The Hamilton School Interview

So I have only been here three weeks but I went ahead and sent my resume to four different schools in the area interested in a substitute position. I got an interview with The Hamilton School on Thanksgiving day. I wasn't told what I was interviewing for but I went in anyway. When I got there I seriously felt like I was in a movie. I walked in to this old house five minutes from my flat with the original hardwood floors and was led to the waiting area which had tartan covered wooden chairs in front of an old fireplace with a train going round and round on a table in front of the fireplace. As I sat there and filled out an application little children walked out of the assembly hall and up the wooden staircase to the classrooms. The girls were dressed in red plaid kilts, red tights and red sweaters. The boys were wearing grey shorts, with knee high red socks and red sweaters. As I watched them go up the stairs two of the girls said "Good Morning" to me in their cute Scottish accents. Honestly it was one of the most precious things I have ever seen.

After sitting in the waiting area for about 10 minutes I was led to the principals office where I met Kathlyn the founder and principal of this school. We talked for an hour about how things are done in this school which by the way are completely different from the US. If I get this job it will literally be like I am a first year teacher again. The thing I found most fascinating about the interview was when there was a knock on the door and a girl walked in with a tray that had tea, coffee and crumpets with floral decorated tea cups and saucers. Kathlyn then offered me coffee and crumpets so of course I obliged. I just hope she did not notice my jaw drop open as this was taking place. I was informed in the interview how much she liked me and wanted me to come back for open day at the school which was the next day.

So today I went to Open Day and I got to visit the classrooms and speak to some of the teachers. All of the bedrooms in this house were transformed into classrooms so they are not very big but the maximum class size is 16 pupils so you aren't too crammed. I did not see a lot of technology. A lot of writing on chalk boards so very old school. They do not believe in textbooks, punishment or reward. So like I said it will be a whole new experience for me if I get this job. What the heck do you do if a kid is acting up, if they don't believe in punishment. Oh and I was told no calling parents about misbehavior because some of the cultures at this school believe in beating your child so you do not want to let the parent know. WOW!

The other funny thing about my interview was that I was interviewing for the "Teacher in the cupboard" position. Which means a spare teacher. I have no clue what grade/class I will be teaching if I get this. I will keep the blog updated if I hear anything.