A recent college grad teaches math in the Marshall Islands.
I’m going to miss them.
Pizza party for the kids in the play.
So much amimono.* We pooled all our gifts (and a few purchases) to take a picture.
It’s amazing how generous everyone here is. It’s one of my favorite things about Marshallese culture.
*Handicrafts.
My 3 classes: 11F, 12A, and 12F
Thanks to the international dateline and the timing of my traveling, I get to celebrate two Pi Days this year.
Happy March 14th, everyone!
Today is my last day in the Marshall Islands. I’m excited to go home (and take a hot shower), but it’s hard to believe it’s already time to leave. It’s weird to think that I’ve spent a cumulative 5 months here, but after today I might never come back.
I’ve learned a lot from my time here. Teaching has often been difficult, but coping with those challenges has made me a better teacher. I will carry the lessons I’ve learned about teaching to my next classroom.
The Marshall Islands will always have a special place in my heart.
“Your smile tells us that you’re kind and loving. Pretty? Gurley? 100%.”
“I want you to know that if you go back to your home island we will miss you so much. And you know what? You are my best ever teacher I have. And thanks for your kind and friendly to us. Thank you because before I wasn’t know math, but now I know. I know is a good change to me to learn math from you. By the way don’t forget that we won’t forget you, even though you’re going back, but if you have a facebook add me as a friend so we can talk to each other on facebook. Once again thanks for your teaching us about math. SEE YOU IN HEAVEN.”
“Thankz Q”
I had my students write responses to a few questions asking them to reflect on their learning and then gave them a chance to write me letters. Some of them were very sweet. Apparently, I am the “most nicess teacher ever” and “the most fantastic teacher I’ve never met in my life.” It’s nice to read so many compliments!
I am not so conceited as to believe that I am actually my students’ best teacher ever, but it’s a sad truth that I probably am one of the better teachers at MIHS. Some of the reasons my students give for why I am a good teacher are heart-breaking, because they are such basic elements of teaching. For example, a number of students mention the fact that I smile as evidence of my good teaching. One student thanked me for never missing class. Other students talk about how I explain things and help them when they don’t understand. These aren’t things I do that are in any way exceptional. These are things all the teachers should be doing, but too many of the teachers here aren’t.
Not sure whether it’s Robyn with an “i” or with a “y”? Just use both!
(My kids here are actually way better at spelling my name than most people I meet in the States, possibly because they don’t know that “with an i” is the more common spelling)
