|
Having never traveled out of the U.S., math teacher Larry Kaber found a fantastic opportunity before him. After a few quick keystrokes, he found himself on his way halfway around the world to Hong Kong.
Kaber will travel to Hong Kong, China, July 16- Aug. 6 to teach accelerated 10th graders, after finding an application for the position through an internet “list serve” for award-winning teachers.
“I was just browsing a list serve, and Hong Kong was looking for a teacher, so I replied to them,” said Kaber. “I just subscribed this spring. I called the operator and she signed me up.”
Kaber was awarded the Presidential Award for mathematics in 1989, because of his teaching and professional attitude toward groups. After receiving the award, he was allowed to sign-up for the “Council of Presidential Awards on Mathematics” list serve this spring—one of three teachers in the valley who qualify for the list. The e-mail program opened many doors for many people and Kaber was just one more.
“I never wrote to my daughter, but now with e-mail I write all the time,” said Kaber.
Although Kaber will be new to international travel, this won’t be the first time he has taught accelerated students. He taught them at the John Hopkins University in Maryland and at Redlan University in Redlan, Calif., just outside of San Bernadino.
“I pursed this opportunity because it is something I’ve never done,” said Kaber. “It is going to be both an adventure and challenge to teach Chinese 10th grades, and will fit right in with everything I’ve taught before.”
Kaber is unaware of specific details of this trip, but has received word that the official contract is in the mail. Right now he knows he is going to Hong Kong, but doesn’t know where he is to live or exactly what his school days will consist of. The school is international, and that will allow Kaber to teach in English, but when the students speak among themselves he will not understand them.
When asked if he knew any Chinese, he repeated “Chow Mein,” with a chuckle. “I’m looking forward to the experience to see what China is like after the takeover by the Red Chinese,” said Kaber. “I’m most apprehensive about the food, because I don’t have a clue of what to expect.”
Anticipating a lifestyle change, Kaber’s hopes are centered on cultural rather than mathematical lessons. He wants to try out the new way of life in any way he can.
“My expectations are more cultural than mathematical,” said Kaber. “I will take my mathematical expertise, but my gain, I hope, will be cultural. The raw fish scares me, but it will be an experience.”
Without the e-mail and the expertise in math that Kaber possesses, his trip would not have been possible. Kaber has worked with technology for many years, but he expressed his gratitude for the recent advancements because he can now talk with his daughter via the internet.
“The biggest addition that e-mail made to my life was the communication with my daughter,” said Kaber. “I answer my mail every day, and it has given me the opportunity to talk with her.”
Said Kaber:
“The opportunity to go to Hong Kong is great, and I’m thankful for the net to browse and find out facts about Hong Kong.”
|
|
