Teaching English in Malta

               

                      Mondays in School

Beware: Hazardous Conditions Ahead

 

           

 

 

Here's the good news:  On Monday, I started working in the language school that hired me.   And I discovered that the toilets work very well.  And the other teachers are very helpful and friendly.  I haven't seen any students yet.  My boss (called the Director of Studies--DOS) is giving me time to plan my lessons.  And my school is close enough to my house to be able to go home for lunch.

 

Here's the bad news: On Monday, I started working in the language school that hired me.   Monday is the worst day in a language school, especially for the DOS--and anyone having to ask the DOS a question--such as a new, frightened teacher (me).

 

Why?

 

Because on Mondays--every Monday--there is a slew of new, desperate language students who cram the office of the DOS, trying to find out who their teacher is, where their classroom is, why their teacher has been changed from the week before, if they can switch to a higher level, if they get their teacher fired, things like that.

 

So when I went in on Monday and stood like a puppy dog, waiting among the students for my moment with the DOS, I had a moment of absolute clarity:  don't talk to the DOS on Mondays.  And how did I come to this conclusion?  Was it a thought that just magically entered my mind?

 

Not exactly.  It helped that my DOS said to me, "I'm sorry. I don't have time for you this morning."   It doesn't matter that it was my first day as a "teacher."  I broke a rule which I won't break again:  I tried to talk to the DOS on a Monday.

 

Listen, I learn quickly.  And the proof is that today, Tuesday, my DOS asked how I was doing and if I needed any help.  I thanked her and said that, actually, I did need some help with something.

 

And she said, I'm sorry, but I don't have time to talk to you this morning. But that's OK.  I should have known better.  After all, it's Tuesday--the day after Monday.  And you don't talk to your DOS on Monday.

 

 

Comments

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Hi Lynda, glad to know someone famous! Tell me about it when you get the chance--Ilene

[Lynda Adlington]

PS being filmed for TV today and tomorrow so am busy practicing how to look slim.

[Lynda Adlington]

Wow, She sounds a moody so and so .... Try taking her an apple ..or something, bribery usually works. Good luck

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

HI Dee--Wednesday didn't work. From what I understand, Thursday is the best day (see Clare's comment above). Please don't tell me to break something--I take those things literally xxx Ilene

[Dee Owen]

Wouldn't Wednesday work? Halfway from the buzz of starting and halfway to preparation for the buzz!!
Anyway, as they say in the theatre "break a leg" Ilene.

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Hi Clare, thanks sooooo much for telling me this. I really was thinking it was me. But I feel better now that you've told me. Bless you, whoever you are!!!---Ilene

[Clare]

oh boy do i remember this scenario!!! the best day is probably a Thursday... just when the beginning of the week has calmed down enough but not late enough for her to be busy preparing for the following week. lol. Either way, good luck having that chat!