Our New Teachers.

We have our new teaching staff on board! They began last week and their first assignment has been working with the student testing. They are spending this week reviewing how testing went, grading exams (learning how to use rubrics) and determining which students will make the cut and be home-visited to determine eligibility. I'm quite sure their heads are spinning a little right now! These teachers (plus on more parttime English teacher we have yet to hire) will be the inaugural staff at PHSS. We are very lucky to have found 3 qualified math/science teachers. Even though teaching jobs can be pretty dismal here, there is a terrible shortage of math and science teachers--and we were able to hire 3 of them! Here they are...


Consolata Shayo is originally from the Kilimanjaro area. She is a recent graduate of Mwenge Teacher's College in Moshi, where she was a recipient of a PHF scholarship for two years. This is her first teaching job; Consolata will be teaching English at PHSS.

Nicholas Mushi (below) is also from the Kilimanjaro area. A recent graduate of Mwenge Teacher's College in Moshi, he was also a recipient of a PHF scholarship. Nicholas will be teaching biology and geography at PHSS.



















Raymond Mtazama is originally from Songea but has been living in Dar es Salaam where he has been teaching for 17 years. He has a degree in chemistry and math from Mkwawa Teacher's College in Iringa and will be teaching those subjects at PHSS. He is also working on a degree in special education at Patandi College of Special Needs in Tengeru near Arusha. Raymond's wife is a statistician for the postal corporation and he has 3 children ages 14, 11, and 6.

Charles Urasa has lived in the Moshi and Arusha area all his life. He has a degree in physics and chemistry from the Moduli Teacher's Training College. Charles' wife is currently finishing a program in secretarial school. They are enjoying being new parents to a 4 month old daughter.

I know I've posted a pic of Theo, our headmistress, but I'll do it again, since she completes the team. She has been such a strong addition to our team--she is so intelligent and not afraid to ask questions or challenge an idea. One of the most difficult aspects of her job will be to lead teachers in adopting teaching practices that neither she nor anyone has ever seen, while at the same time learning them herself. She will be an essential bridge between the director (Mark) who is an "outsider" with the new ideas and the teachers who have been schooled and trained in very different ways. So far, she has been absolutely terrific!

Theopista Seuya is originally from the Lushoto area. She has been an English teacher for nine years, most recently at Faraja Seminary where she was also the assistant head of school. This is her first position as headmistress where she will also teach English. Theo began her work with PHF working in the scholarship program in Moshi. She is recently married; her husband works for World Vision. They have three children and are expecting another in the first part of March. Theo's commitment to children, her willingness to learn, and her strong character have already made her an invaluable asset to PHSS.

Here's what Theo had to say about working for PHSS: "Since I have been with PHSS, I have not regretted making the decision to come to work here. I know that one day soon the vision of PHF will be a reality for many students in Tanzania. Being in such a school and working with such children will bring a great contentment to me. We are fortunate to have a good leader. (Mark) understands the teachers. He gives time to share ideas and recognizes other's contributions. He is working very hard, yet he is considerate and caring of others, especially those that work for him."

Karibuni, walimu! (Welcome, teachers!)