mrtmullins

The end of our time in Taiwan is drawing nearer and naturally this brings about a time of sincere reflection both professionally and personally.

When you look back on 4 years of experiences, many jump out as significant but how do you know what to take with you and how to adapt? Here’s Three Takeaways I’ll start with.

Technology Integration is not the future – it’s NOW!

(Above: Time-lapse video to show how water purification system could help an invention for water conservation.)

– The culmination of many experiences developing integration of technology both in the the classroom and schoolwide has been invigorating and stirred an interest which I hope to passionately pursue. I truly believe this can:

• enhance students access to learning
• showcasing their talents and give them purpose
• provide a pathway to world not just of tomorrow but today.

Where there are students – you can influence

– A fear I had, and one which others have been known to hold, was that moving from a state school in London to a private school in Taiwan I would be letting down those I left behind. We all know the needs of children in the UK state system can be severe and it can easily be assumed those with (possibly) more wealth do not need you in the same way. It quickly became clear that all kids need their teachers – whatever the background. I have loved teaching to different needs and leave knowing your influence is valued. I, most likely, will step back into the state system upon my return, and relish the opportunity but will never forget the students I leave behind again.

Work-life balance matters – a lot!

For anyone who doesn’t know this already – Taipei is an amazing city. Taiwan is an amazing country. Visit!

The opportunities presented to me to meet amazing people, travel, experience a different culture and settle into a healthy lifestyle are something I value extremely highly and truly hope I can replicate in its own way when I settle in a new place.

Wellbeing is spoken about a lot in the workplace at the moment and it applies in different ways to all people but I encourage all leaders to consider how they can support their teams in forming a lifestyle that makes them happier and more effective all round – it’s easy to put it on the agenda but make it happen! I look forward to seeing how this works on the next step of the journey!

On a final note, I would like to urge everyone to take the time to record their thoughts or tap into Twitter and learn from others. Much of this blog could be classified as the ramblings of one teacher out there, but I’ll continue as long as it helps to organise my thoughts and if it resonates with others!