One little-known aspect of international teaching is that very few expat teachers end up learning the local language in the countries where they teach. This may vary by language, of course; I've heard that far more international teachers pick up Spanish than Kazakh, for example; but by and large it seems that most international teachers, … Continue reading Why I Memorize
Immersion Learning Fails Students In More Ways Than One
When I was 16, I attended high school in the French city of Rennes. Like many foreign exchange students before me, I was assigned the same classes as local French students - literature, math and science classes - all, of course, entirely taught in French. Despite my (and my parents') hopes that I would quickly … Continue reading Immersion Learning Fails Students In More Ways Than One
NEW WORKSHOP: The Cognitive Science of Creative Subjects at Learning2 2019!
I'm (Zach) excited to share that I will be presenting at yet another conference, this time at Learning2 in Nanjing, China. Take a look at the description of the workshop below, which I hope will merge some of my passion for utilizing research to inform teaching with my work in creativity. Hope to see you … Continue reading NEW WORKSHOP: The Cognitive Science of Creative Subjects at Learning2 2019!
11 Books to Start a Book Club for Teachers
I love professional book clubs. If schools are serious about teacher agency and differentiating professional learning for teachers, administrators should consider teacher book clubs as an option. The following is an updated list of 10 books for professional book clubs that I've had the pleasure of either facilitating, attending, or just think could be great if … Continue reading 11 Books to Start a Book Club for Teachers
Taking the Plunge: Should America’s Teachers Consider Moving to Teach Overseas?
Followers of this website will know that Education Rickshaw is a blog on teaching and living overseas. My wife Stephanie and myself, both raised attending public schools Tacoma, Washington, were teachers at a Native American school before “taking the plunge” and moving to teach at an international school in Vietnam. Since then, we’ve taught in … Continue reading Taking the Plunge: Should America’s Teachers Consider Moving to Teach Overseas?
Should You Raise Your Kids Abroad?
If you're a fan of our website, you know that it's primarily a blog about teaching and learning overseas. Stephanie and I were both trained and certified as teachers in the United States, and soon after took our first international teaching jobs at an elementary school in Vietnam (Check out our video cruising around the … Continue reading Should You Raise Your Kids Abroad?
Teaching in Vietnam: Should You Get a Motorbike?
It's been a while since Zach and I taught in Vietnam, and we still miss it. When I tell people that I used to live and work in Vietnam, we tend to get some of the same questions: Is it safe to eat the street food? We found it easier to tell if street food will … Continue reading Teaching in Vietnam: Should You Get a Motorbike?
Turning the Tables on The Ed Podcast
I recently had the opportunity to sit and chat with Shane from The Ed Podcast, a show that focuses on conversations surrounding the teaching life and profession. It was a great experience, and one that I think documents pretty well where I am in my career at this moment in time. Listening to podcasts like … Continue reading Turning the Tables on The Ed Podcast
My Learning Tale
Just a few weeks ago, EducationRickshaw hit its 100th post milestone with the article After 100 Years of the Same Teaching Model It’s Time to Throw Out the Playbook. While we didn't think it was a very controversial post when we wrote it, it spawned a huge Twitter war across multiple threads that you can join … Continue reading My Learning Tale
5 Ways Expat Teachers Try to Cope With Christmas Overseas
With Mathsgiving behind us and winter break in striking distance, many international school teachers are considering buying an expensive ticket back "home" to spend the holidays with our families. While there are many luxuries associated with teaching overseas (See: 5 Luxuries Bestowed Upon Thee As An International Teacher), missing out on family events is definitely a … Continue reading 5 Ways Expat Teachers Try to Cope With Christmas Overseas
Education Rickshaw 