STS-Boys School, Fujairah - My New School

The school campus is a contradiction. It is in a desert, but green plants and trees abound. The area is vast and open inviting you to come outside, but the heat beats you back in doors to the sanctuary of air conditioned rooms. There is a great sense of camaraderie among the international staff. They are from Uganda, Cameroon, India, Philippines, Jordan, Zimbabwe, the UK, and the US. All but two teachers are men. The two women (myself included) are American, and are of African descent. 

Similar location shot as the one above. This one includes a portion of the administrative building. The campus has about eight buildings, including a brand new canteen. The campus houses two schools; one is vocationally focused (STS), and the other prepares students for college. However, like in Chicago, the administration has decided that all students should be prepared for college should they choose it. Therefore, STS students are now subject to the International Cambridge curriculum. There is also a major (and most importantly, financially supported) push for increased technology use in the classroom, with a drive toward a paperless classroom.

This is the school building in which I work. My classes meet on the first floor in the four rooms on the left. I teach 11th grade maths (we say "maths" because of the British influence here). The Teacher's Room is on the second floor on the left. My desk is just to the right of the entrance to the Teacher's Room. 

Cool panoramic shot from the entrance to my desk.

The Teachers' Room houses 10 teachers - nine men and me. All of us are expats; I am the only American (in the office; there is another African-American female teacher). The gentlemen are very nice and generous (one has offered to match me with a husband - seriously - he already put a call in). They always offer coffee, tea, figs or whatever they may be enjoying themselves. They are also ready and willing with assistance and advice.

A close up shot of my desk. My lunch pack just behind the keyboard. I bought it at Costco. The "ice" pack is great; it works all day long. I bring my lunch to work everyday - yeah. See the banana; I am trying to increase my portion of healthy items. My trusty timer is behind the mouse. Both the students and I rely on it to let us know how close we are to freedom. The iPad is provided by the district. They want a paperless classroom (not happening). I am doing my part though. I have to say I am incredibly grateful for the technology training. I love using Apple TV in the classroom!