It took some getting used to for the children of groups three and four of Oudendijk primary school in Woudrichem to have a new teacher for the class halfway through the school year. But after two days, Miss Melanie has already been approved. Before applying, the children were allowed to indicate what they think is important about a teacher for the class.
Prior to the application procedure, the children made clear on drawings what kind of teacher they would like. The wish list was quite long. The teacher had to be sweet, of course, able to teach well, but also to be sporty. For example, one of the students wanted her to be able to do gymnastics and do a split. The wish list also stated that she must be able to mountain bike.
Melanie Hagen has been teaching in Woudrichem since Monday. She was hired because she was approved by the children after a trial lesson of hers. Still, Monday was quite exciting for the teacher. Many students say they miss the old teacher, but on Melanie’s second day of school, the ice appears to have already been broken.
“Of course she can stay, she just arrived and is sweet and can teach well.”
Hossendly, the teacher goes through the class with the children to the music of the banana song. The mood is already good. A survey of some students shows that Melanie is well liked. Even though she doesn’t have a mountain bike and can’t make the split anymore. When asked if she can stay, student Victoria replies: “Of course she can stay, she just arrived and is sweet and can teach well.”
Melanie can put it in her pocket. “Gymnastics, I used to do that and that split is no longer there, we can tick that off. I also don’t have a mountain bike, but an electric bike,” says the teacher with a laugh. Melanie finds the application procedure, in which the children were allowed to express their wishes, particularly original. “I had seen the drawings and a film with the children and it was buzzing.”
That the teacher has been approved by the children is of course very nice, but maybe a good thing too. Because there is also a major shortage of teachers in primary education.