Materials from our plenaries, presentations and workshops
TESOL 2015 - Toronto
Essential Practices for Cultivating Emotional Safety to Promote Learning
Mary Scholl and Amanda Rossi
A Few thoughts about On-going Professional Development
April 2014 - Mary Scholl
Centro de Idiomas UDEP Piura, Peru is holding their 2nd round-table discussion "CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENGLISH TEACHER" on May 3rd. They asked me to answer a few questions about my own experience and beliefs about professional development. My answers are in this video. The outline is below.
In the video they ask me the following questions:
1. What motivated you to become an English teacher
2. What have you done to develop professionally?
3. What are the sources you use to get information?
4. What advice would you give to teachers to keep learning?
My answers:
1. I started as a Spanish teacher because I believe that everyone should learn a new language as it opens a new world both inside and outside of us. i believe that learning language is a great equalizer. I stayed in teaching and teacher training because i deeply believe that what teachers do is important and i want to contribute to supporting them in the creation of a dynamic, creative and loving learning experience for all students.
2. There are many things we can do to learn! These are four that have been very useful to me:
a. Learn from my students in the classroom
b. Read, read, read (some of my favorite blogs and resources can be found here)
c. Dialogue and converse with peers
d. Get regular feedback from my students
3. I get information from the questions that come out of my classroom, dialogue and research.
4. My main advice is to:
a. Learn as much as possible about learning and language learning
b. Be curious! Read, research, question and dialogue!
c. Teach what you are trying to learn!
d. Be kind and empathic with yourself and remember that you are a human being and a learner.
In the video they ask me the following questions:
1. What motivated you to become an English teacher
2. What have you done to develop professionally?
3. What are the sources you use to get information?
4. What advice would you give to teachers to keep learning?
My answers:
1. I started as a Spanish teacher because I believe that everyone should learn a new language as it opens a new world both inside and outside of us. i believe that learning language is a great equalizer. I stayed in teaching and teacher training because i deeply believe that what teachers do is important and i want to contribute to supporting them in the creation of a dynamic, creative and loving learning experience for all students.
2. There are many things we can do to learn! These are four that have been very useful to me:
a. Learn from my students in the classroom
b. Read, read, read (some of my favorite blogs and resources can be found here)
c. Dialogue and converse with peers
d. Get regular feedback from my students
3. I get information from the questions that come out of my classroom, dialogue and research.
4. My main advice is to:
a. Learn as much as possible about learning and language learning
b. Be curious! Read, research, question and dialogue!
c. Teach what you are trying to learn!
d. Be kind and empathic with yourself and remember that you are a human being and a learner.

GUATEMALA NTC 2013
ELT BEYOND SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
It was such an honor to be at the 34th NTC (National Teachers Conference) in Guatemala in November 2013. Amanda and I went and enjoyed seeing friends, former participants and meeting new teachers. I gave a spotlight session and workshop on Mindfulness and Empathy and a workshop with activities for mindfulness and empathy. You can download my materials:
The powerpoint for the spotlight session
The powerpoint for the workshop on activities that promote mindfulness and empathy
It was such an honor to be at the 34th NTC (National Teachers Conference) in Guatemala in November 2013. Amanda and I went and enjoyed seeing friends, former participants and meeting new teachers. I gave a spotlight session and workshop on Mindfulness and Empathy and a workshop with activities for mindfulness and empathy. You can download my materials:
The powerpoint for the spotlight session
The powerpoint for the workshop on activities that promote mindfulness and empathy
Handout about feelings and needs
If you are interested in learning more mindfulness and empathy you have many options!
1. Google mindfulness and empathy and education or classroom - there are a lot of resources on the internet!
2. Check out The Center for Non Violent Communication
3. We have a 10 day course in January!
If you are interested in learning more mindfulness and empathy you have many options!
1. Google mindfulness and empathy and education or classroom - there are a lot of resources on the internet!
2. Check out The Center for Non Violent Communication
3. We have a 10 day course in January!