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Jenna Gordon (September ’03) now teaches ESL at EF in Boston.
She wrote us: "I am eternally grateful for the instruction I received
as a student in The BLI's TEFL Certificate Program… everything from
the program's curriculum, assignments, hours of actual instruction and
feedback to the instructors themselves and then some. I am very pleased
with my current place of employment. I have so much respect for my superior
and I get along really well with my fellow teachers. The students are
great and the location is beautiful. The work, however, is quite challenging.
It is a challenge, though, that I feel completely capable of managing
due to my experience at BLI. Though a few classes have a curriculum
which can be used as a guideline, almost all of my lesson plans must
be created from scratch and can hardly ever be re-used, and without
the thorough preparation I received from the program I would find myself
running up and down walls like a chicken with its head cut off. Basically,
I would just like to send off a great big thank you to all those involved
in what turned out to be an invaluable experience."
John Hammond (December ’03) wrote: "I'm in the middle of
my 8-week ESL class in Waltham. It's been quite an experience getting
started. I have managed to progress from my early terror to a somewhat
more comfortable stance as we march through the weeks. I have 6-7 regular
students who are a delight! They are working Latinos who are quite motivated
to learn. I had to create the beginning of the course from scratch since
we have no textbook, but I have learned a lot of the rationale for correct
English grammar in the process.
You'll be amused to know that I taught from my Final Project last night
and they enjoyed the CP's. When I finished the Final Project, I never
wanted to see it again, but I was actually proud that I was able to
use it and that it seemed to work. I know that my TTT is often too high,
but what I haven't forgotten are BLI's constant admonitions to reduce
it and the complementary instruction on how to elicit whenever possible
from the students. The BLI course gave me invaluable confidence. I feel
like I know how I should teach even as I make mistakes while I develop
my own style. The BLI beacon is always there as an encouragement to
refine the techniques while gaining experience. Thanks to the great
staff! I'll stay in touch."
Heather Gagnon (June ‘04): "After a lovely vacation
with my family in Vermont, I'm finally back at my desk in Wisconsin.
It's good to be back. I'm getting ready to plan my syllabus for the
Spring semester.
I really loved the TEFL training program. I came into the program knowing
very little about the EFL/ESL world and left the program with an amazing
amount of knowledge and practical experience. I know I have more to
learn--that's life, but the TEFL Certificate Program will allow me to
step into the EFL/ESL world with confidence."
Carl Florin (August ‘03) is moving overseas: "I've finally
saved enough money to buy myself a one way ticket to Costa Rica, but
I have one problem: I don't have a job there yet. From what I've read
it seems like just doing a job search when I arrive will be the way
to go. But I would at least like to have some contact info for some
language schools. As for me I have been working as an assistant chef
here in Ashland OR, and teaching/tutoring English on the side for Rogue
Community College in Medford OR. Hope to hear from you soon."
Editor's note: Does anyone have suggestions or contacts for
Carl? If so, please email it to us and we will pass it on to Carl.
tefl@boslang.com
Will Potter (June ’03) sends us news from Toyama, Japan:
"Hello to all. I hope everything is well there, I was thinking of Mikhail
(Mayzelis, one of the Russian practice students) the other day, and
the whole Russian posse as I begin to get into my new teaching job here
at Kokusai Koko in Toyama, Japan . I am here through the old Jet program,
and am loving it so far, one month in.. I hope that all is well there.
"All my thanks for your beautifully run and coordinated program,
it has helped me immeasurably already, and my first class is tomorrow."
Pat Lilja (December ’01) the winner of this newsletter's
photo contest, updated us on the situation at his high school in Japan:
"Things remain positive and exciting in Japan although we've been
dodging typhoon after typhoon as of late. My high school freshmen are
putting on "The Wizard of Oz" in English. It's been a ton
of work on my end (I'm the director) but the rewards have been numerous
and great thus far so it keeps me going."
Editor's note: Pat's school will be looking for more teachers
next year. He says it's a great place to work. If you are interested
in applying please send us your resume and we will pass it on to Pat.
tefl@boslang.com
Patricia Broderick (July ’04) emailed us the following:
"I am writing from Taiwan, where I arrived yesterday! Wow. I am
living with my brother and his family in Hualien on the east coast;
I can see the ocean from our apartment! I would love to hear from any
BLI grads in Taiwan.
"Hoping that all is well. Many thanks!"
Pitiya Le Huu (July ’03), writes that she is now in graduate
school. Classmates may reach her at pitiya@virginia.edu.
She says: "I love reading your newsletters, and hearing about what
everyone has been up to. I am now in my second week at the Elementary
Education program in the Curry School of Education (University of Virginia).
It's a lot of work, but I look forward to working with the kids soon.
"Thank you - here's wishing you many, many more cool TEFL classes!"
Alan Cohen (January ’03) writes: "Hope you had a nice summer.
I did. BLI's training must be working; I got a part-time job teaching
at Massasoit Community College."
Editor’s note: Alan was considering going to the Czech
Republic to teach, but those plans are on hold. We wish him luck in
that search, and will be happy to pass on any advice from other TEFL
grads.
Hannah Treworgy (August ’03) sends greetings from Korea:
"It's monsoon season in Korea, so I am soggy, for the most part. All
in all, though, I am having fun here. My contract is up in December,
but I may decide to stay until the end of the school year, which is
in February. (But who wants to come back to Boston in February?)"
Editor’s note: Hannah sent us some great tips on teaching
children. See this month’s “Teacher Advisor” column.
Mary Baumann (April ’04) ), is excited to announce the release
of her first book: A Detective’s Analysis of Harry Potter
and the Mysteries Within is a humorous and informative depiction
of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Mary is very excited and
wants all of her friends at BLI to know, "it is finally out."
A Detective’s Analysis of Harry Potter and the Mysteries Within
is available for purchase at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and the Author
House website.
Editor’s note: We are proud of Mary’s accomplishment
and wish her much success with her book.
Asako Kaneko (July ’03, Non-native Program) writes us: "Thanks
to this course, I learned the joys of teaching English, and have decided
to learn and study more about TEFL at graduate school."
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