Introducing some bright sparks who have helped me to learn a lot of new things this year... Image: Cade Buchanan
It recently occured to me that there have been certain ELTers emerging on Twitter and through blog posts throughout the latter part of this year who really help to make me feel excited and positive about teaching English.
We have our VIPs in ELT of course, and they are a source of constant motivation. But to me, these "new(er)" faces are TIPs: Tremendously Important People (who are also a source of so many practical and creative tips...).
I can't exactly explain why, but I feel constantly drawn to them. Perhaps it is the very warm presence they maintain on Twitter -- positive without being all "feel goody," very genuine. Maybe it also has something to do with the fact that they've been blogging about really interesting things, always tempered with the reality of being "at the chalkface", but also always creative, always shining a light into new corners that most other ELTers I know choose to overlook -- or just can't see to start with.
These people aren't "new" or "young" teachers, though some of them are relatively new to things like Twitter and blogs. All of them, despite their experience, embrace new ideas and have a youthful energy about teaching. It's infectious! They don't always agree with me or each other, but the aura of camaraderie and mutual respect they contribute to is absolute.
And, limited as they are by standard teacher salaries, and as busy as they (or many of them) are with young families, they still find the time to talk, share, motivate and celebrate this profession of ours...
Personally, within my own PLN in any case, I see these people as bright sparks worth following into the future of ELT. Perhaps you'll find them motivating and interesting to follow and learn from/with as well.
Here they are (in no particular order)...
Cecilia Coelho (@cecilialcoelho/Box of Chocolates)
Ceri Jones (@cerirhiannon/Close up)
Guido (@europeaantje/The Toolshed)
David Dodgson (@DaveDodgson/Reflections of a Teacher and Learner)
Adam Simpson (@yearinthelifeof/One Year in the life of an English teacher)
Mike Harrison (@harrisonmike/http://www.mikejharrison.com/)
Sabrina de Vita (@sabridv/Sabrina's Weblog)
Michelle Worgan (@michelleworgan/So this is English...)
Emma Herrod (@EHerrod/Emma Herrod's Blog)
My personal thanks to all of these great people -- you've been wonderful companions on this part of my English language teaching journey!
=D
