You can run into anyone on the tube...

So...just got into work after being off to see a client. Nothing new right?! Wrong!

Whilst getting on the tube at Putney Bridge, I was checking my texts when someone says, "Mike right?!" To my surprise, it was our very own Team_of_McBrides or Kevin in the real world.

Even though he's been here for over a month now, we never had a chance to meet up pre-match so it was our first chat.

Just thought it was a very 'Fulhamish' way of meeting...considering he was coming back from the club shop.

Great to meet you Kev and definitely see you Saturday. COYW's.

 

Completely random and completely Fulhamish.

Wasn't sure it was you, but I figured might as well say hello. Nice shiner by the way. Those center backs love to throw the elbows.

I'll see you on Saturday. Can't wait for Fulham to light up Derby.

COYW's

 

Did he recognize you by your avatar picture?

 

hahaha....no!

 

Is that your Captain's Armband on the shirt?

 

I love meeting American Fulham fans in London...great stuff. I'll buy the first round kevin.

 

I'm bound and determined to get up to the Cottage this season or next. Even if it takes a long deployment overseas!

 

Can't let you do that Mike. First round is on me.

It is going to be a long day at the GL on Saturday. Pre-match drinks for Fulham v. Derby, a few post-match drinks after a convincing victory and then England v. South Africa in the Rugby World Cup Final. My kidneys may never forgive me.

COYW's

 

Hey boys, make sure to take some photos before the Derby and Reading games (sounds like they'll be a bunch of you at both games), and post on the site. ToM, one key word that apllies both to the pitch and more importantly to the pub(s) on Sat....PACE

 

That is my goal for next year, to be at cottage. I have actually convinced my wife on going. Pray to God this year tax return is good, going to go crazy at the club store. :banana:

 

You know - I think I should just move. Mike - what do teachers get paid over there? How are teachers viewed in that culture? I have been putting together an application for a 6 week teacher swap over there to check it out. If you know any middle school science teachers that would like to visit America and have a rural experience hook me up.

 

Hi Jensers,

Most teachers a viewed positivily (although I could have paid better attention during English, I can't spell for toffee).

Education is generally run or sponsored by the state although there are a large number of public and private schools. My understanding is that in the US education and religion are split. In the UK schools are run either by the local education authority (LEA) or by a faith organisation (Church of England or the Catholic Church).

Church schools are funded differently and have a different curriculum although they are inclusive, so you don't have to be C of E to attend a chruch of england school, but they can offer places based on faith ahead of other criteria.

Pay in the state schools is calcualted using the pay spine, where you are awarded points based on length of service, teaching ability and management responsibility. The NASUWT website has some examples of current pay.

http://www.nasuwt.org.uk/Templates/inte ... deID=67974

There are also a number of public, private and prep schools. These are regulated outside of the state system and pupils are charged for attendance. Pay and conditions are unique to each employer. If you do come to work in a UK school, even for 6 weeks I would strongly recommend joining a union (the two I know of are NUT and NASUWT).

School systems are split either as primary (4-11) and secondary (12-18 ), or lower (4-8 ), middle (9-12) and upper school (12-18 ).

More info on the school system can be found at http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/A1181792.
Over the last few years the UK has lacked science teachers and have have a massive drive to try to increase the numbers.

I know over recent years that science teachers have been very much in demand in the UK, with cash insentives for youngters to train as science teachers.

As for jobs... The Times Educational Supliment is the place to go.

http://www.tes.co.uk/

 

Wow - Thanks for all the info. It has really helped fill in some of the blanks!

Science and Math teachers seem to be in demand everywhere. Interesting because science is probably the subject that is the most fun to teach.