Teaching in China: Trying to Found PRCTESOL

11:08 a.m. - 2005-12-21
End of semester state of the union address

Ah the end of the semester. Teachers are leaving as if the building were on fire, students are pounding on doors with offers of beautiful stones and precious liquids for the hope of a passing grade. The only thing that I truly enjoy about this state of disarray is the wonderful feeling of living at home as everyone else has gone and I am in a largely unpopulated building, with the hot tub all to myself. Okay, I have to share it with my family, but almost everyone else has left.

The cafeteria is almost empty which means there is plenty of food to go around and it tends to be better quality when they are only cooking for a few people. I have had to end my seminar sessions, my in-service trainings, to reschedule them for the beginning of the following semester. Actually, so many people who did not attend this semester have asked if it will be available next semester. It seems that word has spread about the sessions being helpful, and with the end of observations here and all of the responses that people received, my classes have suddenly become the number one priority in time for some teachers. The people who have attended the lectures are delighted to learn that I will not only be offering the seminar next semester, but that I may continue to offer it next year for those who are here.

I have made a formal announcement about my China TESOL affiliate founding, and now I am working towards making it a recognized entity on the campus as well as trying to find out just who I need to talk to about making it recognized and accepted in China. I have discovered that the name will need to be changed to PRCTESOL, which is actually a little more specific anyway. I am patiently waiting for responses from certain departments.

I have put the text book on hold due to some unforeseen blocks, including a request from another teacher that I put off doing it until I can get the right kind of support from the administration. I am still working slowly (it will move more quickly now that I have finished classes up) on developing a curriculum and integrated syllabus system for the program, but that will continue to move slow until I receive some form of administrative support.

The good news is that I know who and how to talk the administration into giving me what I want, especially now that I have had the chance to talk to people who have been here a while to find out how it should be approached officially and unofficially. I have the whole summer to work on the curriculum, and I really only need three weeks to put together a comprehensive curriculum with integrated syllabi and texts. I may not have time to write a textbook this semester, but I will have time to work it out as long as I stay.

I am attending the TESOL convention in Florida this March. I have decided to see if they will let me attend the affiliate caucus to see what I can learn from people who have done this kind of thing before and to find out how I can make this a solid affiliate group. I am also working towards the certificate in Leadership which is offered at the convention. It is specially geared to affiliate and caucus leaders so it should give me an edge in understanding just how to operate this group. I am hopeful that I will be able to round up members from those people who have been long standing members of TESOL while in China especially. I know of two in Fujian, so my chances have gotten better.