Okay my last blog post was actually about Roberto, on the day I posted it (Februaury 24th, I believe.), he had resigned with no warning from the school. I have continued living with the Valderramas even though he left. I figured this was going to cause things to stir up a bit at the school--I was right.
The Academic Coordinator Tito, who to be honest i don't really seem to get along with has sort of stepped up to fill the principal role that Roberto left open. So I knew soon enough that he was going to try and whip things into shape--unfortunately as always--I was left a bit in the dark to this. So it seems that I may have dropped the ball on one or two things due to the fact I was failed to be properly informed.
So I was called into a meeting on the 2nd of March, I was rather quickly and in Spanish followed by broken English what was the problem and asked as to why I was not complying with several of the new changes. I addressed this with the fact that I have continually asked for memos to be emailed to me, so that I could run them through Google's online translator quicker, I also mentioned that the school had failed to find me a Spanish Teacher which had been promised to be before I took the job (over 8 months ago) which also could have aided me in the process greatly. Due to these failed responsibilities of the school I had had quite a lot issues understanding let alone comply to any changes that had been implemented.
Then they addressed that several of the parents were concerned about their students progress, my gut an honest response I blurted out was "So am I." I explained that I had been promised a Spanish teacher before I came--and that I never would have taken the job if that had not been part of the arrangement, Tito and the new head administrator looked at me like i was crazy--and said they were not aware of this. I further explained that there is simply too big of a language barrier between myself and the students. I simply cannot understand what they are trying to say to me most of the time... and when I do understand I never know what to say to try and fix it. The classroom simply doesn't function.
So it was finally decided on a recourse.
I resigned.
My Last day will be this coming Friday, March 18th.
The school has already found a replacement teacher for me she will be working with me this coming Thursday and Friday to meet my students and get a feel for where they are in class. She will then be taking over next Tuesday (Monday is some Holiday here). Though thankfully the Airport is still open that Monday (the 21st) as I will be flying home that day. A big thanks to everyone who has been reading and following this Blog, thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.
I hope to chronicle a bit more of my experience here (hopefully) in book form--I plan to post a few teaser chapters on here once I finish them--and there maybe another post or two before I actually leave.
Take care friends, hopefully I'll be seeing most of you again soon!
- Mitch
