When we first began the work here, the opportunity was announced that schools in the area were looking for native speakers to teach at various public schools once a week. I decided to decline but stayed in reserves. Then one day reserves were needed and, fairly early last fall, I started another year of English teaching!
My school was She Zih Elementary School in Sinwu, near the west coast. Event though it wasn’t my primary teaching responsibility, I enjoyed every Tuesday there. It was good to revive my old TESL skills and gradually begin to get to know the students. I taught 6th, 4th, 2nd and, later, 1st grade. Altogether there were about ninety expectant young faces–each one with their own personality–teaching me as the teacher how to hone my teaching skills.
During the breaks we often had time to play basketball and talk. Lunchtime, with the staff was memorable and it was an honor to spend time each day with Director Liou and Katherine, the head English Teacher. Truly Tuesdays at She Zih Elementary School were a highlight in our week.
Then, all at once the year was over.
June 18 was graduation day for my 6th grade class. Many in the class had attended school there for six years. At supper I had the chance to meet a few people from the parent support group, then during our last walk around the school grounds God provided a beautiful sunset. But what left a most lasting impression was when the time came for recognizing faithful attendance. Four students, Stephen, Jack, Charlotte and Peter, had never missed a day of school in six years.
I should add here that, in Taiwan, not only do children come to school five days a week but many spend overtime trying to improve their education at school, with tutors, or at evening cram schools (which are incredibly popular).
It hasn’t really sunk in what it means for them to spend so much of their early life in school. As for me I could hardly believe how strong our friendship had become in only nine months, teaching only one day a week. As you may remember, being able to build a relationship with the 6th-graders was something I asked prayer for last fall. Not only was that prayer request answered but the Lord has broadened my perspective and enlarged my heart in a great way. I caught a glimpse of a student’s daily life and what a huge part of their lives can be impacted through wise teaching. Now I look back not only over the past year but over the past eight or nine years–and I suddenly have no regrets about spending a fair piece of it with young students–at school, teaching English as a second language. It has enabled me to say that I know to a small degree their feelings. That is a dear qualification. It’s a qualification I couldn’t have gotten exept through the course God designed for me.
It’s been a worthwhile year! I appreciate all the teachers and staff at She Zih, IBLP, King Car and the Taoyuan Government administration, and most of all I appreciate the Lord the Master Teacher Who is so creative and patient with me in my education.