Isabel teaches Spanish and geography at Beijing #4 High School (which is the number one school in Beijing and one of the best in China.) Dr. Carl and Melanie Harris are the interim directors of the Beijing #4 High School International Campus. It is a satellite school of Beijing #4 that just opened in September. It has 66 tenth graders and will add eleventh and twelfth graders in the next two years. The students take all of their classes in English or a combination of English and Chinese so they can apply and be accepted in the top 30 schools in the USA. Carl and Melanie could not get a work permit in time and so they have a multiple entry visa which means they stay 3 months, go home for 3 months and then come back for 3 months.
As part of our dinner conversation, Isabel asked me about the job fair. When I told them about applying for a principal positions, the Harrises asked me what experience I had and would I be interested in applying to work at their school while they are gone and continue on after they leave in June. I told them I would send them a vitae, and they could forward if they thought it was good enough.
That same day in church another member found out I had been a principal and said her friend was looking for one at her school in Shenzhen (in Souther China across from Hong Kong). I emailed her a vitae at the same time. I thought it was at least a try.
On Monday, October 29, the Beijing school contacted me and said they would like to have an interview with me on Friday morning at 10:00. A little later that day, the Shenzhen school said they would like to fly up and meet with me on Saturday morning. I was quite surprised by everything.
Friday, November 2, I had a two hour interview with seven people from the governing board of the Beijing school. Carl and Melanie were part of the group, and we had a very thoughtful discussion about the school goals and the position. I felt very good about it, but knew it was quite a long shot. It helped to know that another school was also interested. That way I didn't need to be desperate.
Saturday I met with four people from ShenZhen for a couple of hours, and then the two main people took me to lunch. The woman to my left is the lady from church and acted as the translator for us. The woman in the back and the gentleman are the owners of the school. Their school is actually a school for students who are not Chinese but are from other countries, especially the US.
The two following pictures have nothing to do with the interview. The first one is a picture of chicken feet which is considered a delicacy here in China. The next picture is to show you that I did try one. I have decided I will try things at least once. So far I have not died or even gotten sick.
Meanwhile back to the story, we had a wonderful visit. I was very impressed with them and the type of school they wanted to have. At the end of the interview, they offered me a contract. I told them I needed some time to think about their offer. There was security in knowing I had at least one job when this was all finished, but what would I do if I were offered both jobs. I did a lot of praying and pondering all weekend long. Shenzhen is in southern China, and their offer came on the weekend that Beijing had their first snowstorm. I must admit, that alone made it very tempting. In the end I decided I would take the Beijing school if I were offered it because it allowed me to work with Chinese students and become more acquainted with the Chinese people and their culture. If I wanted to work with American students, I could do that at home surrounded by the people I love.
Monday, November 5, I received a call from the Beijing School offering me the job of Academic Dean, who is responsible for all issues connected with curriculum and instruction. I went over on Tuesday morning to sign the contract, and then spent the rest of last week following Carl and Melanie around trying to soak in any bits of information I could.
The following pictures are of the school.
As I leave the subway and walk down the street, this is the view I have of the school.
This picture is taken on the corner and across the street from the school.
Welcome to Beijing #4 High School International Campus.
This is a picture of Carl and Melanie Harris at the back of the school. Right now the school is only using the first, second and fifth levels and an auditorium on the 3rd floor. The classes and administrative offices are on the first and second floor. The students who board at the school - which are about half of the students - live in the dormitory on the fifth floor.
A picture of the soccer field, basketball hoops and track. (The building at the back of the photo is the Chinese Academy of Music.)
This is the picture of the canteen where staff, teachers and students eat. They serve wonderful Chinese food, and one of these days I might even become proficient with chop sticks.
This is inside the main entrance of the school.
So, that is a quick look at Beijing #4 High School International Campus. I have met the teachers and many of the students, and I am excited to be able to work with them. I am grateful to be a part of such a wonderful project. I will post more pictures as I go along. I do not officially start until November 19 because my friend Char is coming to town Tuesday and we are going to Shanghai for a few days. It will be fun to spend some time with her. I will still try to blog the things that are going on in my life. I may not be able to do more than put up pictures and add a few comments, but I will try to keep up with it a little better. Although I don't have much time, I have a much happier attitude and disposition now that my life is more stable.
Congratulations on the job! How exciting.
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