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| All smiles in Retiro Park |
Hi! My name is Ellen Butler. I am originally from Nashville, Tennessee, famously known as Music City USA. I attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where I received my Bachelor's of Arts in Political Science and Spanish Language. After graduation I had a few options, but none as intriguing as the Auxiliares de Conversacion program--I have dreamed of living abroad since I was little so I figured, why not?
Why not?
Two little words, a silly little phrase that has been said countless times to justify indulgences or counter arguments. For me, however, these two little words have a different significance. I am really good at hesitation; I feel the impulse to ask myself why I make the choices I make, and I often get so caught up in this self-interrogation that I forget the task at hand. Instead I began to think, why not do this? What do I really have to lose?
This shift in mindset has helped me navigate through all the ups and downs of moving abroad, as well as begin my teaching career. When I first began, I wasn't sure if I would pursue teaching after the program. But now in my second year as an auxiliar (and renewing for a third soon!) I definitely see teaching in my future.
This is my second year as an auxiliar but my first year in Madrid. I was placed in a secondary school in Cubas de la Sagra, a small village near Humanes. It is the only bilingual secondary school in the town, and it includes ESO and Bachillerato. I work with 1-4 ESO, as well as 1 and 2 PMAR, all in English classes save for one 1 ESO Geography & History class.
I cannot say I expected such a rural setting, however I was not at all disappointed by this. I simply didn't realize how large of a region Madrid is until I moved here! As far as teaching expectations, when I applied to the program, I expected to do what the name suggests and be an English-speaking assistant. This seemed pretty straightforward, but of course, working with children is rarely so. It has taken some time to learn my place in the classroom as an auxiliar, as well as suss out my personal teaching style. I definitely had a lot of big ideas before starting, so here's a breakdown of two of them.
What did I get right?
When I began my auxiliar experience, I was excited to provide the kids with an entertaining break from the regular routine. While I'm not able to do this 100% of the time (here's looking at you, modal verb review) I would still say I was right and that I do often bring fun into the classroom through personal stories, jokes, and videos.
What did I get wrong?
So! Many! Things! Like many young teachers, I was way too idealistic about how much I could influence my students. Respect takes time, but it must also be earned, and I had to adjust to figure out ways for the students to take me more seriously.
I don't feel like I've had enough time at this school yet to have many highlights, but I did really enjoy creating the Halloween breakout activity--more on that soon! Other than that, the highlight has been my amazing coworkers, both my fellow auxes and the teachers. The community of staff is welcoming, friendly, and helpful, and I am so lucky to work with them!
Why not?
Two little words, a silly little phrase that has been said countless times to justify indulgences or counter arguments. For me, however, these two little words have a different significance. I am really good at hesitation; I feel the impulse to ask myself why I make the choices I make, and I often get so caught up in this self-interrogation that I forget the task at hand. Instead I began to think, why not do this? What do I really have to lose?
This shift in mindset has helped me navigate through all the ups and downs of moving abroad, as well as begin my teaching career. When I first began, I wasn't sure if I would pursue teaching after the program. But now in my second year as an auxiliar (and renewing for a third soon!) I definitely see teaching in my future.
"Nashville Skyline Rag" by Bob Dylan
School Placement, Expectations, and Experience
This is my second year as an auxiliar but my first year in Madrid. I was placed in a secondary school in Cubas de la Sagra, a small village near Humanes. It is the only bilingual secondary school in the town, and it includes ESO and Bachillerato. I work with 1-4 ESO, as well as 1 and 2 PMAR, all in English classes save for one 1 ESO Geography & History class.
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| Credit: IES Cubas de la Sagra blog (http://institutodecubasdelasagra.blogspot.com) |
I cannot say I expected such a rural setting, however I was not at all disappointed by this. I simply didn't realize how large of a region Madrid is until I moved here! As far as teaching expectations, when I applied to the program, I expected to do what the name suggests and be an English-speaking assistant. This seemed pretty straightforward, but of course, working with children is rarely so. It has taken some time to learn my place in the classroom as an auxiliar, as well as suss out my personal teaching style. I definitely had a lot of big ideas before starting, so here's a breakdown of two of them.
What did I get right?
When I began my auxiliar experience, I was excited to provide the kids with an entertaining break from the regular routine. While I'm not able to do this 100% of the time (here's looking at you, modal verb review) I would still say I was right and that I do often bring fun into the classroom through personal stories, jokes, and videos.
What did I get wrong?
So! Many! Things! Like many young teachers, I was way too idealistic about how much I could influence my students. Respect takes time, but it must also be earned, and I had to adjust to figure out ways for the students to take me more seriously.
Highlights So Far
I don't feel like I've had enough time at this school yet to have many highlights, but I did really enjoy creating the Halloween breakout activity--more on that soon! Other than that, the highlight has been my amazing coworkers, both my fellow auxes and the teachers. The community of staff is welcoming, friendly, and helpful, and I am so lucky to work with them!
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| Me with fellow auxiliares Yasmin and Matt, and our very spooky coteacher Mude |
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