So it's officially been a month since I've decided on becoming my own boss. Let's do a recap and see how things are ACTUALLY going. So I started this solo journey with a lot of optimism. In reality, I wanted to work one more year at an academy and then go on my own. However,… Continue reading Journey to freelancing – one month later
Category: Teaching Experience
Cambridge Exam Score Templates
Who said that ESL teachers don't need to know math? We do math more than we would like to admit. All Cambridge exam preparation teachers, I've got something just for you! As a teacher in Spain, you do quite a lot of things. You get to teach all ages and levels, and probably one of… Continue reading Cambridge Exam Score Templates
(ESL) job interview red flags
Imagine that you are a brand new ESL teacher. You sent your CV everywhere, and now you wait. Finally, it happens! You got a job interview. You go to the academy full of energy and hope, but it's nothing like what you had imagined. Sounds familiar? As the first part of becoming a freelancer, I… Continue reading (ESL) job interview red flags
Adapting lesson plans to other levels
I used to work at an academy that required all plans to be posted onto the server by Monday. At first, it's fine, you do it, full of energy and happiness. However, then comes the time when you reach the limit and you start thinking about how you can prepare one lesson plan that can… Continue reading Adapting lesson plans to other levels
New chapter: becoming a freelancer
This post was meant to be about something else. However, as I was enjoying what I thought were my last few days of holidays, I received a news so unexpected that it changed my way of thinking and motivated me enough to change my current work ambitions. Let me tell you a story about teaching… Continue reading New chapter: becoming a freelancer
First class – what can you do?
Dear ESL teachers! You've got less than a month of holidays left. Time to mentally prepare for the first day and introduction classes. Do you know what you're going to do this year? I've said it a million times before, and I will say it again - I do NOT like first lessons. In fact,… Continue reading First class – what can you do?
Is it possible to plan for very young learners?
So you've spent the whole weekend crafting an ideal plan for your young learners. You are confident and excited to have this class but the second you enter the classroom, you feel that something is off. Does it mean you've wasted your time? I have immense admiration for all teachers who are truly passionate about… Continue reading Is it possible to plan for very young learners?
Creating a classroom community
There's nothing better than having a group of students who enjoy each other's company. On the first day, it is essential to build a safe space and create a feeling of community. Last year I was combing through the internet for the perfect first class activity for young learners. I wanted something that would help… Continue reading Creating a classroom community
Lesson planning – Is it worth it?
Last year I decided to do a little experiment - I decided to plan all of my classes to a tee. Here are some things that I learnt by planning 492 lessons last year. If you are employed at a private language academy in Spain, you will normally be asked to prepare lesson plans in… Continue reading Lesson planning – Is it worth it?
Laugh it off!
Learning a new language often comes with making mistakes. Some mistakes are natural and relate to first language or mispronunciation. However, every now and then our students make mistakes that can make you laugh uncontrollably. What do you do then? Certain class situations can make you laugh out loud. I guess that's just one of… Continue reading Laugh it off!