A Positive Attitude and a Kind Word

I started conducting observations this week for my new job with Peace Corps. I attended the classes of six English teachers at a local high school here in Mindelo. I came to the class, observed, and took notes. I have a form with a set of criteria for evaluation provided by the local university for evaluating teachers. At the end of this week, I can honestly say the most important thing I learned all week was just how important and powerful a positive attitude and a kind word can be.


My first two observations were “cancelled” because the teachers did not want me in their classrooms. I was a little shocked and hurt, and but I understood. People feel insecure and threatened by having a native speaker evaluate them. I imagine it would be how I would feel if I had a native Portuguese speaker evaluate me teaching a Portuguese class. So, I tried not to let this bother me, and I observed the other six teachers who were warm and welcoming. I showed up each day, briefly introduced myself, and then followed them to class. I sat in the back, observed the class, and then arranged a meeting next week to provide feedback.

In every single instance, as the teacher and I were leaving the classroom, they all asked me some form of this question: “Are you going to tell me what I did wrong when we meet?” I was taken aback the first few times, but then I came to expect it.

I had to explain to the teachers that I was not doing that sort of observation. I was not there to write down every single grammar mistake they made or correct their pronunciation or criticize their classroom management or lesson plans. I explained that I was there to see what they were doing in their classes that was working, to share ideas and resources, and to learn about teaching in Cape Verde. With that in mind, I made sure to leave each teacher with a comment about at least two things that they did really well.

When I told the teachers some of the elements I liked about their lessons, that reaction was also the same: total shock, a look of elation that is indescribable, relief, and teary eyes.

This got me thinking: what have people been telling these teachers, how have they been treated? I mean, for crying out loud. When you offer praise to a teacher and they almost cry, you know there is a problem somewhere. Now, I am not saying these teachers were perfect, and I am fully aware of the teachers in Cape Verde that are morally and intellectually inept, but these teachers were a different story. Yes, they had some issues that could use improvement, but they were also doing things that were really working as well. They just needed someone to build their confidence, to tell them they are doing a good job, to appreciate them.

So, I was reminded of a super-important lesson this week: a positive attitude and a kind word go a long way. I think there is a time and a place for criticism and consequences, but there is also a time for encouragement. Seeing those teachers feeling good about themselves is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had during Peace Corps service.