Lesson #36: Check required teaching certificates, for every country

Boom 

I look around and everyone is ignoring the explosion.  

 

Boom 

 

This time I jump. A couple passing by start to laugh. Embarrassed, I take out my phone and stare at Google Maps. I am a one-minute walk away from my destination, my new school: EF Malta.  

 

I walk up to a modern building and as I enter, I notice all the walls are made of glass. Teachers can be seen instructing their class. Am I always going to be watched? I approach reception.  

 

"Hi, I'm Cathy. I'm the new English teacher. I’m supposed to meet the Director of Studies."  

 

"Ahh, the American... Welcome! I'll take you to Kris, alright."  

 

As she leads me, I ask, "Oh, I was wondering what the explosions are outside?"  

 

"Explosions, hmm... the fireworks? It's Festa. Every village has a patron saint and a festa celebrates that." She chuckles, "Ostja, you thought it was explosions?"  

 

"Well, it's 10am. Don’t fireworks happen at night?"  

 

She laughs. 

 

I follow her down the stairs, pass a sliding door and into an office. Kris sees me and extends her hand.  

 

"Ah Cat, welcome! We have a lot to discuss." 

 

"Yes, I've brought-"  

 

"That's great but we've stumbled into a bit of a problem."  

 

"Oh?"  

 

"Don't worry, we're sorting it out." 

 

"Sorting it out?" 

 

"Yes, with a new schedule." 

 

"Schedule?"  

 

They pronounce schedule as 'shedule'... Duh, British English. They also use the phrase "sort out". Two words I know independently but never used together. Great, they just hired an English teacher who can’t speak English.  

 

"Mela! Your certifications are missing the mandatory hours the British Council requires." 

 

I look at her stunned. Why didn't you tell me this before I moved countries? 

 

"When I hired you, I didn’t realize you had a hundred hours. We require a hundred and twenty." 

 

I panic. My last school accepted the same certification and this is the same company. 

 

She reads my face, "Don't worry, we have a plan. For the next two weeks, you’ll receive training from our DELTA certified instructor, Ali. You’ll follow her instruction and shadow courses.”  

 

“Will this be paid?” 

 

“Good question, yes- an administrative rate of 5 euros an hour.”  

 

Not ideal but I came here with my savings.   

 

“Then you will be interviewed by the ELT Council. Once you pass, you will receive a certificate.”  

 

“Okay, when do I start training.”  

 

“Now, let me introduce you to Ali.”  

 

(400 words)