Oliver
"Sondervick College is a school of opportunity"
Although Oliver Myers actually wanted to become an English teacher at a city school, he chose the Sondervick College. A bull's-eye, as the student body turned out to be a perfect fit for him. The mix of urban and rural creates an open atmosphere and he likes that. "Giving trust is the most important thing in being a teacher."
"The Sondervick College is a school of opportunity. As teachers, we go to great lengths to help students achieve their goals. Sometimes perhaps a bit too far, because the responsibility for the learning process ultimately lies with the students themselves. But we continue to see opportunities and find ways to get them over the line anyway. We see the true potential of students. Although it also happens that someone surprises me and that I secretly underestimated him or her after all. I find that surprising growth very nice to see."
Bilingual education
"In addition to teaching English, I am coordinator of the bilingual-education (tto). I am a native English speaker, so bilingual education suits me well. I really see it as my baby and I think bilingual education offers our students many opportunities. Especially in a country as internationally oriented as the Netherlands. I also mentor a tto-bridge class, because I like to have my own class of students whom I can still mold a bit. As mentor I give them important for their entire school career. After all, school is not just about following subjects: personal development is just as important. Treating each other with respect, learning to think critically and substantiating opinions, for example, are important skills that they will need throughout their lives."
Connected
"In my profession, it's all about confidence. My students can depend on it count that I always have their best interests at heart. I also help them to in themselves believe and to believe that things will work out when they are not going so well. I see self-confidence as a prerequisite for success. I am myself, am sincere and show students that I am also just a human being. Just like them. I dare to make a fool of myself and that is contagious. As a result, they come to me with questions they would rather not discuss with their parents. They can always tell me what they are feeling and what they need help with. I really feel connected to my students."