Catch up on Amanda’s first interview before joining her for the second part of her three-part interview!
This has been one of the weirdest years ever for me, not just for teaching, but in general. I’m sure that the same could be said for everyone else, as well. It’s been transformative in a number of ways, which I’ll get to in a moment. This year has affected my relationships with my students, my co-workers, and even myself. One thing is for sure: the world is changing and we must adapt to it. Read on to find out how I adapted to teaching during a pandemic!
What is a typical day at your school like?
Pre-coronavirus, I typically arrived 20-30 minutes before class because of the public transportation schedule. As soon as I arrived, I’d head to the English department room, my safe haven, and hideout. Then, I’d check to make sure that I had all my ducks in a row and that I knew what I was supposed to be doing for each of my classes. I’d also make any last-minute necessary lesson plans or preparations and basically mentally prepare myself to go into performance mode. If I had any extra time, I’d go downstairs to the cafeteria to have a coffee and chat with any of the teachers already there.
This year, classes ranged from about 9:25am to 2:00pm, which is a pretty easy schedule, I’d say. Some days, I’d have a planning period, and other days I’d have a constant stream of classes apart from one break from 11:10am to 11:40am.
Afterwards, I’d rush home, eat very quickly, and then rush back into the world to go to my private lessons, academy classes, or whatever else I had going on. Of course, I had to adjust to teaching during a pandemic, so that all changed. I spent more time doing hobbies such as painting, and am really proud of how much I’ve grown as an artist so far!
Teaching During a Pandemic
When the coronavirus pandemic initially began, I’d wake up an hour early, eat breakfast, shower, prepare my headset, laptop, and generally wait attentively to see if any students needed any help or wanted to talk in general. Other than that, I just uploaded their various activities and scheduled them to appear during class time. Kahoot and Educaplay were invaluable online resources for making quizzes about literally anything that the students could complete.
After a while, other than the occasional video call, I started waking up two minutes before class because I had discovered, much to my lazy side’s delight, that Google classroom could be downloaded on cell phones. Then I could lazily browse and be “present” in class while laying in bed. A difficult and tiresome job, really.
How many people do you work with? How many classes do you teach?
I interact frequently with a nucleus of about four to five teachers, but usually there are many more who actually teach at the school. At IES Pablo Neruda, I had sixteen classes and therefore, had sixteen working hours.
Are you forming working relationships with coworkers?
I considered myself very lucky at what was, until June 30th, my current school. With a good rapport with all of the teachers I worked with, I developed what I would consider actual friendships with at least three of them. I really admire all of the teachers I personally worked with and basically feel that I won the lottery. All I wanted was to feel respected, appreciated, and accepted here in Spain. They did an amazing job of doing that for me. It was and is mutual. Even while teaching during a pandemic, I can honestly say these were the best coworkers I’ve had so far in Spain.
What is your favorite part of the day? Why?
I would say that I had a few favorite groups that I really enjoyed working with. A bachillerato group I worked with always reacted enthusiastically to my activities whether an introduction to country music (seeing these kids goofily sing Garth Brooks literally made my year) or getting into heated debates, I had so much fun. I also really enjoyed teaching my 1st eso kids, which are pretty much 6th graders. They are still so full of excitement for learning. They loved telling me about their favorite foods and what they did on the weekends. How could I not adore them?
I have a few favorite students scattered here and there: naughty ones who could make me laugh as well as academic and friendly ones who enjoyed interacting with me. All of these students made my days more enjoyable. While I can’t say that I had a specific favorite part of each day, I can say that I had certain highlights during the week. It makes leaving this part of my life behind all the more bittersweet.
How is the material being taught to students? Is there a specific method being used?
It really depends on whichever teacher is in charge. For example, one teacher may prefer to heavily rely on going through the book via a program on the computer. This makes it easy to correct and grade exercises as a group. Others focus on using their book as a guideline, choosing to focus more on activities and conversation. The former may be easier, but it is so much more boring for both me and the students. The latter can be more challenging, but it is so much more fun and engaging, provided the students are interested.
How do you prepare your lessons for each class? If you don’t plan lessons, how do you prepare for class?
Some classes required no preparation whatsoever. One teacher would give me the page numbers and exercises to correct via the computer program, and that was it. Usually, I was told that I had the freedom to come up with extra activities, but since these instructions were usually given right before class or the day before, I rarely ever knew what we were going to be going over. And for those classes, the activities were meant to “complement” the lesson, not detract.
For other classes, I would be given a topic to make a presentation on or perhaps a topic to practice conversation around. These practice conversations would be easy enough to research a bit, and perhaps make a PowerPoint if necessary.
Still, others would have me go over certain pages in the book, but without an answer key. I usually answered the questions myself before class so that I didn’t embarrass myself in front of the kids, teens, or even literal adults.
Fortunately for me, I never had to worry about teaching actual grammar at this school, thank goodness. The teachers left the listening and conversation practice up to me, for the most part. And if there’s anything that I apparently have a gift for, it is a gift for gab.
Do you work at a bilingual school? Is English being taught as a subject or throughout all classes?
I have worked at a bilingual school in the past, but I much preferred working at a traditional school. The reason being is that it’s difficult to teach technical concepts such as art theory or, god forbid, science and math, to even the most academically advanced students. Yes, I much prefer the straightforwardness of teaching ESL English in English classes rather than English through a different subject. I can’t imagine the challenges of teaching during a pandemic at a bilingual school.
What goals or standards are classroom teachers using to measure the performance of their students?
If the students managed to speak up at all, they would get a point in their favor in the grade book. This would all add up at the end of the year, and it could hurt or help their grade. It was really all about mere participation, with the exception of when students gave rubric graded speeches. I’m sure that the teachers themselves had more extensive ways of measuring progress. However, in my classes, it was all about showing up and speaking up, no matter how quietly or hesitantly. Honestly, it was good enough for me because, concerning foreign languages, it’s not about the destination, but the journey. And that journey is rocky and full of humiliating errors. So if they even dare to take a step, I applaud them.
My work station I set up to teach during the pandemic.
Looking back at our first interview, what have you learned most about yourself in the classroom this year?
My answer applies not just to our first interview, but also all the way to the beginning of my illustrious teaching career. I have learned to relax, breathe when rattled, not be a hammer, and be a high five. I have learned that having a good time, even if just playing an invigorating game, can be worth fifteen grammar lessons. If a student is laughing and smiling, then they are learning.
Amanda will share her plans for next year in a follow-up interview. We look forward to hearing what she has to say and where her future will take her, especially considering her success in teaching during a pandemic. Be on the lookout for her third interview.
59 Comments. Leave new
You sounds like a very empowering and encouraging teacher who is flexible, prepared, empathetic, and understanding. i would love to have a teacher like you or know that there exist teachers like you to make positive influences around them to students and other teachers.
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Thank you so much 😊😊😊 Your comment is very kind. I hope that I was that teacher for them, afterall haha. I wish you the best in your educational endeavors and life in general 🍀🤞
I can only image how challenging it is to teach abroad during a pandemic. Amanda’s artwork is awesome and I am glad she was able to develop friendships with several of her coworkers.
Thank you, Pam, both for your empathy and your compliment on my artwork. I have to say that I was actually pretty lucky haha. My job actually got easier in the pandemic. The main teachers and the students, too, had it way worse than I did. They had a lot more work to do and, additionally, a lot of them (the teachers) had to learn a lot about technology in order to do their jobs well. In general the tech stuff came easier to me due to, I guess, my generation and prior exposure to it.
You seem like a motivated teacher and your pupils must be so lucky to have you. THe pandemic has affected all phases of life but it seems like you have adjusted so well
Thank you. Aside from all the horror and sadness, quarantining was pretty good for me. It helped me reestablish myself in a way. Weird.
Knowing your students and developing positive relationships with them is so important. Sometimes you do that by playing games while other times, you quietly encourage them. I totally agree that it’s hard to teach a subject (and learn a subject) in a foreign language. I took a medieval architecture class and a linguistics in France years ago and struggled with the vocabulary because I didn’t know the words in English, let alone French.
I had a japanese friend in college learning spanish through her english and I was amazed. She is amazing. My students are brilliant. I’m so proud of anyone who even attempts it!
It is really interesting to see your point of view as a Teacher, as parents we focused on our kids and their learning needs, but is nice to see how this pandemic affects the teachers as well
Thank you 🌹I hadn’t actually thought about that, but i guess you’re right!
I respect teachers a lot and this period really also showed how amazing they all are. It is really nice to see things from your perspective, during the pandemic.
Thank you!!! My teacher friends are amazing. They did 100x the work for the same pay. I got it easy.
Beautiful artwork, and you are doing an awesome job during this challenging time! While reading this interview I felt as though I was able to go along with, and get a sense of how things have changed in the teaching world. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the compliments🌹🌹🌹 I’m glad I was able to make it feel a little bit real!
Love her artwork! I’m sure it’s so hard to be away from family and abroad during this time. Love her positivity.
Thank you! It is so hard! Hopefully I’ll be there for the holidays. That will help lol
It was interesting to read about the way teaching changed from you pre and post the pandemic. It was also good to read about someone’s experience who is not close to my home state.
Thanks for commenting! I am a little surprised myself how much this pandemic has changed things for me. Teaching and otherwise. Do you mind telling me what your home state is?
This gave me really great insight to what it’s like to teach during covid-19. Teaching is such a profound profession and I really admire the teachers of today.
Thanks for commenting! I admire them too and all the other people who have had to persevere. I guess we all have had to in one way or another
I am not a Teacher but this post is very helpful. I will share this to my friends,
Thank you! We really appreciate that!
I think teachers have had a lot on their plate during this period so it’s great to read more about what’s been going on behind the scenes and how things have changed as a teacher.
I totally agree. Thanks for commenting!
Such a stunning artwork you have here! I am really impressed and amazed of how flexible and prepared you as a teacher. Keep it up!
Thank you so much!
WOW you clearly are passionate and motivated to teach abroad during these times. Very lucky students x
Thank you! Though I think I am the lucky one. My students during these last two years have been so great.
I am not a teacher and I know that being a teacher is not an easy job to do but she seems so calm and relax in doing her job. She really gives an inspirations not only to the teachers but also to all the parents.
Thank you! I have to say that I’m not always calm haha but I firmly believe in the saying “fake it til you make it”! It’s served me well so far.
Teaching right now must be so crazy, I can only imagine! You must be a very amazing person to continue doing it right now
Hey Crystal! I concur. I am pretty amazing 🤩🤩🤩 haha jk. Actually, my job got easier but the main teachers’ jobs got wayyy more difficult. They are the real MVPs 🙂 but thank you 🌹🌹🌹
Over these last few months I think we’ve all come to realize how much we need our teachers! Thank you for all that you do.
Thank you for supporting us!!!
I couldn’t imagine how much the teachers are going through. I’m sure they have it real tough. I’m so thankful for all the teachers though. It’s great that they are still helping out all the students.
Thank you! It’s been very challenging but a life lesson too
You sound like an incredible teacher! My kids are in a dual language program so it’s going to be very interesting how school works out when we start back up in a few weeks.
Wow thanks! Best of luck to them and you!
It has amazed me how teachers have been able to adapt to the virus and still been able to teach their children and help them learn.
Thank you! Not to mention essential workers and hospital staff
It was really brave and passionate of her to still teach even there’s a pandemic. Nice blog.
Thank you! Well, teaching really helped me have some focus. I wanted to go home but at the time, Madrid was a hotspot for the virus. I didn’t want to leave and put my family in danger. Teaching was the distraction i needed really.
I found reading your experience coping as an expat teacher in Spain to be really interesting. I admire how well you have approached the obvious challenges around keeping your students focused and productive under difficult circumstances. You really have managed to adapt so well to the benefit of yourself, your colleagues and of course, your students.
Thanks so much!!!
Fascinating! Your life turned completely upside down and you are needed by children more than ever now!
Yeah my life feels a little less upside down than when I first moved here, but in general that’s about how it feels lol
This time has REALLY changed our approach to teaching and classes, hasn’t it. When I did my college diploma at 30, I took all online courses but even then, I had to write my exams in person. Trying to navigate everything online has really caused some challenges and complications but you can take it one of two ways – let it stress you out or see it as an opportunity to try something new! I have discovered some great online programs for teaching music throughout the year that I likely never would have tried otherwise.
Oh yes! And I wish that we could transform schools into being remotely taught part time. There would be many issues and hurdles such as child hunger in the US and lack of tech resources but for many kids, it’s provides way more focus and less anxiety. I’m curious about those musical teaching programs?
This view into remote teaching during academic and in a different country, no less. Sounds like you have figured out how to do it in a way that makes it meaningful and entertaining for your students. And by the way? Love your paintings! I really like your use of colour and the abstract-but-not style.
Thank you, Lene! Kinda reestablishing my style from what I did in school cause i got burned out. So i appreciate that.
It’s really interesting to read about your experience, as I am also a teacher working abroad – I come from Switzerland but am now teaching in the UK. It’s been a weird year for sure, but work-wise I think it’s been transformative in a good way.
Thank you! I’d love to know more about your experiences in Switzerland and the UK
Thanks Amanda, I post about it on my blog sometimes 🙂
It’s so heartening to see a passionate teacher like you with such positive frame of mind during the pandemic.Teaching is definitely a noble profession and am amazed to see the commitment from teachers even in our country fighting it out by trying to educate virtually.
My heart goes out to teachers as they navigate this pandemic and distance learning. I know it isn’t easy! Especially in the US where schools may be opening soon, but classrooms are already beyond overcrowded. It is hard to imagine how they will be able to be socially distant, or if parents will keep their kids home when sick.
Thank you for sharing your story! I think teachers had to go through a lot more than other people because of the pandemic
You sound like an exceptional teacher. Well done. I bet teachers and parents all appreciate your hard work. I wish that all of the teachers here were as conscientious as you are.
To all the people that I haven’t replied to, just know that I see you and I appreciate you! Thank you for commenting and reading!!!