What’s it like to teach on the other side of the globe? We found out. [Partner]
Ready for your next adventure? These three educators from American School of Bombay certainly were. The international atmosphere has sparked their teaching careers and offered them new and enlightening experiences difficult to find anywhere else. The American School of Bombay began in 1981 in response to a growing expatriate community in the area. Today the school continues to foster a caring community with world class teachers and international experiences in and out of the classroom. Ever wondered what it’s like to teach half way around the world? We asked three adventurous educators to share their experiences.
Sam Bourke
Age: 34
Years as an educator: 10
Subject: Biology/Science
Hometown: Ceduna, South Australia
How has teaching at the American School of Bombay influenced you as an educator?
Teaching at the American School of Bombay has taught me to be a flexible and adaptable educator. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have access to world class facilities and professional development. I am constantly improving my craft and developing my skill set as an educator.
Is there a student that exemplifies the values of the American School of Bombay?
Laura arrived at our school from Germany and spoke very little English. The transition was very difficult and she was terribly homesick. Part of our school’s mission is “enhancing the lives of others” and it was incredible to see the international middle school population band together to support Laura. It’s the compassion, kindness and the welcoming community that make this a great place to work or study.
What are some of the hopes you have for the students you teach?
I hope I can instill in my students a desire for deeper learning. I want them to pose meaningful questions and equip them with the tools and skills to seek answers.
Nick Kilstein
Age: 28
Years as an educator: 6
Subject: World History
Hometown: New Jersey/Charlotte, NC
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned as a teacher at the American School of Bombay?
I spend anywhere from one to three hours a day directly collaborating with colleagues in and out of my department. It is the most valuable professional development I have ever received.
How do the students at your school make an impact on the world?
This year, one student designed, delivered and published a curriculum combating stigma against the children of sex workers. It led another student to build, raise funds and purchase books to provide a library for a school in the Dharavi slum. Another student started an online advocacy organization for LGBT rights.
What are your hopes for the students?
American School of Bombay’s mission is clear: inquiring students who are courageous, skillful and honorable dreamers. Because that is my hope for every one of my students, the school has been a great match.
Faiza Martin
Age:37
Years as an educator: 11
Subject: Literacy Coach
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
What is it like working with students from around the world?
Working with international students and an international curriculum has shown me how important each and every part of a child really is. I always knew this, but now I intentionally put this learning into practice.
Is there a student or story that exemplifies the values of your school?
There was a fifth grade student who was sometimes late and not often attentive in class. One day, the boy heard an electric guitar. He was engrossed with this new subject in his life. He devoured books on it, wrote songs and wrote about musicians. It is knowing that each child has interests and talents and capitalizing on these that ignites the fire of learning.
What is your hope for your students?
That they continue to learn and grow and discover the world around them and they use their knowledge as global leaders of our world.
Need a break from the pizza delivery, ho-hum routine that has become your life? Take your next adventure half way around the world for an experience you are sure to remember. All we ask is you remember to send us a postcard.
This story was originally published June 11, 2016 at 1:50 PM.