The nice young lady working the front desk told me I was to go upstairs for my interview. Riding up in the elevator, I practiced how I would introduce myself, and took some deep breaths. I knew this would soon going to be a make it or break it moment. The elevator door opened and I walked up to the door, knocked and entered when I heard someone say "Come in". I had a brief thought..."I hope I am in the right room". I would have been sooo embarrassed if I walked into a complete stranger's room! Mr. Amerie stood before me. He was a distinguished, older gentleman with a charming accent. After quick introductions, Mr. Amerie reviewed my paperwork. While we waited for the interviewer to be ready, we casually discussed the possible interview questions and how I should approach them. In addition, I was given the time to look over the Abu Dhabi teacher's binder of education standards. The standards pretty much fell in line with the same format that I am familiar with. I was extremely glad about that!
The interviewer arrived and I followed him down to the lobby of the hotel. He decided to sit in the lobby at a small table by the window to do conduct our chat. After brief pleasantries, the interview began.
1) Since textbooks are no longer used, the Abu Dhabi school district uses thematic units to teach their lessons. Give me an example on how you would use a thematic unit to cover your required tasks?
A) I decided to choose "Space" as the theme. I then went on to discuss various lessons that would incorporate math, english, and of course science.
2) How would use use centers?
A) I explained how I would have various centers that covered different areas within my "Space" theme. These could include: math, arts and crafts, reading, language arts, experiments, hands on activities etc.
3) What about "word walls"?
A) I told him how I have used "word walls" in the past. Either as a partner or independent activity, students were given a word to define, use in a sentence, illustrate, and identify part of speech. They would then construct a mini poster using the information they found. When complete the student(s) would "teach" the class the word. They could do this by pantomine, skit, song, or other different means. After this was conducted, the poster would be hung on the wall. Future words would be attached to the previous words making a long "word worm".
When the discussion was over, he said he was delighted to offer me a contract! I was floored! I had expected to hear within 24 hours as all the previous documentation had stated. I accepted, shook his hand, and was quickly escorted back up to the original room. I followed along in a daze. I couldn't believe it. I had just gotten a job that would move myself, my husband, and my pooch half way around the world!! I knew the next month would be very exciting indeed!
The interviewer arrived and I followed him down to the lobby of the hotel. He decided to sit in the lobby at a small table by the window to do conduct our chat. After brief pleasantries, the interview began.
1) Since textbooks are no longer used, the Abu Dhabi school district uses thematic units to teach their lessons. Give me an example on how you would use a thematic unit to cover your required tasks?
A) I decided to choose "Space" as the theme. I then went on to discuss various lessons that would incorporate math, english, and of course science.
2) How would use use centers?
A) I explained how I would have various centers that covered different areas within my "Space" theme. These could include: math, arts and crafts, reading, language arts, experiments, hands on activities etc.
3) What about "word walls"?
A) I told him how I have used "word walls" in the past. Either as a partner or independent activity, students were given a word to define, use in a sentence, illustrate, and identify part of speech. They would then construct a mini poster using the information they found. When complete the student(s) would "teach" the class the word. They could do this by pantomine, skit, song, or other different means. After this was conducted, the poster would be hung on the wall. Future words would be attached to the previous words making a long "word worm".
When the discussion was over, he said he was delighted to offer me a contract! I was floored! I had expected to hear within 24 hours as all the previous documentation had stated. I accepted, shook his hand, and was quickly escorted back up to the original room. I followed along in a daze. I couldn't believe it. I had just gotten a job that would move myself, my husband, and my pooch half way around the world!! I knew the next month would be very exciting indeed!
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