Holding Onto What's Golden

So as one chapter of my teaching career ends, another begins. I became an English Teacher at Golden American School on December 29th. And although my tenure has been brief, thus far I really enjoy it. Here are some reasons why (many are the opposite of why I left Kojen):

- I'm back to working more normal business hours with Saturday & Sunday off.

- I only have two classes each week. I have kindergarten every morning and afternoon and 3rd graders MWF.

- There are only 12 kindergarten students and 10 3rd graders. The kindergarten kids (6 girls, Barbie, Emily, Victoria, Candice, Selina, & Zoe and 6 boys - Kenny, Jonathan, Neo, Kevin, Sky, & Harry) are adorable and help make up for leaving my Day Care kids behind. The 3rd graders are alright but I only teach them 3 hours a week so it's all good.

- My hourly pay is a little bit higher.

- I have a shorter commute.

- No homework or quizzes.

- Teaching is supplemented with games rather than handouts to keep the learning fun and to keep the kids happy.

- My boss seems really nice and I get along with the other Foreign Teachers and Chinese Teachers.

All in all, I'd say I'm happy with my decision thus far.

Also, I am excited that I will continue private tutoring with Sunny, the 5th grader I had as a 1-on-1 at Kojen. Her parents really liked me and wanted to keep me as her tutor even though I was leaving the school. This works out great as Kojen charged a ridiculous amount just to provide a classroom but I only received my normal teaching rate. Now, we've compromised and her parents will pay less than before and I will make more than before. Chao hao! Plus, she's a sweet girl and a good student.

Hopefully this is all just the start of good things in 2009...