Czech School Tidbits

So, there are actually a few things I forgot to mention in my earlier posts about the Czech school system that I'd like to include now.

For starters, there are no security guards in Czech schools. There are not even deans or disciplinary enforcers. Why not? Because there's no need for them here. Every once in a while there's a hiccup that needs to be dealt with in school, but these issues are few and far between. To my understanding, there's only one type of security measure in my school, which is the fact that doors are computer chip activated. If you want to enter the building or particular rooms, you'll need the computer chip to gain access. If not, you can ring the main office. The reality? Anyone can gain access to a computer chip and students can literally just go and open the door for anyone who knocks. It's not a full-proof system.

We've had two incidences at my school this whole year. One involved bullying, a serious issue in which the entire class involved was talked to by the headmaster and reprimanded. The other involved the police as someone stole internal parts from classroom computers, thus rendering them useless. The police were involved because the added value of theses parts superseded 5.000CZK, which is considered theft, a crime that is not to be taken lightly. This crime could have easily been solved if there were CCTV (security) cameras within the school building, but there are not any in my school. Then again, crimes do not occur regularly enough for schools to invest in them. A meeting was held and teachers were simply told to be more mindful when leaving classrooms with computers and to make sure they locked the doors when these rooms were not occupied.

Another difference between Czech and American schools? Dress codes. They do not exist in the Czech Republic for anyone. Of course, dress codes are never an issue in winter because everyone is fully clothed and trying to stay warm, but when spring arrives and warm weather ensues, well, I've literally seen everything. Last week there was a heat wave for nearly the entire week and it looked as if teachers and students alike were headed to the beach or pool. Skimpy tank tops, halter tops, strapless shirts, mid-drifts, crop tops, the shortest short-shorts I've ever seen in my life, and summer dresses that revealed either too much on top, from the bottom, or both. The boys? Dressed in tank tops, t -shirts, shorts, and even sandals. The teachers? Well, they were dressed significantly more conservative than the students, but personally, I would never wear what half the teachers wore to school last week in an American school as a teacher. Oh, then there's the fact that Czechs can wear tops with the most obscene sayings and drawings! Curse words and pictures galore with naked people or bombs or guns. It is literally absurd.

You know, as a student, I did get in trouble a time or two for wearing inappropriate clothes to school. I hated those teachers who ratted me out and sent me to the main office, where a phone call was made ​​home and I was forced to wear something from the lost and found box that was more appropriate. Now that I'm a teacher, or perhaps just an adult, I totally appreciate those teachers who did that to me. I realize now more than ever how important dress codes are, not only for young people, but for professionals, too. Now I am that teacher  who reprimands students that dress inappropriately. I'm not a supporter of school uniforms because I believe style is a form of self expression, but I am a proponent of school dress codes in some form.

As Previously mentioned, secondary school is an option for students in the Czech Republic. Mandatory education ceases at the age of 15 or the 9th grade. Students must apply and get accepted to a secondary school, whether that be a gymnazium, technical or vocational school, or music conservatory. In terms of state aid, each school does receive a certain amount of funds per students in attendance, However, the free public education also ceases at the age of 15 or the 9th grade. Students who attend secondary schools pay for their own books and supplies as well as transportation to and from school. In my opinion, this resembles American students who attend community colleges (usually for a total of two years). It prepares one for four-year colleges and universities and must be paid for by students. In both situations, students can get kicked out for bad behavior or marks. It is a privilege to attend institutions that further one's education.

Some other insightful information:

Teachers have their own offices, but not classrooms, which is similar to a college/university setting in America. Therefore, students are waiting in classrooms for their teachers to arrive. As a sign of respect, when a teacher enters the room, all students must stand, and continue standing until the teacher tells them to sit down. This tradition is pretty uniform throughout Europe. It's honestly one of my favorite aspects of teaching here. You enter the room and all conversations stop, students stand, and their eyes are all on you.. waiting.. patiently. Most teachers put their stuff down then address the class with a greeting before allowing them to sit. Others will make brief announcements first then allow the students to sit. Either way it's miraculous that all the students give you their complete, undivided attention. Moreover, students are not allowed to fidget or pack up their belongings when the bell is about to, or does, ring. They continue to learn until the teacher formally says that the lesson is over.

There are no substitute teachers in the Czech Republic. If a teacher is absent, other teachers are expected to cover his or her classes for the day, and the administrators try their best to make sure it's a teacher from the same discipline. For example, if an English teacher is absent then another teacher from the English department will cover the lesson. There's also a log that follows the students from class to class so one can see who was absent during each period as well as what topics were learned. Therefore, it's relatively easy for another teacher to cover a lesson and pick up where the other left off. If it is not possible to have a teacher from the same discipline cover a class, the students will be taught a new lesson by a science, history, art, etc. teacher in their own subject. Learning always occurs and there are no missed days or opportunities due to teacher absences.

Principals teach two lessons per week and assistant principals teach between four to six lessons per week. Just because one moves into an administrative position does not mean he or she has to give up his or her love of teaching and connecting with students. If I ever moved into an administrative position in America, I would become an assistant principal so I could still teach one class a day. 

The administrators and their staff are absolutely amazing at Gymnazium Strakonice. I've been truly blessed to have such a wonderful experience, even beginning with mere e-mail exchanges before I arrived here. They really work hard to see each student succeed and make various opportunities available to them as well. There's not much of a support staff in Czech schools. My current school has a secretary and accountant, but there are no teaching aids or assistants, lunch aids, or hall monitors. There is one school psychologist, but there are no guidance counselors. Speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists are reserved for the designated special schools for students with disabilities. It is quite a different system here indeed.

Lastly, school field trips are in abundance here. Students are always going somewhere! The majority of trips are educational and relate to the subject matter the students are learning at the time. However, fun trips also exist for each class, especially during the holidays and at the end of the year. This upcoming week is the last week of school, and many students will be on camping trips for a few days with their classes and head teachers. They explore somewhere new, or perhaps just explore some nature, and enjoy each others company. I think this is a beautiful thing. In my personal opinion, there are not enough field trips in American schools nor team building scenarios for students to work together and bond.