FAQs: Overview of my “Year Off”
This post is designed to answer some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about my Professional Leave of Absence. If you have a question that’s not answered here, feel free to post a question by leaving a comment and I’ll answer it here. If you have more specific questions, about my travel or research, check out my FAQ: Travel and FAQ: Research posts.
What is the purpose of your Sabbatical/Professional Leave of Absence (PLA)?
I applied for a Professional Leave Absence in order to pursue three things.
1. An opportunity to travel to places I teach the most about: India, Israel, and China.
2. explore methods and technologies for sharing lesson plans, materials and successful classroom practices
3. research narratives relating to significant historical periods, figures, and events for classroom use, possibly leading to publication or presentation at a professional conference
(The Most Asked Question Early On and Most Entertaining Question)
Did your wife know you were going to apply? Did/does she support your decision(s)?
- Of course she supported me, and still does. I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without her! What kind of marriage would it be if I didn’t ask my wife about her feelings and take them into consideration before I applied?!
- In fact, my wife has been my biggest supporter and most important partner in everything I have and will accomplish. Not only has she been interested, patient, and supportive throughout the planning and execution of the PLA, she’s taken on more of the day-to-day financial burden. Boy, do I love women’s lib!
Are you going to come back to teach at Coxsackie Athens?
· Yes. I am only going to be away for one year. I’ll be back in my old classroom starting September, 2008.
Why did you choose to apply for a Professional Leave of Absence THIS year?
- If not now, when? Too many people make excuses why something like this opportunity should be put off (risk, money, safety, etc.). My wife and I decided that this year worked best for us, for a number of personal reasons. So far, it’s working out really well.
How does it feel not to work? (the Most Frustrating and Most Asked Question)
- The reality is that I am working; I’m just not working in a building with co-workers. Believe it or not, I get up with my wife every day and am “at work” by 7:30 every morning, if not earlier. I work at least 7 hours every day, sometimes more.
- In reality, I am finding that every day has a new challenge. It’s great to have intellectual freedom, be self-motivated, and be able to explore things that really interest me. The freedom to pursue things that will make me a better teacher has been phenomenal!
- The things I don’t miss include the paperwork (like grading) and all of the “extra” requirements that take time away from planning and teaching time (like lunch duty, meetings, etc.).
What do you miss most about not being in school on a daily basis?
- I miss interacting with my colleagues, but I miss the students most of all.
Why take a year instead of pursuing these goals in your free time?
- Anyone who is a teacher realizes that free time is a bit of a misnomer. Instead of trying to pursue each of these goals intermittently and piecemeal, a full year gives me the advantage of developing momentum and an uninterrupted drive toward achieving each of the goals.
Do you get paid? Is the school district paying for any of the travel or research?
- I am receiving ½ of my normal salary for a full year. However, I am paying all expenses (plane tickets, vaccination costs, extra money to cover heating oil, etc.) by taking out a personal loan.
Filed under: Background, FAQs, Leave of Absence, overview
I LOVE MR.ROBERG WOOT WOOT
Hi Leif,
I was Heather’s cooperating teaching in Center Moriches. She wrote and told me about your sabbatical. The trip sounds amazing! Your students are going to benefit greatly from your experience. Have a safe and wonderful adventure!
Sherry
Hi Leif,
Hope you are well. I spoke to my class about your travel to India. They have many, many questions. Probably the most predominant question among my first graders is “what is it like to go to school in India.” I hope this is where I am supposed to post questions. I look forward to your response. I hope you are having a safe trip. I will check the blog again tomorrow morning to see if this made it to you.
Mrs. Sunkes
My Reply:
I haven’t exactly figured out the most efficient place to have people post comments and then post my answer. For now, I’m trying to post the answer directly with the question so that other people who may be interested won’t have to look around.
School in India: Students begin school at 5 years old. Their classes are held outside (it is aabout 75 degrees right now, and in the summer it averages about 100 degrees in the day. They have about 13 students in a class. They study nine subjects including Hindi (the native language) and the writing system (Sanskrit), English, Math, Science, etc.
Great Question!! Let me know if there are any others.
Mr. Roberg
Dear Flat Kat,
I wanted to say “Hi” and I hope you have a good time in Asia.
Signed,
Molly : )
hey its raheem. wasup? do u like india? how were the people? did u really like the taxi ride? Write me back.
raheem lalani
My Answer
Raheem – Great to hear from you! I hope your year is going well!
I really do like India! It is so interesting to meet different people. For the most part, I’ve found that some Indians are very warm an welcoming. Those Indians who have something to sell, see me as a rich Westerner that they can make money from. Others don’t seem to like me much. Of course, there are Americans just like this in our country. There are some Americans who like foreigners (like me), and there are some who don’t like foreigners. So overall, I feel very comfortable here. I ignore the people who don’t seem to like me, and I talk to people who seem to want to talk to me.
As for the taxi ride, the traffic here is really crazy. The drivers beep at you when they are passing, and if you don’t move, they may run you over. It seems like the drivers here see “traffic rules” as optional – they follow them when they want.
Needless to say, I have been careful to stay out of the way, and I will continue to do so.
Thanks for writing!
Mr. Roberg
Hey roberg, Its been so long I’ve forgotten how to spell that nickname Shannon and Megan gave you. All of your pictures are amazing. I work in a Thai resturant so seeing all of those foriegn foods and buildings is an experince i can relate too. since my boss is 100% thai she keeps her customs with her and though their abit odd its interesting to see how another culture does things as they go day to day. Heres hoping all goes well and you bring back some cool things back.
Hi Mr.Roberg. I never had you as a teacher because I’m new to C-A this year but looking at your website is pretty cool. I love the pictures. Seems like you’re really enjoying yourself. Be safe and enjoy the rest of your year of work and travel!
My Reply
Thanks for the good wishes Monecia. I look forward to meeting you sometime this year or next.
Hi, Leif!
Your trip sounds fascinating & I’m learning so much about that part of the world. Had fun with your mother-in-law in Houston &, as usual, Woody was on the floor during Shout! Pretty amazing, but crazy, for a 61 year old! Just want you to know your family misses you & loves you & waits for your safe return.
Love & hugs,
Regi
I hope the trip had be fun for you and think it is really cool that you are in China.