I learned something guys

Hi guys. I did some NGO work in Lebanon this past summer and taught an English class to Syrian & Palestinian refugees, and holy shit, it was crazy. This was my first time teaching, first time leaving the country alone, and first time in a war zone.

Politics aside, I think we all agree that children everywhere are deserving of an education, which is why I took the job. I’m only 20 but I’ve had so many amazing teachers that I felt driven to this line of work.

Despite my age and inexperience, I had an incredible time. My students respected me, and I made some HUGE progress. Was it easy? No. But it wasn’t as painful as I thought it was after reading 99% of posts on here.

And you know what, a big part of my success was that I was that I didn’t have to consider appealing to any admin/parents. Kid disrupting my class? Stand up and dance for everyone. Two kids fighting each other? Well now you’re sitting together all day everyday until you’re friends. Is someone being mean to you? That’s YOUR problem. I know it sounds mean but I seriously think it forced them to develop their independence and autonomy. Telling the teacher won’t do anything, so it’s in your hands.

Of course I’d step in when it got to an extreme, and I kept my punishments more humorous/embarrassing than cruel, but the principle is there.

I’m sure I sound snobby being a first timer and all but I don’t see this style of “cold” teaching discussed anywhere anymore. I know it’s easier said than done, but I wonder if any of you with more experience has any similar ideas. If my students could be so well mannered under wartime conditions, I’m sure we can do something here in the US too.