Dr. Helgeson 

In my RSO for Golden Apple ISU, we do professional development meetings. Within these meetings, we get to learn from current teachers, past teachers, and individuals within the education field. Recently, we met with Dr. Helgeson, whom is a good friend of our coordinator Barb. We got to meet with Dr. Helgeson virtually over Zoom. For us in Illinois we met at 7 pm, however for Dr. Helgeson, it was 9:15 in the morning. 

We were able to chat with Dr. Helgeson during his morning planning period and we learned about how he runs his classroom. Dr. Helgeson explained that his classroom is primarily filled with students who are English learners. Dr. Helgeson has had to adapt to the cultural norms of Taiwan. Specifically, Dr. Helgeson lives in Taipei. 

He explained how he has had to adjust to different classroom styles and family cultural norms. He also discussed how Covid has impacted this country. For example, individuals who are quarantined must be relocated and quarantine for 3 months. 

When Dr. Helgeson first started teaching in Taiwan, he was sure that this would be a short program, however, quickly after, Dr. Helgeson signed on for three more years. 

Dr. Helgeson also has kids that go to the district in Taiwan. He discussed that his kids are learning Mandarin. 

His classroom was decorated with both American and Taiwan items. Also, on his chalkboard, Dr. Helgeson was writing in both Mandarin and English. This represents part of what we have discussed in TCH 207. Dr. Helgeson is trying to make students feel comfortable in the classroom, but also introduces the students to other cultures as well. A lot of what Dr. Helgeson discussed with trying to assimilate with the cultural norms in Taibiae paralleled some of the ideas that we have discussed in both 207 and 334. 

It was also interesting because at the end of the meeting he discussed the method to which he went at teaching abroad and we even had other individuals in the meeting that were completing the same program that he did or that were studying abroad in Taibe. 

overall, this Zoom meeting was very informational and it really opened my eyes to see how individuals have taken concepts like inclusivity and representation and used these concepts in their classroom.