ALC Rabat Says ‘Goodbye’ to Hal

By Douâa Jazouli

Director since December 2006, Hal Ott has brought a lot to the ALC Rabat and has contributed in a great way to its improvement. Mr. Hal is now leaving Morocco and the ALC Rabat after this Spring Session for another country – Saudi Arabia. This is an interview with him:

Why do you believe education is important?

It’s the key to progress in practically every human endeavor and it helps people to help themselves and the earth.

What made you decide to get into education as a career?

I was inspired by great teachers in my school and family.

What did you do before you became the ALC Director?

I was the Program Coordinator of an adult education program in the United Arab Emirates with the Higher Colleges of Technology.

 

What qualities do you think make a good teacher?

A good teacher, in my view, genuinely cares for his/her students, is knowledgeable, unselfish, passionate, enthusiastic, and constantly wants to improve his/her teaching practice to bring the joy of learning to others.

 

What qualities do you think make a good language learner?

I think a good language learner must be strongly motivated, first of all, to learn the language. It also helps to be willing to experiment, to have a good sense of humor, to make mistakes and learn from them, to be disciplined, and be able to have fun and enjoy the process. 

In your time at the ALC, what are you most proud of?

I am thankful for having had the opportunity to work with such a dedicated group of colleagues. They display professionalism and heart every day in their efforts to serve our learning community.

 

What are you planning to do after leaving the ALC and Morocco?

I will be an administrator at the American International School of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

If you come back to visit in 5 years, what do you hope will be different/the same about the ALC?

I hope to see most of my dear colleagues here, and I hope the ALC is in a new building with a beautiful garden and cafeteria.

Where else in the world have you lived?

Florida, Colorado, New Jersey, Alabama, Ohio (USA), Tunisia, South Korea, U.A.E.

If you could change your job career or educational field, what would you want to be?

I’d be a professional snowboarder and classical guitar player who travels the world and raises money to preserve our environment.

If you could choose one of your personality traits to pass on to your child, what would it be?

Kindness

What is the best advice you’ve ever given or received?

Try to listen more and speak less.

What is your favorite place on earth?

The Smokey Mountains

What do you value most in life?

Family and friends

At a glance… Name: Hal Ott Birth date: 23 October Place of birth: Auburn, Alabama, U.S.A. Favorite color: blue Favorite movie: Gandhi Favorite song: Desafinado by Joao Gilberto & Tom Jobim Hero: Mohandas Gandhi Favorite Moroccan food: Amlou Favorite quotation: “…these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”