I really enjoyed learning more about the Greek educational system. I noticed many similarities between the Greek and US systems such as the ages of attendance, role of teachers, and variety of schools.

Prior to age 15, when the schooling requirements slightly differe from the U.S., the ages for early childhood and primary eduation are roughly the same between both countries. Furthermore, junior high attendance starting at age 12 is also a similarity. 

In regards to the role of teachers, I noticed that primary school teachers teach all subjects whereas secondary teachers teach specific subjects. This is the same structure found in the majority of U.S. schools. This is a structure that I understand and am currently a part of but have always wondered whether or not it would better serve primary students and teachers if teachers specialized and taught individual subjects. In addition to the role of teachers, the third and fourth resources opened my eyes to the fact that the role of teacher is not as respected as other professions based on the relatively low salaries. There is also a desire in Greece for continued teacher professional development, as there also is in the US, to best equip teachers to teach all students as well as empower them to stay in the profession.

Furthermore, I noticed on the Fulright website the existence of experimental junior high schools in Greece. Based on the information that students are asmitted to these schools through a lottery system, I related these schools to charter schools in America. 

In regards to the differences between Greek and American schools, the most prominent differences I noticed include noncompulsory high school, variety of junior high schools based on interest, primary school day length, as well as teacher population.

Noncompulsory high school after age fifteen is a major differnce. However, I think it is important to note that the research states that most students do continue their education in high school regardless of it not being required. 

I was really intrigued by the established variety of junior high school including those for music, arts, and multicultural education. These school categories were lsited separately from the the experiemental junior high schools that I related to our charter schools. These specialized junior high schools seem to mirror America's specialied charter schools but also seem to be more common place than these types of schools in the U.S. based on the fact that they are listed in their own categories. 

Additionally, I found it interesting, especially as a second grade and future kindergarten teacher in the U.S., that the primary school day is only hald a day. I wonder if teahcers still teach the entire day biut have two classes or if they only teach on session a day.

Also in regards to the role of teachers, I noticed in the third resource that there is a high percentage of subsitute/temporary teachers which greatly affects the long-term impact of schools and teacher retention and training. The lack of permanent teachers is definitely a difference compared to the US. Furthrmore, the gender and age make-up of teachers is vastly different in Greece than in America becuase most teachers are older than 30 and male compared to a relatively young and female teahcer population in the US.

I really look forward to reading and learning more about the Greek educational system. So excited to visits schools in Greece!