Some years ago one of our group members had a chance to move to another school. I delayed publication of this to protect the group member in the unlikely event that my thoughts about the school got back to them. There is no chance of that happening anyway bc we are a private group. Anyway, the purpose of the two posts here is to point out the hypocrisy of certain schools – very often schools with IB programs – in making claims about their use of CI, which is the carrot they were dangling in front of our (very accomplished) CI instructor.
Dear Ben,
I still work in the same school that has always prided itself on grammar-based lessons. This year, I did a lot of CI-type stuff with the kids; even worked with the Invisibles during all of Quarter 1.
They loved it and still talk about it, but seeing as how they will be taking common assessments with grammar teachers and moving on to them next year, I didn’t follow through for the rest of the year.
Anyway, I’m writing because I have exciting news and a question. A former colleague who now works in a ritzier district has just given my name to her assistant superintendent because her district is looking for two Spanish teachers at one of their high schools. He gave her his personal number to share with me and I am calling him tomorrow.
Their website, which I am including below, boasts that their World Language has an IB program, near-total immersion, they mention the ACTFL 90% target language statement, they mention the negatives of explicit grammar lessons, and the 8th Grade Parent Education presentation on the main page is as if YOU wrote it.
It would be a 40 minute commute as compared to my current 20 minutes, but better pay in the long-term and if what they have online is true, just a dream.
I’m writing to ask if you recall where on the PLC I can find the questions to ask during an interview/to ask an administrator when applying. When I call the assistant super, I want to be able to really have these questions answered. I feel like I have a lot to lose.
Thank you again for your years of continued support.
Jen
(to be cont.)