Chapter 119: Initiating the Large Class Pilot (25)
Chapter 119: Initiating the Large Class Pilot (25)
"Good morning, Teacher Mu Yue," a chorus of voices greeted Mu Yue as she made her way through the teacher's lounge.
"Good morning," Mu Yue replied with a nod, her tone amiable as she acknowledged each person. The news of her promotion to Jonin had spread like wildfire among her colleagues, and many were eager to offer their congratulations.
The first assembly of the new term was for all teachers and was held in the lecture hall. To Mu Yue's slight surprise, the Third Hokage was absent, leaving the head of the teaching department to preside over the meeting.
"A new semester has begun," the department head began, his tone authoritative yet somewhat bland, reminding Mu Yue of the tedious speeches she had endured back in her school days. "Let's continue our efforts from the last term and work hard to cultivate outstanding ninja for the village."
The rest of the assembly followed a similar pattern, with the department head sharing exemplary teaching cases from the previous semester and announcing any significant personnel changes.
"Teacher Mu Yue will be taking on the role of Year One Head of Year, responsible for the academic arrangements for the first-year students," the department head announced with a smile, clearly proud to share the news of Mu Yue's promotion. "Teacher Mu Yue is an exemplary educator at our Ninja Academy. During the holidays, she tirelessly trained our students and sets an example for us all."
Mu Yue stood and offered a brief acknowledgment, which was met with enthusiastic applause from her fellow teachers. Her promotion came as no surprise to them, given her exceptional teaching abilities and recent advancement to a special Jonin.
"Congratulations on your promotion, Jonin Mu Yue," Kimura Sagito teased, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"Yes, Jonin Mu Yue, it's quite an achievement to go from a regular teacher to a Head of Year in just one semester. I'm envious," Chigaya Isamu added, his face splitting into a wide grin.
Ueda Aya joined in the lighthearted banter, the three of them sharing a small office and a friendly rapport—or at least a cordial one on the surface.
"Just call me Mu Yue as usual," Mu Yue replied with a gentle smile. "Adding 'Jonin' feels strange, and technically, I'm only a special Jonin."
"A special Jonin is still a Jonin," Chigaya chuckled. "But I agree, 'Mu Yue' sounds better."
"We should definitely celebrate your promotion and pay raise, Mu Yue," Chigaya continued, turning more serious. "Let's go out for drinks at a izakaya tonight. It's on me." He was feeling particularly generous, having saved a substantial bonus from his previous exemplary teacher award.
"Count me in," Kimura piped up, slinging an arm around Chigaya's shoulders.
"You're welcome to come, but you're paying for yourself," Chigaya shot back at Kimura, only half-joking.
"Alright, alright, I'll treat you this time," Chigaya conceded, recalling the time Kimura had lent him money in a pinch.
"What about me?" Ueda interjected.
Ueda then let out a loud, high-pitched yell that sent shivers down Chigaya's spine, prompting him to hastily invite everyone along.
Mu Yue smiled and nodded in agreement. She didn't mind the occasional social gathering with colleagues, and it was easy enough for her to send a shadow clone in her stead. With their abilities, neither Chigaya nor the others would be able to tell the difference.
In the afternoon, Mu Yue attended another meeting, this time a smaller one. Only the head teachers of each grade and the head of the teaching department were present in the conference room.
The head of the teaching department was essentially the class monitor for the teacher's group.
This meeting had a more substantial agenda, mainly deciding on the teaching arrangements for the semester.
"Mr. Shimono, I have an idea that might alleviate the teachers' workload," Mu Yue spoke up.
All eyes turned to her, and despite being the newest member, no one dared to underestimate her, especially since she was favored by the Third Hokage.
Shimono Kuni nodded with a smile and said, "Indeed, our teachers are facing a lot of pressure these days, with their schedules packed to the brim. What did you have in mind, Teacher Mu Yue?"
"Consolidate the courses and implement large-class teaching," Mu Yue proposed.
"Combine the same courses from two or more classes into one session, taught by a single teacher. Instead of needing three teachers for three classes, we can have one teacher for all with large-class teaching."
The teachers in the room fell into thoughtful silence, considering Mu Yue's idea. It seemed like a good way to reduce the teachers' burden.
"Won't this affect the quality of the students' education?" Shimono Kuni asked after a moment's thought.
It sounded great, but could one teacher handle so many students? Even if the teachers were under pressure, it shouldn't come at the expense of the students' learning.
"I've already tried large-class teaching during the summer intensive training, and the results were promising. The students showed significant improvement," Mu Yue explained with a smile.
Two of the grade-level heads had accompanied the Third Hokage to observe her summer training.
"That's right," one of the grade-level heads chimed in. "I recall Teacher Mu Yue dividing the students into three groups for instruction."
"Yes, there were three hundred and fifty-nine students in total, and I divided them into three groups based on their learning progress," Mu Yue replied.
"We could start with a pilot program," Mu Yue suggested. "Perhaps just for the first-year students, and only for theory classes."
She had prepared various arguments in advance and had rehearsed for multiple scenarios, and so far, everything was proceeding as she had anticipated.
"Just for the first years, and only for theory classes..." Shimono Kuni mulled it over and deemed it feasible.
The first years still had a long way to go before graduation, so experimenting for one semester wouldn't hurt. Moreover, even if they lagged in theory, as long as their practical skills didn't suffer, it would be acceptable.
"Very well, Teacher Mu Yue. We'll leave this matter in your capable hands," Shimono Kuni finally agreed.
"I'll do my best," Mu Yue nodded with a smile.
Everything was unfolding just as she had foreseen.
Now, if she could arrange more large classes for herself, boost the performance of Class 1-1, and claim the improvement rewards, coupled with Obito's training task for coming in first, her strength would soon surge once more.
...
On another front, Danzo was summoned to the Hokage's office by a member of the Anbu.
Danzo didn't read too much into it. As a high-ranking official of Konoha, it was only natural for the Third Hokage to consult him on important matters.
(End of Chapter)
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