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CELTA is over

Yesterday we had our last teaching practice, which means the course is officially over. We said goodbye to the students, tutors and each other and returned to the grim reality. CELTA was a blast, and it took so much time to work through the course that I almost forgot what a task-free week means. My days were brimming with work, such as planning the next lesson, putting together the presentation, and checking every detail so students could enjoy the class. 

    Interestingly, the course brought out things I hadn't thought would surface. I suspected some anxiety but wouldn't have dreamt about being that nervous. If I could start it over again, the only thing I would change is my anxiety. I'm so ashamed of myself for being that nervous throughout the course. I'm perfectly aware of its causes, and I'm not looking for cheap excuses; however, I still make annoying mistakes while speaking and writing in English, which makes me a tad anxious.

    Nevertheless, the CELTA course was a fantastic journey. It gave me so much that I look at certain things from a completely different angle, and the tools I got during the course cast a completely different light on my future teaching. I know how to continue my English studies, and, fortunately, I have a plan so crazy that it might just work. But seriously, the most important step is going through the A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1 books, both grammar and the other ones, and getting ready for the challenge.

    After finishing the course were asked to choose an image that best describes us, and I went for the one below. It represents me getting to the peak - finishing the course, hopefully successfully - and having all the necessary equipment in my backpack - my CELTA knowledge - to embark on an epic English teaching journey and a new career. We need to wait for the official grading, where the highest possible grade is "PASS A" which authorizes teachers to create their own lesson plans without any external help. I'd love to get this grade...



    My next couple of days will be filled with planning so that I can devise a healthy schedule. At the same time, I hope Charlette and Mikkel will make up their minds and settle down somewhere in South America so that I can continue my CPE exam - which is essential for future job applications since I'm not a native speaker - preparations with her. I think I'll sacrifice February for planning, reading and relaxing, and I will start the hard work in March. I deserve some me-time after the last few years' calamities.

    Well, that's all, more precisely, this is my very first entry here. I'll keep track of my CPE preparation progress here and my teaching journey.
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