New Teacher Orientation, Abu Dhabi Style!

  Today and yesterday was our New Teacher Orientation, UAE style.  Let me just say that I have been through this type of orientations with 6 different school districts in my career over the last 20 years.  There are many commonalities but over the last two days I also experienced many differences too.

     Monday began with a bus drive to Mubarak Bin Mohammed Cycle 1 School.  It is an absolutely beautiful "flagship" campus in downtown Abu Dhabi.  Once inside the theme for the day was "wait in line" which I have definitely mastered over the last 2 weeks.  We received our contracts and had our fingerprints and photo taken for our school id.  This was all pretty standard when it comes to orientation which tend to be a hurry up and wait type of format.

     Before entry into the auditorium though, changes were being announced.  One of the ADEC administrators instructed us to stand when the emirates from the department of Education entered the room and to wait to sit until he had done so or instructed us to sit.  After we all entered and found seats in the auditorium a line of men, all dressed in white Kanduras with Guthras (head dress) headed in as we all stood.  The national anthem was played to a very inspiring video depicting emirates of all ages.  It was all very patriotic.  We heard speeches from many administrators welcoming us.  I personally have never had an administrator use a translator before when presenting so I was able to enjoy the welcome in both English and Arabic which is a beautiful language.  

     Throughout the first day we were also presented with several presentations on cultural sensitivity.  I heard many things I had already discovered through my research but also received lots of new info that I was not aware of previously.  I definitely feel confident that I won't go in and make any huge cultural mistakes.  The day was finished up with a question & answer session with several officers from the local police department.

     Tuesday began with the proverbial line where we were asked to turn in our signed contract as well as our proof of employment verification for our teaching experience.  We then spent the day in small group sessions on Teacher Resources, Pedagogy, Language, & Kidwatching.  I found all of these sessions to be extremely informative and inspiring.  We finished up the day with a large group presentation on Authentic Assessment.  I found the information to be extremely helpful and inspiring.  I ended the day feeling ready to get back to work!  I look forward to the beginning of teacher inservice beginning Sunday, September 2.

     This evening after dinner I received an email that said I will be teaching at Al Noor School.  The only information I have so far is it is a grade 1-5 girls' school.  It is a little ways from our apartment but straight highway all the way.  I met a lovely lady this week, Chris, who will be teaching there as well.  Hopefully together, she and I can get some information on our new school over the next few days.  I am attaching pictures of myself and the beautiful school where our orientation was held.  Remember, this is a "flagship" school and most are not this beautiful but it was a great spot to spend the last 2 days!