A Teacher in Czechoslovakia
Memoirs of an American Teacher
Madonna Moran (Donna Lee)
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On November 17, 1989, thousands of university students filled Wenceslas Square in Prague. They were protesting against the Communist government of the Soviet Union and wanted their freedom. They shook key rings in unison and sang the American negro spiritual, "We Shall Overcome!" They succeeded in their efforts and called it the "Velvet Revolution", as they peacefully accomplished their goal, without any violence.
A few weeks later, Secretary of State James Baker made a speech on TV asking for volunteer teachers to go to Czechoslovakia to teach English so that the people could communicate with the outside world. I sent my resume to the State Department and was referred to a new organization called Education for Democracy, which was similar to the Peace Corps. We had to be "adaptable" and act as "good will ambassadors" for our country. Room and board would be furnished, and we would receive a small stipend in pay ($80-$100 a month). The organization would find us jobs, and we would teach 20 classes per week.
I applied and was accepted! I was 59 years old, was divorced, and had four grown children. I was substitute teaching In Houston and wanted an adventure, where I might be needed. (As far as I know, I was the oldest volunteer in the group.) I ended up staying for four years and took assignments, wherever I was needed. I have written about my experiences in Vestnik (A Texas/Czech newspaper) and in two books, People, Places and Things in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and An American Teacher's Memoirs. The only words I knew in Czech were "Dobre Den" ("Good Day!") and "Jak si mush?" ("How are you?")
So, DOBRE DEN!
A few weeks later, Secretary of State James Baker made a speech on TV asking for volunteer teachers to go to Czechoslovakia to teach English so that the people could communicate with the outside world. I sent my resume to the State Department and was referred to a new organization called Education for Democracy, which was similar to the Peace Corps. We had to be "adaptable" and act as "good will ambassadors" for our country. Room and board would be furnished, and we would receive a small stipend in pay ($80-$100 a month). The organization would find us jobs, and we would teach 20 classes per week.
I applied and was accepted! I was 59 years old, was divorced, and had four grown children. I was substitute teaching In Houston and wanted an adventure, where I might be needed. (As far as I know, I was the oldest volunteer in the group.) I ended up staying for four years and took assignments, wherever I was needed. I have written about my experiences in Vestnik (A Texas/Czech newspaper) and in two books, People, Places and Things in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and An American Teacher's Memoirs. The only words I knew in Czech were "Dobre Den" ("Good Day!") and "Jak si mush?" ("How are you?")
So, DOBRE DEN!
