As a teacher, there is no substitute for excellent training--used in the same sense of "physical training". We train our bodies to reach physical goals (or maybe we just dream of it...) by working hard day in and day out. Excellent teacher training is no different. I don't believe that you can experience results by sitting back as someone tells you how to be a great teacher. To be a great teacher, you need to train hard. Training matters.
This July, there are two excellent training opportunities for language teachers, and attendees will train hard at both of them. The first is iFLT (International Forum on Language Teaching), which will take place in St. Paul, Minnesota from July 14-17. The second is NTPRS, which will take place in Reston, Virginia (outside D.C.) from July 20-24. I will be at both conferences, and I'd love to see you there! Take the time NOW to seek Professional Development funds from your school to reduce the out-of-pocket cost to attend. If you do not have PD funds available, start saving! I am confident that the investment in high-quality training will not only result in greater language acquisition for your students, but for less stress and more professional enjoyment and camaraderie for you. That's a big promise--and I can make it because I speak from personal experience.
I believe in it so much that I am going to give away a registration to iFLT15. This blog is approaching 5000 subscribers, and the Facebook page is approaching 1000 "Likes". When we reach those milestones, I will announce how you can enter to win a FREE iFLT15 registration if you do not have PD funds available at your school! In the meantime...make sure you are subscribed to this blog (click "Sign me up!" in the sidebar) and following us on Facebook (click here), and share the page with your language teacher friends!
