It started with missing out... Tuesday was a Christmas craft party at my friend Ana's house. Christmas is her favorite time of year, and she loves nothing more than putting on the Christmas Glee soundtrack and making crafts with her friends. And I love nothing more than spending time with people, being crafty, eating, and … Continue reading I’m Not Ready to be Ready
Things I miss
US Soil Again
Let’s backtrack a bit. I stepped back onto US soil on June 26th. After 14 hours in the air and 5.5 hours in airports, I made it to JFK airport at 11:53pm. I was tired, smelly and sore which equates to grumpy gills. Not even going to lie, one of the greatest pleasures is stepping … Continue reading US Soil Again
International School Turnover
During my interview process for international teaching, I was frequently told the most difficult part about international schools is the turnover with both staff members and students. Because many of our students' families are in the country on contract, there is a definitive limit to their stay. At my old school, the school was a … Continue reading International School Turnover
Burning to Return to Normal
The first week of April, I returned to school. Our students had just come off of a week-long fall break, but I was coming off of my own personal three-week hiatus. I can affirm that I was one of the only people actually excited to be back in school. Back to normal. I was elated … Continue reading Burning to Return to Normal
The Burn: Week Three
By this point, I was going crazy. Imagine being cooped up in an apartment all day long while everyone else was out living life. Now imagine ME doing it. I love people and I love outdoors. This was pure torture for me. There is only so many books to read, Netflix to watch, and mind … Continue reading The Burn: Week Three
Movies in Montevideo
I saw my very first cinema film in Montevideo last night. Katie, Cami and I wanted to go see Wonder (or as they call it here, Extraordinario). We have all read the book and love Julia Roberts. Plus, Katie and I have not experienced a movie in a theater here. The movie was lovely! It made … Continue reading Movies in Montevideo
Missing NCTE
One of the greatest joys in my professional life for the past nine years has been attending the National Council of Teachers of English annual conference. For the past five of those years, I have attended with my friend and colleague Carmen. And for four with Rich. Not only did NCTE always land on my … Continue reading Missing NCTE
When the Honeymoon is Over
We were told in one of our first meetings at the school that moving to a new country has phases. First is the honeymoon period. Everything is fresh and new. Everyone is a potential friend. You have this feeling of euphoria. I must say that the period was long for me. I really walked into … Continue reading When the Honeymoon is Over
Teach Abroad Coyle-Gamero 