My Life after CELTA

Well, I got the final grade: PASS. I thought it would mean not being able to teach without someone constantly checking my lesson plans and delivery, but I was wrong, and now I'm relieved. Although I'm over the moon, I need time to process the whole experience.       The real tiredness has just kicked in, and now I need some quality resting and relaxation. I'm not going to come up with plans hastily and rashly; I'll let little myself take some rest and rejuvenation. There is a lot to do in this field.      I'm allowed to teach in a language school or, if I want, take private students. But the most peculiar aspect of the course is that I'm allowed to teach higher-level students, too. I don't feel like being ready for any higher-level student for now, but gradually I'll work towards that level, too.      Anyway, I'm grateful for the support from my wife, Charlette, the tutors and my peers. Despite being unemployed, I feel like the luckiest ...

     The weather was lovely today; a tad windy but warm and sunny. According to the thermometer, the highest temperature was as high as it usually is in March, +15°C. Spring arrived a bit too early, I hope it won't negatively impact nature later. The afternoon walk with Abby was great, although I had to show her again who’s the boss. Other than that, she behaved, and we also played with a piece of wood. She can be motivated in a split second by something thrown away, which is a fantastic piece of information to keep in mind in case I want to teach her more tricks, which I might do soon.     I have finished today my teaching templates: the student record, lesson plan and presentation templates are ready to be used. I revamped my little office by extending my desk to have more space to write and learn.  The bookshelf behind me remained untouched, but it should be fixed soon. Slowly I’ll get my ducks in a row and start my English journey, but first, I nee...

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.      Neverthele...