Monday, May 17, 2010

Returning...?

A few days ago, a friend called asking me to "oral test" her high school students for their English Bagrut (nation-wide final exam.)  It's a one-time deal of course, and anyone can do it.  You don't have to be an English Teacher.  I, davka, had done it at that same school before entering the profession.  The school has changed a lot since then.  So have I.

I've been wracking my brain trying to decide on the right clothes to wear.  For me, teaching is theater, and that especially includes a major, crucial testing day like today.  I can't distract or repulse.  I must choose a skirt comfortable to sit in, on any chair at any type of table, modest regardless of how my legs are crossed or not.

Of course, my blouse or shirt must keep me well-covered regardless of the angle viewed.  I must look friendly, not frightening nor distracting.  I can brighten the outfit up with the right hair-covering, hat or scarf.  And of course an interesting choice of earrings (I wear three) always helps the students to keep their attention focused.

I have a cousin who is a professional costume designer and works all over north America.  I've never discussed this with him.  Maybe I should.

2 comments:

Minnesota Mamaleh said...

love this! you so rarely think of these situations from the teacher's point of view! having been on that side, i for sure thought about clothes etc!

Batya said...

Thanks, Minne Ma, I don't know if every teacher is so conscious of these things. I had forgotten about my frosty-grey-blue nail polish, but the boys didn't seem to notice, OK, didn't stare. They were too concerned about what I wrote and if they passed the tests.