On August 8, Principal Demi Pysh (문동미) and our school's teachers gathered for a teachers' preparation meeting for the fall semester. The meeting covered the organization of classes for the new term, the preparation of the curriculum, and the sharing of what our teachers learned at this summer's conferences.
First, the classes for the new semester were organized. Looking together at each student's Korean level and growth, the teachers arranged the classes with great care so that every student can learn in the class that fits them best.
A discussion of the fall curriculum followed. The teachers reviewed the textbooks and lesson content for each class, preparing a semester of lessons in which students can learn with joy and grow steadily.
The teachers who attended the 35th Southeast Regional Teachers' Workshop in Atlanta and the 44th National Association for Korean Schools conference in New Jersey this summer shared the new teaching methods and educational materials they gained there with their fellow teachers. It was a meaningful time in which the learning from those conferences did not end as one person's experience, but carried into every classroom of our school.
When the meeting ended, the teachers shared lunch together, a warm time of encouraging one another ahead of the new semester.
More than a session for settling the new term's plans, this preparation meeting was a precious time in which our teachers, holding each student in their hearts, designed the semester together.
The start of the fall semester is now just ahead. Having completed their preparations, our teachers are waiting for their students and parents with eager hearts.
This fall as well, the North Alabama Korean School will welcome our students into carefully prepared classrooms, and build a precious season of learning together and growing together.