Department of Education Orientation

This morning I put on my WorldTeach uniform and made my way to the Department of Education’s (DOE) orientation.  The teachers from all over the islands were in attendance.  The program last for about two hours and then all the teachers were suppose to report to their school.  The orientation was not very informative, but was more of a welcoming and kick off to the new school year. 

I found out some interesting stats though.  Each year approximately 1,000 seniors graduate from high school here.  Around 5% are accepting into and attend US universities.  10-15% attend the community college on island and 10% join the military.  What happens to the remaining students?  The island cannot generate that many new entry level jobs each year.

Next I made my way back to Leone and to the high school.  There was going to be a staff meeting, but not all of the teachers reported back to the school.  The informal meeting that took place would have never happened in the States.  The first three questions we are asked by the majority of the staff members are “Where are you from? What are you teaching? Do you drink?”  The school is planning a get together/party for this weekend.  That isn’t my thing, but I guess I need to go to build rapport with the other teachers.

So I was at the school for about two hours when the principal decided everyone could leave, but needed to come back at 4:00 to clock out.  (DOE had said that we were to stay until four).

Now for some fun news…There were some lizards in Sara’s house.  I was helping her catch them by putting a bucket over them so they could not move.  Well, I kind of missed the last one and the bucket landed on his tail and it CAME OFF!  The tail was under the bucket and the lizard was running around dripping blood onto the floor.  It was so gross.

My half Samoan uniform.  Samoan bottom/American top