First Day of Teaching: July 4, 2011

On Monday, July 4th, the day began with an Opening Ceremony in the San Sin High School auditorium.  Mr. Pan, the principal, opened the Summer English Program with a welcome speech in which he discussed the long history of this program.  Tallahassee Community College became San Sin's partner in this endeavor in 1993, and has provided teachers for the program each year.  Dr. O'Kon has served as the liaison for the program since 1993, and Mrs. Helen Lee currently directs the program. Hundreds of Taiwanese students have enrolled and completed the program over the past years, enhancing their English skills and learning about American culture.  In turn, the American teachers have learned a great deal about Taiwanese culture and the kindness and generosity of the Taiwanese people!

Following the Opening Ceremony, the seven student teachers instructed their first English classes to the San Sin High School students.  Computer problems and lack of certainty slowed some of them down a little.  But they met the challenge of teaching ESOL students with determination and focus.  They learned that their teaching assistants (Susan, Roslyn, Kim, Alex, and Naseerah) are invaluable!  In an after-class meeting in the office on the 7th floor, they discussed their concerns over pizza provided by Mr. Shih, and attempted to better organize their curriculum materials for the next day!