September is approaching…

You may not want the summer holidays to end, but it is almost over just a few days left. September is approaching and a new school year begins.

I really hope you enjoyed your summer holidays and you are ready to jump back in…

However, I am aware of having mixed feelings about the new start. We feel both pleased and not pleased about it at the same time. We are excited but we also know that we are going to face some difficulties soon.

Waking up early, be in time at school, sitting in the classroom, etc.

That´s why the start of a new school year generally makes us feel a bit nervous, especially those who are about to enter a new school. Who doesn’t have some butterflies in their stomach the night before classes begin, or when meeting the teacher for the very first time?

But along with that worry, September also offers the opportunity for a fresh start.

Actually, we can find a few good things about going back to school.  It´s nice to see your school friends again see your classmates and meet new ones.

It’s a lot easier to get out of bed and get to class if you have something motivating that is waiting for you e.g. a class that is interesting, a sport you love or activities you enjoy doing.

So, as the new school year begins, I hope all of you find new friends and activities that make you feel relaxed, comfortable and confident.

Have a great start at school… :)

Students deserve the best teachers – the importance of professional development in teaching

It´s still summer, but the teachers at our school are getting ready for the upcoming school year. They are all so enthusiastic about the beginning, and I am positive that they are looking forward to seeing their students and preparing some great ideas, fun activities and challenges for the new ones.

As language teachers we want to provide them the opportunity to improve their language skills, social and self-management skills, their research skills, and we try to provide that in the context of an inquiry-based experience.

In general, we want to be successful with students who are going to attend our school.

However, sometimes we feel uncertain if we do enough and could we do even more. After all if you´re feeling stale and routine, it will be difficult to engage a classroom full of teenagers on a daily basis.

I reckon that students deserve the best teacher.  A professional…

There is no doubt that the teaching profession require a lifelong learning perspective to adapt to fast changes and evolving constraints or needs, on teachers and their professional development.

For example, an English teacher might need to learn more about the content she's teaching. In addition, she might need other ways or alternative methods of teaching. She might also need to learn more about classroom management techniques, how to incorporate technology into her instruction, and how to better address the needs of language minority students or exceptional learners in her classroom.

Great teachers help create great students. In fact, research shows that an inspiring and informed teacher is the most important school-related factor influencing student achievement.

Personally I prefer online courses to real classes in terms of continuing professional development. It is the opportunity to get together with other teachers and sharing good practice in learning and teaching, brainstorm, swap ideas, and help each other out.

British Council launched free open online courses through a web portal named futurelearn.com.

I have already joined a course for English Teachers Professional Practices for English Language Teaching.

The course starts on 31 August. I am really looking forward to starting the course.

It’s time to open the window and refresh my mind!