Russian teachers enjoy visit to Waterville
By LARRY GRARD
Morning Sentinel (Maine)
December 10, 2008
WATERVILLE -- The six teachers from Kotlas, Russia who have been visiting area schools and state destinations this week are struck by the differences they see here. Such is always the case when the "Kotlas Connection" visits Waterville.
People in Kotlas, Waterville's sister city of 82,000, live a more urban life. They walk more, both to do business and to go to school.
American schools have a broader curriculum, but focus less on students' areas of expertise, they say.
But when English teacher Tatyana Pyatina walked into The Center for Tuesday's luncheon catered by the community group REM, she wanted to talk about Christmas. She was fascinated by the items she saw at the Maine Made Shop, across the hallway.
"We visited schools Monday, and every school principal I've seen had a Christmas tie on," Pyatina said. "I like the Christmas symbols. I like the way you celebrate Christmas."
Prior to enjoying a lunch of vegetable soup, salad and finger rolls with her fellow teachers and their American hosts, Pyatina managed to purchase some Maine maple syrup, and a colorful candy cane.
Russians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7, to coincide with the visit of the Magi, or the Three Wise Men, to the birthplace of Jesus. It is more about families getting together and going to church, less about gifts, Pyatina said.
Pyatina said that people in Kotlas walk more.
"You have a lot of suburbs here," she said. "Not so many people in Kotlas use cars. You can walk, because there are a lot of shops nearby and our schools are in the city center, too, so most students walk to school."
Olga Maksimenkova, another English teacher, said she likes the opportunities afforded to American students, such as a broad curriculum and science labs.
"We don't have courses as such," she said. "We don't pay as much attention to sports. I like your system better."
Maksimenkova added, however, that Russian students might be better prepared for their vocations.
"Our students are better organized, because of our system," she said. "We have a precise system of education. From the very beginning, they try to choose their way of life."
Through the help of a federal grant, the Kotlas teachers spent the first three days of their American tour in Washington, D.C. Their Waterville hosts then treated them to a weekend of social activities, including a tour of Portland landmarks and a stop at Moody's Diner in Waldoboro.
Maksimenkova stayed with Jack and Pauline Mayhew, who have hosted Kotlas teachers in the past.
"You learn so much from them," Pauline Mayhew said. "We'll stay in touch with her for the rest of our lives."
Larry Grard -- 861-9239
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