Lately I've been feeling like teaching in Moldova is draining me. I love teaching and I love my students, but I've been frustrated by classes that don't listen, students that are noisy, and the lack of motivation of many of my students. The truth is, teaching is hard. But then sometimes your students absolutely surprise … Continue reading Bright Moments
I was fortunate to attend my first Moldovan wedding just 3 weeks after I arrived in-country in 2016 (read about the wedding here). That time, my host parents were the new couple's nanași (wedding godparents), so I was able to be super involved in the entire event: I helped the bride get dressed and ready, saw the … Continue reading Moldovan Wedding #2
In most schools in Moldova, each subject has a week or two when the teachers of those subjects plan a variety of special events and activities to celebrate the subject. The last two weeks have been Foreign Languages Weeks in our school. Our students learn English (starting in 2nd grade) and Russian (starting in 5th … Continue reading English & Russian Weeks
Yesterday, my partner Ina and I taught an open lesson with one of our 5th grade classes. What is an open lesson? It's essentially an observed lesson, but it is more important and more orchestrated than any observed lesson I've seen in the United States. The lesson is expected to be perfect, with interesting and … Continue reading Open Lessons
Some weeks I accomplish my goal of a photo a day and some weeks I don't. Alas, I will post them when I do and not worry about it when I don't.
The Oke Den 