This is so amazing, in so many different ways, that I don't even know where to start...
First and foremost I love the fact that Ms Atwell offers exactly what I envisioned with this project: to be able to visit schools, have them opening their doors not only to me but to any teacher who would want to learn with them and share experiences.
Her openness and selfless work shows me that it is possible! That no matter how many doors are shut and how many schools tell me that they can't receive foreign teachers for the sake of their students learning process, there is hope that some will.
Secondly, I absolutely love that she created her own thing, was true to her own beliefs and didn't give in to the pressure of preforming according to the rankings of the state, or even according to the norm. Tests and quizzes should end for good. It is proven - and we don't need scientific studies to show that, we just need to look at our own students face's and behaviors - that tests are bad for them. They stress the students, they decrease their motivation and they show absolutely nothing. Because a good grade on a paper is worth nothing. The child might have a very good day or a very bad day. It does not attest for their knowledge!
Third, I think it is praiseworthy that she is using all the money that was attributed to her to invest on the school. Not that it surprises me, because someone who does this type of work wouldn't have it any other way, but it is still worth mentioning. Especially after years of dedicated work, she would well deserve to enjoy the prize in many different ways. But the fact that she chooses to invest in the future of so many different children is, to me, an attestment of her character and dedication to the job.
I would be honored to visit this school and I can only hope one day I will be able to build something as valuable in my own community.
First and foremost I love the fact that Ms Atwell offers exactly what I envisioned with this project: to be able to visit schools, have them opening their doors not only to me but to any teacher who would want to learn with them and share experiences.
Her openness and selfless work shows me that it is possible! That no matter how many doors are shut and how many schools tell me that they can't receive foreign teachers for the sake of their students learning process, there is hope that some will.
Secondly, I absolutely love that she created her own thing, was true to her own beliefs and didn't give in to the pressure of preforming according to the rankings of the state, or even according to the norm. Tests and quizzes should end for good. It is proven - and we don't need scientific studies to show that, we just need to look at our own students face's and behaviors - that tests are bad for them. They stress the students, they decrease their motivation and they show absolutely nothing. Because a good grade on a paper is worth nothing. The child might have a very good day or a very bad day. It does not attest for their knowledge!
Third, I think it is praiseworthy that she is using all the money that was attributed to her to invest on the school. Not that it surprises me, because someone who does this type of work wouldn't have it any other way, but it is still worth mentioning. Especially after years of dedicated work, she would well deserve to enjoy the prize in many different ways. But the fact that she chooses to invest in the future of so many different children is, to me, an attestment of her character and dedication to the job.
I would be honored to visit this school and I can only hope one day I will be able to build something as valuable in my own community.