Our Jobs

     It's probably time to go ahead and talk about what we are going to be doing for the next 2 years. We'll be living in Ankara, Turkey working at Oasis International School. The mission of Oasis International School is to instill in each student a character-based worldview in an environment of academic excellence and a respect for people of all cultures and religions. There are really great people running the show there, and we couldn't be more excited about our opporunities.

     Kendall is teaching Kindergarten. Her class will be comprised of students from all over the world, speaking multiple languages, some of which do not speak English at all. Get ready for some classic Kendall stories, because you know she is going to have some. She will be taking approximately 13 to 15 students through their abc's, counting, and writing - as well as the magical worlds of play dough, recess, and tieing shoelaces.

    I am mainly teaching English. I'm excited because it is not just ESL. I have a senior year writing class, a 9th and 10th grade grammar classes, and then 2 lower and middle schools "character" classes. In these we will go through short books and other materials where characters showcase strong character, and we will discuss what strong character entails and how to be a person with strong values.  I also have a middle school math class. I think I'll be able to stay busy...

     One thing that drew us to the school was the after school programs. Since so many of these students are from non-Turkish speeaking countries (the students represent 41 different countries with lots of languages spoken amongst them), they really savor opportunities to hang out with school friends. Oasis seeks to create a culture where students spend time after school doing activities. They have soccer, basketball, a board games club, music club, band, ect. Kendall and I cannot wait to get involed and spend quality time having fun with students.

Below are some pictures of the school.