude toward the future teaching carefully and seriously. Moreover, I am impressive with what Fahn said--learn how to protect yourself. In the process of settling into an occupation, it's not easy to make oneself secure and demonstrate their values at the same time. In this dilemma, how to be balanced with personal and organizational condition is a tough task needed to tackle.
In addition, there are some important information I gained form the interview. Being a teacher has to manage time well and organize a sound knowledge for each and every class. Be full-prepared and well-organized is important. Besides, how to design an instruction which interests students is crucial. In my view, it's better for teachers to recall what they were like when being students themselves; teachers hereby can think about how to present a successful lecture. Again, creativity and enthusiasm are key points here. Also, teachers have to be responsible, flexible, and approachable to help those who are left behind and further build up a good relationship. I do believe "conferencing students" is a good approach to have a better understanding of students. I think it's a great help for teaching and learning. When I was studying in the United States, I had six conferences with ENG 101 professor during one semester. She tried to know what's going on with my study and solved my learning problems. Hence, interaction between teachers and students is so indispensable that it can promote teaching and learning efficiency.
Before the interview, I consider the life of teaching can be exactly quite the same, such as teaching materials/goals/environment, and title/status/prestige. However, this interview presents the teaching job is diversity, flexibility, uncertainty. Like teacher Fahn said, teaching is more than teaching. Managing the class, consulting students, communicating with their parents, and socializing with coworkers are all in the list. In the 21st century, teachers are viewed as a primary rule for educational excellence. I agree teaching should be considered as a professional occupation since it belongs to public service. Due to the change of students, the improvement of technology and the variety of society, profession growth is the first thing needed to take care of to cope with the changeable education. In order to professionalize and make teaching a more rewarding experience, I came to realize that teachers have a need for a highly skilled and competent teaching enforcement. Thus, teachers should seek continual growth to cultivate themselves at various points during their career. I can see Teacher Fahn is voluntarily to join activities, to renew techniques and promote efficiency in terms of teaching and learning. Besides, advanced study will broaden her life circle and influence her attitude, thought, behavior and knowledge, by means of which cause a better teaching environment. Therefore, I think keeping abreast of changes and finding new ways of teaching are great professional maintenance. From this short interview, I give more consideration to how the teacher's awareness and understanding of the teaching environment. I understand how her profession and perceptions affect the career development. That's why teachers need to know more about the career cycle so that they can be supported and assisted in realizing their professional potential. Here, I found out how the career cycle and professional development are related.
In brief, this interview is just like a "check-in" step , helping me approach what teacher's career is basically like. I found out being a teacher isn't an easy job, since he/she plays an important role in educating children. As we know, what teachers perform is expected in the whole society and education system. If school reform is to be successful, teachers must pay extra efforts to maintain the quality of teaching and learning. Thus, I strongly believe teaching needs professional knowledge and special skills, which must be maintained with contentious endeavor and research. On the exploration of teaching road, I think about narrowing down the choices of the specific teaching role--what kind of teacher I want to be to create my own value. How to use the language in the real life context, how to integrate media and technology into instruction, and how to apply theoretic knowledge and skills into action are three aspects I need to think about. Still, I am very much impressive with what Fahn said--help others and I will be helped. Teaching is an interpersonal process. As long as teachers are confident with this job, I'm convinced the more effort they make, the more rewards they will receive. Thank for Teacher Fahn's rich experience sharing. I do appreciate her great help; it means a lot. All in all, this interview highlights my personal awareness. It not only gives me a basic acknowledgment of this occupation, but also helps me have a better understanding of how to follow up.
