Teaching in Spain after Teaching in the U.S.

     If you are coming to Spain with some teaching experience and are expecting the school environment to be the same, it will not! However, do not be nervous because it is different in some of the best ways. Yes, it will be nerve wracking at first, but you will eventually get the hang of the school dynamic and navigating teaching different groups of students.

     As a high school teacher in California, I have experience teaching English literature and English as a second language. So, I assumed the classroom dynamic would be similar to my classroom at home and boy, was I wrong. The first big difference is secondary school in Spain includes students who are 12 years old to 18. Which is different because normally, in the United States, we are used to the younger ages being at the middle school and switching to high school once they are 14 or 15 years old. This large difference in age group will come to a surprise with the different classes you work with based on their language and maturity level.

     Additionally, when teaching at a secondary school, you will have many different classes that you work with. For example, in my schedule, I have eight different levels of students that I teach and switch between classes. At first, this was tough to get used to and it can be overwhelming at the start, but staying organized with class material will make this transition very easy. 

     While this transition may be difficult at first, the teachers you work with will also assist you in this transition. To make working a little bit easier, it is important to maintain an open line of communication with your director and teachers. In my situation, I have been extremely fortunate to have a director who is amazing and supports the Aux’s in any way she can. Because of this and my teacher’s support, I have enjoyed the school dynamic and getting to be apart of education in Spain.

     Realistically, there will be difficulties with some students who may be nervous about learning a new language or are uncomfortable in the classroom setting. While student difficulties are common no matter where you are at, it is important to be empathetic in this situation. They are unfamiliar with you being in the class and are apprehensive about learning a new language. Be patient with them while also showing them structure. While this might sound cliche, the student just wants to see that you care and want to be there. It might take awhile for students to come around to you, but they will eventually.

     Lastly, enjoy being there with the students and teachers. This is an opportunity that you will be able to remember forever. Despite some hard days, everything will work out overall and you will be able to gain teaching experience from a different perspective. As I am only a mont into this journey, I am excited to continue working with the school and learning more about how to be a better educator.