In the strongest school districts there is stiff competition for teaching positions. Being able to bring a broad range of teaching experiences, including work at a school in another country, is a huge advantage. Not to mention, the broader the experiences he or she has, the more dynamic, interesting and fun his or her classroom is going to be.

What I learned was that kids are kids, no matter where you go. They might have different names and talk with an accent, but for the most part they have the same fears and desires.

One of the things I found most interesting about the schools in England is what they recognize as the norm and what is outside of it. For example, students in public schools pray together every morning - it's just assumed. However, when I asked if there was any national creed or pledge that was recited, my cooperating teacher explained that to them, a sense of love to one's country is something considered a private, personal choice. It's the total opposite of the ideology in our schools here.

School should go beyond teaching the basics. It should be teaching how to take the basics and find your niche in life.

This school has been here since 1904, and has been using the same teaching methodology that they used in 1904, ... Here in 2005. I said that's just ridiculous. We need a change the paradigm, change the way we teach, break out of our comfort zone, and do something new.

Real learning comes about when the competitive spirit has ceased.