“Come on in and make yourself comfortable.” With a warm smile, Mrs. Qiu welcomed Billy and me on this sunny and breezy April afternoon. Patience and kindness was our first impression of this experienced English teacher, but during the follow-up one-hour interview, we came to discover more and more elements concerning her job, her life, and her mind.
At her fourth year as an English major in Shih-Chien University, Qiu decided to enroll in the newly-launched program of Teacher Education and spent another two years on it. During the same period, the occupational training along with practical experience of her job as a part-time English teacher also provided her with strong knowledge of teaching as well as class management. Her understanding of education developed, so did her passion for dealing with students.
After graduating from college, Qiu finished her internship as a substitute English teacher in a senior high school in Shih-lin. Afterwards, she taught in An-Kang Junior High School in Xin-dian until her marriage. Her husband lived in Dan-shui, so she quitted her job and competed for vacancy again. Finally, Xian-Xiao Campus of Zheng-De Junior High School became her new stage.
When asked of her philosophy of education, she smile again. “I believe every student has his or her own journey ahead,” Qiu said, “so I wouldn’t force them to learn.” Correct it might be, especially under the condition that students in this campus—less than seventy in number—come mostly from families of low social-economic status. During our visits, most students looked joyful. “I let my students know that learning offers a way out,” Qiu added, “that with their efforts they could lead a better life.” She is convinced that the most crucial task in education, especially in junior high school, is to touch the heart of students. On the one hand, there is nothing more important than teaching a student to become a good person. On the other hand, all efforts are in vain if the door to the heart is closed.
Nine years have passed since Mrs. Qiu started teaching for the first time. She reveals great fondness for teaching and little interest in administration. “I’d rather dealing with people,” she chuckled. However, teaching is definitely not a problem-free job. Sometimes parents question the policies of the school, and sometimes misbehaving students challenged/provoke the authority of teacher. None of these, however, become an over-pressing task. Her key to this: impartial.
“I’d like to go on as a teacher until my retirement,” Qiu half-chanted, “after which I will probably come back once in a while as a volunteer worker.” Looking at Billy and me with the same smile, she took another sip of the nice-brewed tea and accepted our gratitude for this interview. Through the dazy sunshine in April afternoon, I seemingly saw a figure of confidence, contentment, and peace.
