Inspectors are here

June has arrived and Istanbul is greeting her with open arms. The first two days of the month showed temperatures spiking into the mid-90's and cloudless blue skies. Roses of every color are in bloom wherever you look.

Even though there are still weeks of school, hot days and beautiful weather have put thoughts of vacation in everyone's mind. This week however, learning must go on (or at least the appearance of it) and the rules will be obeyed. In spite of the hottest weather so far this year, teachers at my school are discarding their tank tops and sandals for more respectable clothes, while the men have replaced their polo shirts with jackets and ties again. The reason? National inspectors from the Ministry of Education are are coming to school this week.

Sitting at my desk, trying to grade the exams that seem to endlessly pile higher and higher at this time of year, I marvel at the procrastination of my Turkish colleagues. We have known for well over a month that this day would come, but most of them spent their free time on Friday in a panic to complete a year's worth of writing lesson plans and completing official forms. I just have to shake my head and return to the grading.

Now that the inspectors have come, people are in a panic to set a good impression. There has been a lot of scurrying around this week, and stern lectures to the students to be on their best behavior. I really can't understand what all the fuss is about. If you are a true teacher, and you are really doing your job all year, why should you change anything just because someone is actually watching what you're doing? All I can do is continue as I have always done, that is, do my work, hope the students are gaining something, and keep counting down the days until July.