#98 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (My colorful Spring-2008 in Taizhou, the City of the Phoenix, Part 2)

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May 7th 2008

Published: May 7th 2008

In Part 2, TAIZHOU - THE CITY OF THE PHOENIX, let me present you a "mosaic" of my "2008 Spring Activities" in- and around my home-city in China. These warmer months have been a long awaited in all parts of China, with the nation having survived the coldest winter in 50 years. My many special and wonderful activities surrounding Taizhou during the spring months have been varied and memorable. Th... Read Full Entry

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Hans J. Schneider

Hans

After 38 years as a Foreign Language Teacher and Foreign Language Dept. Chair at Coral Gables Sr. H.S., and A.J. Professor of German at the University of Miami, I have left Florida in June of 2006, where my home is in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. I have just signed another year's teaching-contract (my 8th year now) with Taizhou University in the city of Taizhou, located about 3hrs north of Shanghai, in Jiangsu Province, CHINA. I thought it would be informative for others and rewarding for me personally, to log the progress of my efforts from beginning to end, as a Travel and Photo Jo... full info

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A very special meeting, Photo #1

One of the more satisfying moments of Spring 2008 was locating this retired social worker in Taizhou. There are a number of adoptive parents in the US and Canada, who have written me about their successful adoptions of children from the Social Services of Taizhou. One family from N.Carolina has asked me to locate this lady with the help of Arthur.

A very special meeting, Photo #2

After many efforts and phone calls, Arthur was able to locate the retired head of Social Services in Taizhou, and he invited her for a meeting at our campus. Here we could relay to her gratitude and greetings from an adoptive American family for her kind and professional efforts in facilitating the adoption. We could also convey to her the adjustment of the adoptive child to the American culture, and the efforts made by the happy parents to continue and connect the child to his Chinese origin in Taizhou.

TTC Student KTV Concert, Photo #1

The students of Taizhou Teachers College were treated to a wonderful spring-concert by this young student. His superb voice and easy and professional presentation made for a special evening for all of us.

TTC Student KTV Concert, Photo #2

Normally a shy young man, he sang a set of some 20 songs, mostly in Chinese and some in English. His voice made many hearts beat faster, and the music made for a soothing cultural evening at TTC.

TTC Student KTV Concert, Photo #3

One of my English students and a fan of the night's concert was all smiles at the conclusion of the concert. I was very honored to have been invited, and the young singer presented me with one of his advertising posters. It was a wonderful evening sitting among my many students, enjoying some sweet sounds.

My first visit to the Dentist in China, Photo #1

Not so fun was my first spring-visit to the dentist in Taizhou. One of my greatest fears has always been the dentist, but some severe pain made the trip a necessity.

My first visit to the Dentist in China, Photo #2

My reception at the dentist's office was nothing short of wonderful, and the doctor's professionalism quickly eliminated any of my fears, and since then we have become friends.

My first visit to the Dentist in China, Photo #3

When my collegue Sue saw this photo, she envisioned someone in a coffin.?? But since my time with this dentist, I feel like a new man, and my teeth feel like those of a teenager. :-) Thank you so much, dear doctor.

Invitation to JiangYan TianMu Middle School, Photo #1

Another special Spring-event 2008 was my invitation to JiangYan TianMu Middle School. It is one of my favorite past-times around the Taizhou District, to observe classes and their teachers, their methods and their challenges. It helps me understand, what my own students will face, as they become teachers within one or two years.

Invitation to JiangYan TianMu Middle School, Photo #2

The JiangYan TianMu Middle School sits on a large, beautiful campus. The town is located about an hour from Taizhou. A car met me, and I was driven in comfort to meet the staff of the school.

Invitation to JiangYan TianMu Middle School, Photo #3

My friend, Yang Tianyu (English name: Yassimo), invited me to this school, to meet his family, and show me his home-town, Zhou Zhuang. It is the hometown of the parents of Mr. Hu Jintao, current President of the PRC.

Invitation to JiangYan TianMu Middle School, Photo #4

My hosts posed with me after a delicious lunch in front of the restaurant, at which time I was also introduced to some teachers, who happened to be graduates of Taizhou Teachers College, more success stories for our small teachers college.

Invitation to JiangYan TianMu Middle School, Photo #5

The beautiful campus of the Yang Tianyu Middle School was covered in spring colors, and a pleasant walk before my classroom visit introduced me to peaceful surroundings.

Invitation to JiangYan TianMu Middle School, Photo #6

Walkways surrounding the school are covered in a sea of purple. I was told, that the principal of the school took great pride in continues plantings and much green space.

Invitation to JiangYan TianMu Middle School, Photo #7

Surprised and smiling faces press against the fence of the school's sports field and share with me a welcome and greetings.

Invitation to JiangYan TianMu Middle School, Photo #8

It is difficult for me to remain in the seat offered me inside the large classroom. As the TTC gratuated teacher conducts a classroom of 70 students with the help of power-point, each young student is deeply involved in their English lesson. Walking the classroom, I try to stop at many desks to show the students my approval of their efforts. Actually, these young students are less shy then my older college students at TTC.

Invitation to JiangYan TianMu Middle School, Photo #9

At the end of the lesson, some of the 70 student, quite a challenge for a Chinese middle school teacher, were eager to pose for a joyful photo. It was a great experience for me.

Invitation to JiangYan TianMu Middle School, Photo #10

A parting photo on the steps of JiangYan TianMu Middle School includes both teachers and hosts, who helped make the day memorable. I was invited to return often. I hope it will be a possibility. There is much to learn from such visits for a foreign teacher.

Invitation to JiangYan TianMu Middle School, Photo #11

After the classroom visit, my hosts took me on a visit to the nearby town of Zhou Zhuang, a part of greater Taizhou. It is the home-town of Mr. Hu Jintao's parents. Mr. Hu Jiantao began to attend school in the city of Taizhou, attending primary and middle schools. A closer look at this photo makes it obvious, that here too, older building must make way for the new contructions. Spectators watch, as one of the buildings is demolished.

Invitation to JiangYan TianMu Middle School, Photo #12

Walking the streets of Zhou Zhuang town, we pass this old and famous tea house, used by the parents of Mr. Hu Jintao to sell tea. Tea is a "special" product in this community.

Invitation to JiangYan TianMu Middle School, Photo #13

This is a closer look at the beautiful Qing-style tea house, still owned by the Hu family, which has become more a shrine to the popular President, though tea and tea related products are still available for sale.

7th May 2008

Sue
non-member comment

Wonderful memories!
Yes, I also love spring time in Taizhou- particularly on our little campus! One of the many things I will miss when I leave in just 6 short weeks time! I'm getting teary just thinking about it! I wish you all the best in the coming years and I feel this will not be goodbye but see you sometime in the not too distant future! Sue

7th May 2008

wolfe
non-member comment

enjoy ur observations and look forward to them. Still hope to wee them in book form. Warmest Greetings. Gregory and mary Ann

8th May 2008

goodsue
goodsue

I enjoy your blogs
Lately, I've been considering returning to China to teach again. I enjoy your blogs. Taizhou seems a clean, and beautiful city. I was in Nanjing before. If you're interested in meeting other TEFL teachers, here's a group site TEFLChinaLife@yahoogroups.com.

19th May 2008

Genevieve Reyes-Illg
non-member comment

earthquake sadness
Hallo mein lieblings lehrer, I was thinking of the tradedy that happened in China, and I know you are still there. I hope you are ok! The news makes me cry. Viele gruesse von meine Familie! Genevieve

24th May 2008

Tracy---Han Wei
non-member comment

Enjoy!!!
Hi! My dear, Schneider. I am so suprised when I see there are so many comments in your blog! That means you were concerned by these friends. Wow, that is wonderful! Hoperfully everything goes on well with you! I am always missing you and I want to marry you!!!ha ha ha.....: D

24th May 2008

Bruno Silva
non-member comment

Earthquake
Herr Schneider, I have been hearing and listening about the earthquake that has taken so many lives in China and at this moment remembered that you were still there. I wanted to know if you were well. I hope that you are and to hear from you soon. Best wishes, and hoping you are safe. Best wishes, Bruno

27th May 2008

Joe Datko
non-member comment

Herr Schneider, I admit, I have been lax in my attention, though not my memory of you over the years. It's been a long time, and I hope it isn't too late. These are trying times, especially in your current home, and I have a sneaking suspicion you would do what you are capable of to help alleviate the immense human suffering in China due to natural chance. I fear that might be risky. At any rate, I have no knowledge of your status now, and I hope you are well and safe, as are your friends and colleagues over there. If you are, and you are not consumed by work, I would be pleased to hear from you, both to alleviate my concern for your health and to catch up with you. I'll leave it at that for now; a reliable email address should be listed along with this. Your student, Joe

29th October 2009

LI JING
non-member comment

YOU TAKE PHOTO VERY GOOD.I DO NOT KNOW THERE ARE SO MANY BEAUTIFUI PLACE IN Tai Zhou .I SHOULD GO THERE WITH MY FRIEND IN WEEKEND.

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#98 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (My colorful Spring-2008 in Taizhou, the City of the Phoenix, Part 2)

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