Workin' for a Livin'

In May I will be teaching 4th grade in Chiang Rai, Thailand at the Anuban Muang Chiangrai  School - English Curriculum (AMEC). Here's the school's website, it's a bit slow to load.  Also if you cannot read Thai you might have some trouble. http://www.amecschool.com/

From July to September of 2012 I traveled roughly 9000 miles around the US couchsurfing and regrettably at times staying in cheap motels (sellout!).  The experience was very enlightening and I could write on the topic at length, but the core of what I'd like to get to here is that it made me crave travel and the free time necessary to do so.

Long story short, a career in education would afford me the means to do so but as of a few months ago I hadn't the slightest clue how to kick start such a career, but I did have a humble interest in pursuing such the path.  In November I found a full time job and had solidified mentally to travel Europe come summer 2013 and then teach overseas.  So the possibility of becoming an educator was stuffed into the back of my brain and teaching...somehow...overseas next fall was my "plan."


In December I started to dislike the job I had.  I'd listen to Huey Lewis and The News's "Workin' for a Livin' " every time I hopped in the car to leave work because it's awesome and to remind myself of two things.  One, that work is a fact of life and for many is at best a dull grind. Two, I am/was in a position affording me the chance to not go down such a road and that I had to make sure it didn't happen.  Life can be shit, but it doesn't always have to be.

Then this teaching in Thailand situation fell into my lap and suddenly opportunity was staring me in the face.  It would mean no Europe come 2013 so I just flipped the plans around.  Heck with teaching experience under my belt maybe I could find work in Europe as an educator and travel around while doing so, as I could in Thailand.  Another "plan", but hey, I'm thinking, keep it up me. Thanks me.




I then asked myself some important questions, do I really want to be a teacher? Better yet, for the students sake should I be a teacher?

Boring story short, after much rumination, self-reflection, and research I came to the conclusion that because I am indeed not a dimwit and earnestly believe I would be a good educator, not only could I be one, I should be one. (Or at least see how it goes!)

And just like that things clicked.  I purchased a few books and scored a few free ones related to education and being an educator that would grant me guidance not only for my own sake but for the students whose education would be in my hands.  I met with a veteran school teacher at a local school, currently teaching 5th grade, for some words of wisdom and good old pointers.  I plan to shadow him several times before I leave to get some exposure and see how it's done.  He's also assured me that contacting him when I'm in need as teacher isn't a problem at all which is of course appreciated.

Intent

This blogs purpose is multifaceted.  It will be a place for reflection, a place to showcase my ability as a teacher and scrutinize it, a place to post notes, book reviews, and anecdotes.  I hope than in the coming months and years I'll have something to show for the effort I've put into my work and to create something that others may learn from professionally and personally.