Kate Wernersbach's Portfolio Page
Hello! I teach English and AP Literature at Apex Friendship High School in Wake County, and I am also a curriculum writer for senior English in Wake County. As we strive to incorporate more diversity and culturally relevant texts, I am excited to immerse myself in the Czech culture, and bring my experiences back to my curriculum team, as well as my classroom. As an avid traveler, I am looking forward to exploring the beauty of Prague too!
|
PROJECTS:
Cultural Connections Project 1: Two Travel Writing Pieces
Site-Based Travel Writing Piece:
Step Into a Fairy Tale for a Day – Česky Krumlov
About a two hour drive from Prague is an enchanted town called Česky Krumlov. A day trip here is well worth the time for a fairy tale-like experience. The walk to the castle through a beautiful arch transports you back to a time of the Rosenbergs, one of the oldest and most powerful aristocratic families in Bohemiawho resided in Česky Krumlov for 300 years. Their family coat of arms of the five petal red rose is omnipresent throughout the castle, as well as the gift shops along the quaint streets of the town. The medieval and Renaissance town will give you a glimpse into the life of the aristocracy in this beautiful location that was meant to equal the royalty and prestige of Prague.
Česky Krumlov is a UNESCO Heritage Site with a State Castle that overlooks the Vltava River. A tour through the castle is a must, as you will learn much about the daily life of Rosenbergs and other families who lived there – such as the Eggenbergs and the Schwartzenbergs. During the castle tour, you will learn about the Ghost lady who was said to have haunted every room in the castle after her death. The gloves she was wearing in her ghost-like vision were believed to be prophetic – white meant good things, black meant bad things, red meant fire and blue meant flood. Interestingly, she was never seen wearing red gloves. In a time when many castles did catch fire, causing the families to re-build, the Česky Krumlov castle was never the victim of a fire; thus, people believed she protected the castle. Other interesting castle sights on the castle tour are the portraits of children with adult faces. Since so many people died young, parents had their children’s faces painted with adult faces in the hopes that they would live long lives. Not to be missed is one of the last rooms on the tour, a Rococo-style room with many colorful paintings of people and festivities adorning the walls. And I can’t forget to mention that you may catch a glimpse of a bear or two in the moat area around the castle, just like in the days of the Rosenbergs!
After the castle tour, lunch or dinner on the picturesque river is recommended. The views are spellbinding and the food is delicious. We ate at Gril Restaurant Na Ostrově, located on a romantic island that is created by the Vltava river and a mill drive.
I ordered the “Krumlov Special” – how could I not? I wanted the full Česky Krumlov experience. It included two smoked meats of pork, one a little redder than the other, potato dumplings, bread dumplings and cabbage, and was a delicious traditional Czech meal that gave me the energy to start the shopping along the beautiful cobblestoned streets.
Along with the usual carved wood shops and tourist fare, there are many jewelry stores in Česky Krumlov. While garnet is a popular stone to buy in the Czech Republic, I found the moldavite stone to be much more interesting. Moldavite, on olive-green precious stone, is only mined in the Vltava valley of the Czech Republic, around the area of Česky Krumlov. It is a secondary meteor rock, a result of a huge meteorite that melted minerals and then deposited them miles away. I bought a garnet and moldavite ring from a small store called Mozart Collection: The Jewelers, mainly because Jan, the man who coaxed us into the store with the line, “it is free to look,” was very kind and took the time to tell us all about moldavite. He also gave us a 20% discount, which you will find most of the shops in this town also advertise.
Lastly, for a quick refreshment and a Moroccan tearoom experience, visit the Dobrá čajovna Tearoom. With an extensive tea menu, you are sure to find a tea that fits your taste – hot or cold. I tried the Marakan Whisky iced tea and it was the most delicious iced tea I have ever tasted. The tea biscuits were a buttery delight, but perhaps the most fun at this tearoom was ringing the little bell when we were ready to order, making us feel like the princesses in this majestic fairy tale of Česky Krumlov.
Sources, in addition to my own personal notes:
http://www.encyklopedie.ckrumlov.cz/docs/en/region_histor_slerod.xml
https://www.czechtourism.com/tourists/trips/a-cesky-krumlov-a-fairytale-without-end/
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/czech-republic/bohemia/cesky-krumlov
Step Into a Fairy Tale for a Day – Česky Krumlov
About a two hour drive from Prague is an enchanted town called Česky Krumlov. A day trip here is well worth the time for a fairy tale-like experience. The walk to the castle through a beautiful arch transports you back to a time of the Rosenbergs, one of the oldest and most powerful aristocratic families in Bohemiawho resided in Česky Krumlov for 300 years. Their family coat of arms of the five petal red rose is omnipresent throughout the castle, as well as the gift shops along the quaint streets of the town. The medieval and Renaissance town will give you a glimpse into the life of the aristocracy in this beautiful location that was meant to equal the royalty and prestige of Prague.
Česky Krumlov is a UNESCO Heritage Site with a State Castle that overlooks the Vltava River. A tour through the castle is a must, as you will learn much about the daily life of Rosenbergs and other families who lived there – such as the Eggenbergs and the Schwartzenbergs. During the castle tour, you will learn about the Ghost lady who was said to have haunted every room in the castle after her death. The gloves she was wearing in her ghost-like vision were believed to be prophetic – white meant good things, black meant bad things, red meant fire and blue meant flood. Interestingly, she was never seen wearing red gloves. In a time when many castles did catch fire, causing the families to re-build, the Česky Krumlov castle was never the victim of a fire; thus, people believed she protected the castle. Other interesting castle sights on the castle tour are the portraits of children with adult faces. Since so many people died young, parents had their children’s faces painted with adult faces in the hopes that they would live long lives. Not to be missed is one of the last rooms on the tour, a Rococo-style room with many colorful paintings of people and festivities adorning the walls. And I can’t forget to mention that you may catch a glimpse of a bear or two in the moat area around the castle, just like in the days of the Rosenbergs!
After the castle tour, lunch or dinner on the picturesque river is recommended. The views are spellbinding and the food is delicious. We ate at Gril Restaurant Na Ostrově, located on a romantic island that is created by the Vltava river and a mill drive.
I ordered the “Krumlov Special” – how could I not? I wanted the full Česky Krumlov experience. It included two smoked meats of pork, one a little redder than the other, potato dumplings, bread dumplings and cabbage, and was a delicious traditional Czech meal that gave me the energy to start the shopping along the beautiful cobblestoned streets.
Along with the usual carved wood shops and tourist fare, there are many jewelry stores in Česky Krumlov. While garnet is a popular stone to buy in the Czech Republic, I found the moldavite stone to be much more interesting. Moldavite, on olive-green precious stone, is only mined in the Vltava valley of the Czech Republic, around the area of Česky Krumlov. It is a secondary meteor rock, a result of a huge meteorite that melted minerals and then deposited them miles away. I bought a garnet and moldavite ring from a small store called Mozart Collection: The Jewelers, mainly because Jan, the man who coaxed us into the store with the line, “it is free to look,” was very kind and took the time to tell us all about moldavite. He also gave us a 20% discount, which you will find most of the shops in this town also advertise.
Lastly, for a quick refreshment and a Moroccan tearoom experience, visit the Dobrá čajovna Tearoom. With an extensive tea menu, you are sure to find a tea that fits your taste – hot or cold. I tried the Marakan Whisky iced tea and it was the most delicious iced tea I have ever tasted. The tea biscuits were a buttery delight, but perhaps the most fun at this tearoom was ringing the little bell when we were ready to order, making us feel like the princesses in this majestic fairy tale of Česky Krumlov.
Sources, in addition to my own personal notes:
http://www.encyklopedie.ckrumlov.cz/docs/en/region_histor_slerod.xml
https://www.czechtourism.com/tourists/trips/a-cesky-krumlov-a-fairytale-without-end/
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/czech-republic/bohemia/cesky-krumlov
Cultural Connections Project 2: Scripted Duologue (Plotagon Animation)
Cultural Collections Project 1: Mapping Cultural Themes (Clio)
Summary:
Vyšehrad is a castle complex built by Vratislav II, Duke of Bohemia (1061-92, King of Bohemia after 1085) when he quarreled with his brother Jaromír Gebhart. This settlement is located on the opposite side of the Vltava River from the Prague Castle. Part of the grounds of Vyšehrad includes the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, one of only three Catholic churches that were allowed to hold services during the communist occupation from 1968-1989. Construction of the Chapter church began around 1070 and when first finished was dedicated to St. Peter. St. Paul was added as the church's second patron saint at the beginning of the 12th century. In its 900 years of existence, the church experienced many building eras, including Romanesque, Early Gothic, High Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Gothic. The last reconstruction on the church was in 1903 and is now the present-day appearance of the church.
HOURS:
MASSES:
Sun 9:00
Thu 18:00
Overview:
Before WW II and the Soviet takeover in 1968, the Czech Republic was mostly Catholic. In Prague alone, there are about 120 Catholic churches; however, during communism, Catholics were forbidden to attend services. In Prague, the only three churches where Catholics could attend mass were St. Vitus Cathedral, the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, and Church of Our Lady before Týn (Chrám Matky Boží před Týnem). Attending these services was not easy though, as a person needed to show an ID and a pass, as well as answer many questions about why they were attending services. In addition to being closed, many Catholic churches were used by communist soldiers who destroyed the interiors and sold the religious relics for money. In addition to Catholic churches, monasteries and convents being closed, priests and Catholic intellectuals were arrested and put in prison or labor camps; many people had to worship in secret or in underground makeshift “churches.”
The Church of Sts. Peter and Paul was born of strife as well. When Bishop Šebír (Severus) of Prague died in 1067, he was succeeded by Jaromír Gebhart, who was living at Prague Castle with his brother, Vratislav II, Duke of Bohemia (1061-92, King of Bohemia after 1085). When disagreements escalated between the brothers, Vratislav decided to build a new residence for himself at a Slavonic fortified settlement on the cliff of Vyšehrad – in a deliberate move to directly oppose the grandeur of Prague Castle. The Church of Sts. Peter and Paul was built at this settlement. Original founding documents of the Chapter Church did not survive, but in the middle of the 12thcentury, a forged document by Pope Alexander II placed the original construction date as May 9, 1070.
One of the more popular stories about the building of the church is that Vlatislav is said to have carried 12 baskets filled with stones to put in the foundation of the church; it was a way to imitate how Emperor Constantine had founded St. Peter’s Church in Rome. In the 900 years of its existence, the church underwent seven stages of construction and styles. The first building stage was Romanesque, similar to the basilica within Prague Castle; the next stage was still Romanesque architectural style, but under the guidance of Duke Sobêslav, up until the year 1129 – this is when the interior of the church began to be painted and furnished. The third stage was Early Gothic, after a fire in 1249, and this reconstruction lasted until 1429.
After 1369, the fourth stage of High Gothic began and was initiated by Prague’s famous Charles IV, resuming the building plans that his mother, Queen Eliška Premyslovna had begun. In this stage, a new three-nave church was built by Matthias of Arras – the only other building of this kind in the Czech lands at this time was St. Vitus Cathedral. The original five-nave form of the cathedral has been preserved until today. According to archaeological studies, this building complex was 110 meters long; as a result, it became the largest sacred building in pre-Hussite Prague. Looted and damaged during the Hussite revolution, the Chapter church underwent another reconstruction after 1420 in the Renaissance style; however, the original plans for this reconstruction were never completed due to lack of finances and a changing mentality of the community the church served. In 1495, the church was partially repaired and consecrated again. However, by the 16thcentury the church was dilapidated and in need of major repairs; the church underwent a larger reconstruction from 1575-76. From 1607-1610, the choir was adapted and a new sacristy was built.
The final two stages include the Baroque style from 1723-1729 and the Neo-Gothic style from 1885-1903. The Neo-Gothic style is what has been preserved up to the present day. The interior decoration of the church was created by several Czech artists, including Frantisek Urban and his wife, Marie Urbanova-Zahradnicka, who painted portraits of saints on buttresses, and painted the walls with florid ornamental and figurative themes, inspired by the Art Nouveau style of Alfons Mucha.
From 1988-1994, the church underwent costly restoration repairs, most likely due to neglect during the communist era. In 1989, the Catholic church was a strong supporter of the anti-Communist movement. Only recently have all the lands owned by the Catholic church throughout all of Prague and the Czech Republic been restituted. Unfortunately, many churches today are more tourist attractions than places of worship and the Czech Republic is considered the least religious country in Europe with about 85% atheists.
Today, visitors can hear the ringing of two bells that have been preserved from the original Renaissance section of the building. One is called “St. Peter and St. Paul” and was made im the workshop of Prague’s best 16thcentury bell founder, Brixi of Cymperk in 1584. Baltazar Hoffman’s workshop created the second bell named, “Marie,” in 1621. There are 17 bells in the carillon and four big bells that can ring separately or with the carillon. Melodies are selected differently for regular days and holidays and there are 50 songs altogether stored in the memory.Mass services are held on Sundays at 9:00 and Thursdays at 18:00.
Vyšehrad is a castle complex built by Vratislav II, Duke of Bohemia (1061-92, King of Bohemia after 1085) when he quarreled with his brother Jaromír Gebhart. This settlement is located on the opposite side of the Vltava River from the Prague Castle. Part of the grounds of Vyšehrad includes the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, one of only three Catholic churches that were allowed to hold services during the communist occupation from 1968-1989. Construction of the Chapter church began around 1070 and when first finished was dedicated to St. Peter. St. Paul was added as the church's second patron saint at the beginning of the 12th century. In its 900 years of existence, the church experienced many building eras, including Romanesque, Early Gothic, High Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Gothic. The last reconstruction on the church was in 1903 and is now the present-day appearance of the church.
HOURS:
- November – March Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 10.00 – 17.00 and Sun 10:30-17:00
- April – October Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10.00 – 18.00; Thu 10:00-17:30; Sun 10.30 – 18.00
MASSES:
Sun 9:00
Thu 18:00
Overview:
Before WW II and the Soviet takeover in 1968, the Czech Republic was mostly Catholic. In Prague alone, there are about 120 Catholic churches; however, during communism, Catholics were forbidden to attend services. In Prague, the only three churches where Catholics could attend mass were St. Vitus Cathedral, the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, and Church of Our Lady before Týn (Chrám Matky Boží před Týnem). Attending these services was not easy though, as a person needed to show an ID and a pass, as well as answer many questions about why they were attending services. In addition to being closed, many Catholic churches were used by communist soldiers who destroyed the interiors and sold the religious relics for money. In addition to Catholic churches, monasteries and convents being closed, priests and Catholic intellectuals were arrested and put in prison or labor camps; many people had to worship in secret or in underground makeshift “churches.”
The Church of Sts. Peter and Paul was born of strife as well. When Bishop Šebír (Severus) of Prague died in 1067, he was succeeded by Jaromír Gebhart, who was living at Prague Castle with his brother, Vratislav II, Duke of Bohemia (1061-92, King of Bohemia after 1085). When disagreements escalated between the brothers, Vratislav decided to build a new residence for himself at a Slavonic fortified settlement on the cliff of Vyšehrad – in a deliberate move to directly oppose the grandeur of Prague Castle. The Church of Sts. Peter and Paul was built at this settlement. Original founding documents of the Chapter Church did not survive, but in the middle of the 12thcentury, a forged document by Pope Alexander II placed the original construction date as May 9, 1070.
One of the more popular stories about the building of the church is that Vlatislav is said to have carried 12 baskets filled with stones to put in the foundation of the church; it was a way to imitate how Emperor Constantine had founded St. Peter’s Church in Rome. In the 900 years of its existence, the church underwent seven stages of construction and styles. The first building stage was Romanesque, similar to the basilica within Prague Castle; the next stage was still Romanesque architectural style, but under the guidance of Duke Sobêslav, up until the year 1129 – this is when the interior of the church began to be painted and furnished. The third stage was Early Gothic, after a fire in 1249, and this reconstruction lasted until 1429.
After 1369, the fourth stage of High Gothic began and was initiated by Prague’s famous Charles IV, resuming the building plans that his mother, Queen Eliška Premyslovna had begun. In this stage, a new three-nave church was built by Matthias of Arras – the only other building of this kind in the Czech lands at this time was St. Vitus Cathedral. The original five-nave form of the cathedral has been preserved until today. According to archaeological studies, this building complex was 110 meters long; as a result, it became the largest sacred building in pre-Hussite Prague. Looted and damaged during the Hussite revolution, the Chapter church underwent another reconstruction after 1420 in the Renaissance style; however, the original plans for this reconstruction were never completed due to lack of finances and a changing mentality of the community the church served. In 1495, the church was partially repaired and consecrated again. However, by the 16thcentury the church was dilapidated and in need of major repairs; the church underwent a larger reconstruction from 1575-76. From 1607-1610, the choir was adapted and a new sacristy was built.
The final two stages include the Baroque style from 1723-1729 and the Neo-Gothic style from 1885-1903. The Neo-Gothic style is what has been preserved up to the present day. The interior decoration of the church was created by several Czech artists, including Frantisek Urban and his wife, Marie Urbanova-Zahradnicka, who painted portraits of saints on buttresses, and painted the walls with florid ornamental and figurative themes, inspired by the Art Nouveau style of Alfons Mucha.
From 1988-1994, the church underwent costly restoration repairs, most likely due to neglect during the communist era. In 1989, the Catholic church was a strong supporter of the anti-Communist movement. Only recently have all the lands owned by the Catholic church throughout all of Prague and the Czech Republic been restituted. Unfortunately, many churches today are more tourist attractions than places of worship and the Czech Republic is considered the least religious country in Europe with about 85% atheists.
Today, visitors can hear the ringing of two bells that have been preserved from the original Renaissance section of the building. One is called “St. Peter and St. Paul” and was made im the workshop of Prague’s best 16thcentury bell founder, Brixi of Cymperk in 1584. Baltazar Hoffman’s workshop created the second bell named, “Marie,” in 1621. There are 17 bells in the carillon and four big bells that can ring separately or with the carillon. Melodies are selected differently for regular days and holidays and there are 50 songs altogether stored in the memory.Mass services are held on Sundays at 9:00 and Thursdays at 18:00.
Cultural Collections Project 2: Curating Cultural Themes (Padlet)
Cultural Collections Project 3: Neighborhood Analysis (Weebly Slide Show)
Prague 7 – Holesevice and Letna
Upon arriving in Holesovice on the tram, one immediately notices the contrast from Old Town and the city center; the neighborhood has a still and quiet atmosphere. It is a week day and not many people are walking around – those who are look like they are headed to work or perhaps on a lunch break, or they are walking their dog. The area seems to be predominantly apartment-type buildings (Louren Apartments and Residence Milada were two examples) with small shops and restaurants on the street level. In one area, the building facades are very light pastel colors like yellow and pink, but other than that the buildings are mostly gray concrete. Some buildings did have red flowers in the windowsills, but it was not overly prevalent. It seems to be a walking neighborhood, but the tram does run through it. There is not much vegetation, except for in a small park behind Antonina church in what seems like a small square where the tram stop is located. There is also a map with a list of attractions in what is called the “art district.” There was a hotel – perfect for a tourist who wants to be in a quieter, residential area, yet only a 10-15 minute tram ride to the sights. Inside the Antonina church were two men who were praying, an interesting sight for an 85% atheistic country. Also interesting was the street and residence building named Mildada, which we assumed was named after Mildad Horakova, the Czech politician who was hanged by the communists for conspiracy and treason. We ate at Cobra Restaurant where the lunch menu was different for each day of the week and only offered four items. On the day of our visit, it was a vegetarian menu and most of had either the Potato Gnocchi with cheese or the Cauliflower dish.
A short walk from Holesovice is Letna where there is a beautiful park for people to enjoy skate boarding, bicycling, walking and other activities. Right outside the park are very communist looking buildings – possibly apartment buildings again, as there were some windows with red geraniums. Next to those buildings was a soccer stadium and a large grassy area where the protests against the current Prime Minister were held last week. Inside the park were many playgrounds, graffiti-ridden benches and walls, fountains to cool off or drink from. One difference from our parks was that dogs were allowed off leash, so there was no need for a fenced in dog play area. It was a very hot day, and a week day, so there were not many people in the park, but it is obviously a popular destination for residents to meet friends, have picnics, do some exercise and have a respite from a busier part of the city.
Upon arriving in Holesovice on the tram, one immediately notices the contrast from Old Town and the city center; the neighborhood has a still and quiet atmosphere. It is a week day and not many people are walking around – those who are look like they are headed to work or perhaps on a lunch break, or they are walking their dog. The area seems to be predominantly apartment-type buildings (Louren Apartments and Residence Milada were two examples) with small shops and restaurants on the street level. In one area, the building facades are very light pastel colors like yellow and pink, but other than that the buildings are mostly gray concrete. Some buildings did have red flowers in the windowsills, but it was not overly prevalent. It seems to be a walking neighborhood, but the tram does run through it. There is not much vegetation, except for in a small park behind Antonina church in what seems like a small square where the tram stop is located. There is also a map with a list of attractions in what is called the “art district.” There was a hotel – perfect for a tourist who wants to be in a quieter, residential area, yet only a 10-15 minute tram ride to the sights. Inside the Antonina church were two men who were praying, an interesting sight for an 85% atheistic country. Also interesting was the street and residence building named Mildada, which we assumed was named after Mildad Horakova, the Czech politician who was hanged by the communists for conspiracy and treason. We ate at Cobra Restaurant where the lunch menu was different for each day of the week and only offered four items. On the day of our visit, it was a vegetarian menu and most of had either the Potato Gnocchi with cheese or the Cauliflower dish.
A short walk from Holesovice is Letna where there is a beautiful park for people to enjoy skate boarding, bicycling, walking and other activities. Right outside the park are very communist looking buildings – possibly apartment buildings again, as there were some windows with red geraniums. Next to those buildings was a soccer stadium and a large grassy area where the protests against the current Prime Minister were held last week. Inside the park were many playgrounds, graffiti-ridden benches and walls, fountains to cool off or drink from. One difference from our parks was that dogs were allowed off leash, so there was no need for a fenced in dog play area. It was a very hot day, and a week day, so there were not many people in the park, but it is obviously a popular destination for residents to meet friends, have picnics, do some exercise and have a respite from a busier part of the city.
Cultural Collections Project 4: Museum Artifact Analysis (Voicethread)
Cultural Reflections Project 1: Czech Education System, "The Last Word" Discussion
After reading and reflecting about the Czech Education system, the three most interesting areas, to me, were the three types of secondary schools, the inclusion programs, and the issues with teacher recruitment and retention.
First, the secondary schools, which start at around age 10-11, allow students to choose from three areas of concentration: a general, academic education; a technical vocational education; and a vocational school for apprenticeship training. Surprisingly, only 17.4% of students pursue the academic path towards university studies, while over 70% of students pursue the vocational paths. Not knowing anything about Czech education before reading about it, I assumed that the Czech Republic was similar to other European countries, such as Finland, where academic studies were paramount to success. And it differed so much from the emphasis in the United States that college is the primary path to success. I like that the Czech Republic offered vocational opportunities. Having grown up and taught in New York State, vocational schools were integral in keeping at-risk students in school, assuring they received a high school diploma, while also teaching them a trade. In moving to North Carolina, I find that the state is lacking in these vocational opportunities for students, and I believe the emphasis on SAT and ACT scores, as well as the college track, is just not healthy or necessary for all students. However, the vocational schools that do exist here in the U.S. are primarily for students age 14-18, while in the Czech Republic, students are making these decisions at ages 10-11, which probably means their parents are making the decision for them. As my small group discussed, this trend is most likely the reason that the Czech Republic has the “lowest rate for intergenerational mobility in education in the OECD, with 71% of 25-34 year olds having the same level of education as their parents.” So, while I like the idea of the multiple options for secondary education, I think starting it at such a young age could be causing the stagnant nature of education in the country, as well as causing the low number of students trying to further their education.
Secondly, my group and I also discussed the ambiguous nature of the inclusion program that includes socially disadvantaged or culturally different children (such as Roma children), disabled children, those with a health disadvantage, and exceptionally gifted students. It seems that the country is trying to address the needs of these sub-groups; however, concerns include lack of sufficient funding for developmental programs, needed training for teachers teaching these populations, and the need for awareness-raising and training activities. In addition, all of these sub-groups are greatly varied, so it was not quite clear how each groups’ needs were being met. In contrast, the U.S. has moved to a more inclusive classroom environment, where we have many special needs students mainstreamed into regular classes, rather than being self-contained or pulled out of classes. My group did discuss how in some geographical areas, we do have similar groups like the Roma people, such as migrant workers, who move frequently in and out of school districts. It will be interesting to possibly hear more about how the educational system is addressing these sub-groups in 2019, since the reports we read were from a few years ago; all of us seemed to have some lingering questions about what exactly the inclusive program looks like and how it serves these varying groups.
Lastly, the low teacher recruitment and retention rates seemed to resonate with our group as well, as teacher pay and respect for the profession is a huge concern in the U.S. and especially North Carolina, one of the states that spends the least on education (even though we have an “Education Lottery” – ha). The Czech Republic is having great difficulty attracting talented young people into the profession, and almost half of the current teachers in 2014 were over 50; thus, teaching is a dying profession in the Czech Republic. Similarly, in the U.S. the percentage of college students studying to become teachers has dropped significantly over the past decade, and programs such as the NC Teaching Fellows Program have been phased out (although they are bringing it back at some NC schools). Additionally, North Carolina no longer pays teachers for acquiring a master’s degree. Similar in both countries is a high rate of beginning teachers leaving the profession after just a few years, mostly due to lack of quality teacher pay in comparison to jobs of similar merit in other professions. One major difference between the Czech and U.S. education systems is the teacher support. For beginning Czech teachers, there is no support in place for them as they begin their careers, and the number of teachers participating in professional development activities “is one of the lowest among countries surveyed by the 2013 OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey.” In contrast, we have mentor programs for beginning teachers, as well as copious professional development. We also have National Board Certification, which allows teachers to enhance their teaching practices, while also getting an incentive raise in North Carolina.
In summary, there are some aspects of the Czech education system that would be beneficial to incorporate here, such as increased availability of vocational schools. There seems to be some areas that are similar in both countries, such as the perception of the profession as a whole, and the lack of teacher compensation. And then there are some areas that the Czech system seems to be falling behind, such as the small percentage of college-track students, the developing inclusion program, and the fact that there is little mobility from one generation to the next when it comes to choosing an educational track.
First, the secondary schools, which start at around age 10-11, allow students to choose from three areas of concentration: a general, academic education; a technical vocational education; and a vocational school for apprenticeship training. Surprisingly, only 17.4% of students pursue the academic path towards university studies, while over 70% of students pursue the vocational paths. Not knowing anything about Czech education before reading about it, I assumed that the Czech Republic was similar to other European countries, such as Finland, where academic studies were paramount to success. And it differed so much from the emphasis in the United States that college is the primary path to success. I like that the Czech Republic offered vocational opportunities. Having grown up and taught in New York State, vocational schools were integral in keeping at-risk students in school, assuring they received a high school diploma, while also teaching them a trade. In moving to North Carolina, I find that the state is lacking in these vocational opportunities for students, and I believe the emphasis on SAT and ACT scores, as well as the college track, is just not healthy or necessary for all students. However, the vocational schools that do exist here in the U.S. are primarily for students age 14-18, while in the Czech Republic, students are making these decisions at ages 10-11, which probably means their parents are making the decision for them. As my small group discussed, this trend is most likely the reason that the Czech Republic has the “lowest rate for intergenerational mobility in education in the OECD, with 71% of 25-34 year olds having the same level of education as their parents.” So, while I like the idea of the multiple options for secondary education, I think starting it at such a young age could be causing the stagnant nature of education in the country, as well as causing the low number of students trying to further their education.
Secondly, my group and I also discussed the ambiguous nature of the inclusion program that includes socially disadvantaged or culturally different children (such as Roma children), disabled children, those with a health disadvantage, and exceptionally gifted students. It seems that the country is trying to address the needs of these sub-groups; however, concerns include lack of sufficient funding for developmental programs, needed training for teachers teaching these populations, and the need for awareness-raising and training activities. In addition, all of these sub-groups are greatly varied, so it was not quite clear how each groups’ needs were being met. In contrast, the U.S. has moved to a more inclusive classroom environment, where we have many special needs students mainstreamed into regular classes, rather than being self-contained or pulled out of classes. My group did discuss how in some geographical areas, we do have similar groups like the Roma people, such as migrant workers, who move frequently in and out of school districts. It will be interesting to possibly hear more about how the educational system is addressing these sub-groups in 2019, since the reports we read were from a few years ago; all of us seemed to have some lingering questions about what exactly the inclusive program looks like and how it serves these varying groups.
Lastly, the low teacher recruitment and retention rates seemed to resonate with our group as well, as teacher pay and respect for the profession is a huge concern in the U.S. and especially North Carolina, one of the states that spends the least on education (even though we have an “Education Lottery” – ha). The Czech Republic is having great difficulty attracting talented young people into the profession, and almost half of the current teachers in 2014 were over 50; thus, teaching is a dying profession in the Czech Republic. Similarly, in the U.S. the percentage of college students studying to become teachers has dropped significantly over the past decade, and programs such as the NC Teaching Fellows Program have been phased out (although they are bringing it back at some NC schools). Additionally, North Carolina no longer pays teachers for acquiring a master’s degree. Similar in both countries is a high rate of beginning teachers leaving the profession after just a few years, mostly due to lack of quality teacher pay in comparison to jobs of similar merit in other professions. One major difference between the Czech and U.S. education systems is the teacher support. For beginning Czech teachers, there is no support in place for them as they begin their careers, and the number of teachers participating in professional development activities “is one of the lowest among countries surveyed by the 2013 OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey.” In contrast, we have mentor programs for beginning teachers, as well as copious professional development. We also have National Board Certification, which allows teachers to enhance their teaching practices, while also getting an incentive raise in North Carolina.
In summary, there are some aspects of the Czech education system that would be beneficial to incorporate here, such as increased availability of vocational schools. There seems to be some areas that are similar in both countries, such as the perception of the profession as a whole, and the lack of teacher compensation. And then there are some areas that the Czech system seems to be falling behind, such as the small percentage of college-track students, the developing inclusion program, and the fact that there is little mobility from one generation to the next when it comes to choosing an educational track.
Cultural Reflections Project 2: Cultural Writing
Cultural Reflections Project 3: Czech Film Review
Juxtaposing a charming father-son storyline against the darker setting of the last days of Soviet oppression in Prague, Kolya is a feel-good, warm and fuzzy movie with impactful, political undertones.
The film centers on Louka, a confirmed bachelor and talented musician, who enjoys his womanizing freedom. In debt and struggling with no philharmonic orchestra to play for, Louka agrees to a marriage of convenience to help an émigré from Russia. What he doesn’t expect is for his new bride to leave him with her 5 year-old son, while she joins her lover in Germany. At first, Louka is desperate to regain his bachelorhood and rid himself of his Russian-only speaking new roommate, but what blossoms is a sometimes comical and often heartwarming relationship with the boy, Kolya. Even though he’s only five years old, actor Andrey Kholimon dominates the film as Kolya whose precocious mind and adorable personality capture not only the heart of Louka, but also of the audience. On the surface, Kolya presents itself as a lighthearted story about a middle-aged man and how he opens his heart on a personal level. On a deeper level, the film highlights the struggles of the Czech people under Soviet rule, with Russian tanks in their streets and the Russian flag flying next to every Czech flag. During this time, Louka is forced to paint gravestones, play his music at funerals, and borrow money from his gravedigger friend, Broz. While Louka is freeing his heart to love this little boy, his beloved Czech Republic is undergoing its own liberation as the Velvet Revolution commences in Prague. In the cinematography, the director features many shots of birds, mostly pigeons, in various scenes,such as flying in the window when Kolya is sitting there and flying about the streets of Prague. But, there is also an omnipresent falcon/hawk type of bird that is continually shown flying over Louka and Kolya as their relationship grows. Similarly, a significant angel statue with large wings is dramatically panned over several times during the film, no doubt also signifying the themes of freedom, both Louka’s personal as well as political liberation, through which he is able to once again play beautiful music for his country. Overall, moviegoers should delight in this story about Louka and his unlikely connection with his Russian stepson, while also getting a bit of a history lesson about the Velvet Revolution in the Czech Republic. |
|
Cultural Reflections Project 4: Czech Book Review
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
The paradoxical title of The Unbearable Lightness of Being accurately portrays how this novel delves into the many nuances of what it means to be a human being. At first, it is a seemingly charming, simple love story between a man, the love of this life and his many mistresses, but it then develops into a complex examination of human nature and the intricacies of relationships. Through the characters of Tomas, Theresa and Sabina, Franz and a dog named Karenin, the author explores how people’s backgrounds and experiences mold who they are and what they think. Additionally, the story depicts how these characters also must cope with the Communist takeover of their home city of Prague. Tomas is a renowned surgeon who is for some time protected from the Communist regime because of his skill. However, after he writes an op-ed comparing Oedipus Rex to the people under the Communist, saying that just because you don’t know what you are doing wrong, doesn’t mean it isn’t wrong. His story is intertwined with Theresa’s – the two fall in love instantly when she is his waitress and then shows up at his doorstep one day. Unfortunately, Tomas is not satisfied with one woman and his incessant womanizing tortures Theresa for their entire marriage, plaguing her with horrifying dreams. Theresa’s background encompasses a difficult childhood where her mother was very controlling, brash and sexualized, which is what prompts Theresa to spontaneously leave her mother and end up at Tomas’ doorstep. Theresa continually questions her decision to abandon her mother. Sabine is one of Tomas’ frequent lovers, who at first seems to live a freer and simpler life, but she also is plagued by demons from her childhood related to her father. Her lover Franz is in an unhappy marriage, and when he finally gets the courage to leave his overbearing wife for Sabina, Sabina deserts him. The characters seem to represent the never-ending cycle of human beings being dissatisfied with some aspect of their life, and how they navigate these dissatisfactions. The dog Karenin is a bonding force between Theresa and Tomas, but ultimately is a defining relationship for Theresa as she realizes her overwhelming love for the animal. Overall, The Unbearable Lightness of Beingis a very intellectual, introspective insight into human nature. Everyone can find something to relate to in at least one of the characters. What makes it even more interesting is how the author “breaks the fourth wall” by speaking directly to the reader throughout the novel to reflect upon the characters and their choices in their complicated lives. |