Belleville-Paderborn - Lehreraustausch
25.9. - 6.10. 2006

[Belleville-Paderborn – Teacher Exchange
September 25 – October 6, 2006]

Written by Nadia Weber, Almut Ulama, and Gabriele Lambrechts
for the Goerdeler Gymnasium Webpage

[Translation by Kathy Ashby Ontiveros]

On October 25, 2006, we three colleagues from the English department of the Goerdeler-Gymnasiuim [prep school] (Ms. Lambrechts, Ms. Ulama, and Ms. Weber) flew across the big pond to Belleville, Illinois in the USA. The goal of this study trip was the initiation of an exchange between the Goerdeler-Gymnasium and O’Fallon Township High School (OTHS). The adventure began with the entrance formalities at the American customs gate, as the flight to St. Louis was barely made in the last seconds before departure.

Already on the following day the activities began in the partner school. Still feeling the effects of jet lag, we met with American students, spoke, and answered questions. The fatigue, however, quickly evaporated, once we were faced with the extremely interested and motivated students and teachers. The American students met us with an impressive openness and naturalness.

Viele der Schüler berichteten uns mit Stolz von ihren deutschen Wurzeln und fragten uns detailliert über das Leben in Deutschland aus. Wichtig war ihnen auch die Sichtweise der Deutschen - der Europäer - bezüglich der amerikanischen Politik kennen zu lernen. Auch eine kritische Sichtweise wurde von vielen verstanden und sogar verstärkt.

Many of the students told us with pride about their German roots and asked us in detail about life in Germany. It was also important to them to learn of Germans’, and Europeans’, perspectives especially of American politics. Many of them also understood a critical perspective and even found this perspective to be strengthened.

Schule in Amerika heißt nicht nur akademische Ausbildung, sondern es wird vor allem auch großen Wert auf Persönlichkeits- und Charakterbildung gelegt, welches sich vor allem in der Fächerwahl (electives) der Schüler manifestiert. Im Nachmittagsbereich wird sowohl von den Lehrern als auch von den Schülern Engagement für die Schule erwartet.

School in America means not only academic education, but also there is much value placed on the development of personality and character, which is manifested especially in the selection of elective courses. In the afternoons, teachers as well as students are expected to be engaged in activities for the school.

Alle außerunterrichtlichen Aktivitäten (z.B. Sport, Theater, Musik) dienen der Herausbildung einer corporate identity. Die Identifizierung mit sich und der Schule ist extrem hoch. Wie selbstverständlich werden T-Shirts, Buttons und Kappen der Schule mit Stolz jeden Tag getragen. Auch der Schulleiter demonstrierte zu jeder Zeit wie stolz er auf seine Schüler ist: er ließ z.B. kein Spiel seiner Sportmannschaften aus.

All extra-curricular activities (e.g., sports, theater, and music) serve in the building of a corporate identity. The identification with this group and the school is extremely high. This was self-evident in the school T-shirts, buttons, and caps which are worn proudly to school every day. Also the school principal demonstrated at all times how proud he is of his students: for example, he did not miss a game or event of any of his school’s sports teams.

Der Unterrichtston seitens der Lehrer und Schüler war außerordentlich freundlich, respektvoll und diszipliniert. Dies erscheint absolut nachahmenswert!

The tone of instruction on both the teachers’ and students’ sides was extraordinarily friendly, respectful, and disciplined. This seems absolutely worthy of emulation!

We three teachers were cordially received by the school principal and the superintendent, who presented us with gifts (among others, we were surprised with tickets for the Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers baseball game.) Driving service was even organized for us.

Another program event was a visit to the state capitol of Springfield, which we made with allowance of a school van. The new Abraham Lincoln Museum impressed us the most.

Our trip also had a very official local significance. On two occasions we were received by the mayor of the city of Belleville, Mark Eckert. With this meeting, we presented a gift from our own mayor, Mr. Paus. Present at this reception were also members of the German-American friendship circle [Sister City Organization].

Our hosts were three colleagues at OTHS, who gave us insight into the everyday lives of American high school teachers. We were fascinated by the technological possibilities, which the school offered; then again we were astounded by how quickly multiple choice assignments could be corrected. American teachers do not spend time at home at their desks, but rather take care of their school work in the work place, in their classrooms. Many of the teachers were already here at 6:00 in the morning in order to give guidance to students.

In conclusion, we hope that soon we may be able to give our students the possibility to fly to the USA for some time up to three months, in order to gather their own experiences.

Our favorite saying from OTHS:
“Teachers open doors; students must walk through on their own.”