Highlights: As my time in Hamburg came to a close, I wanted to leave a little piece of home with the teachers and students I had the privilege of working with. For the teachers, I gave UofC thank-you cards, and for the students, I shared Maple Cream Oreos. Tips for Future TAB Participants : In a secondary setting, you’re interacting with multiple groups of students. I recommend bringing more treats or gifts than you might initially think — it’s worth having extra to ensure everyone gets a share.
Teachers’ Kindness and Staying Connected
: One thing I’ll carry forward is the kindness of so many teachers who were eager to stay in touch. It’s heartwarming to know I have connections here and mentors who are open to guiding me as I continue my teaching journey. This experience offered me fresh eyes and invaluable preparation before heading into Field Experience 3. It was a chance to meet people, build relationships, and reflect on what kind of teacher I want to become.
A Deeper Understanding of EAL Students and Classroom Dynamics
: One of my biggest takeaways was realizing how I could better serve my EAL students. Experiencing a classroom where everyone spoke German gave me a deeper empathy for students facing language barriers. I also gained clarity about which age group within secondary education I connect with most, helping me shape my focus as I think about my teaching career.
Classroom Rewards and Positive Behaviour:
One memorable moment was seeing how the classroom teachers reward positive behaviour. In this case, students earned a field trip by accumulating “smilies.” It’s a fantastic system to foster a sense of teamwork and create collective goals. I ran into students on the way to the train station on the last day and they excitedly told me they were going to the grocery store together to get snacks for their activity day. It was so cute and heart warming to hear how much this built their classroom community.