In a previous post about writing samples for publishers I mentioned including a rationale. I can’t say for sure that publishers welcome this. Maybe they just want to look at your sample materials and judge for themselves whether you’ve got… Read More ›

General
Review: English for Business Communication
This review originally appeared in IATEFL Voices 281. You’ll be pleased to know that Voices reviews have a 400 word limit, which saves you the pain of all my usual rambling in reviews! Haha. Dr Mable Chan Routledge Applied English… Read More ›
Blogging tips for new ELT writers
I recently shared a tip on LinkedIn for materials writers who blog: Here are a few more suggestions for using your blog to good effect as a newbie materials writer. Note: these tips are mostly about finding work, interacting with… Read More ›
Before I became a teacher
Tyson Seburn recently tweet-asked followers about their degrees prior to working in ELT. After seeing such varied responses, I feel quite embarrassed to admit that I know very little about anything other than the English language ☹. Not even much… Read More ›
International schools: the current state of play (EL Gazette)
The latest EL Gazette includes a feature article on international schools: This article began with a focus on traditional international schools – those typically serving the interests of Western expatriates. It suggested that nations such as Singapore, India and China… Read More ›
Materials writing news and views, July 2021
Euros over. Wimbledon over. Olympics coming up! New releases Some more Primary teacher books from Michelle Worgan: Emily Bryson is running a course on engaging learners with simple drawings. See here. This digital storytelling project from Vicky Saumell. See here…. Read More ›
Reflections on the DipTESOL
Here are some short video reflections on my DipTESOL experience. These are meant for candidates on the new DipTESOL course run through DublinTEFL. I’ve explained more in this intro vid… Excuse the tiredness. And the lockdown hair! Barbers are shut… Read More ›
New ebook! 100+ Professional Development Tips for Post-CELTA Teachers
So, here it is, my first self-published ebook! Here’s the blurb: This book is aimed at new teachers such as those who have recently completed a CELTA or Cert TESOL course. It offers a range of development tips and ideas… Read More ›
Self-Publishing for ELT Professionals course (so far)
I’m taking this training course on self-publishing through ITDI.pro. It’s four weeks long, and we’re going into the final week of input. It’s not necessarily close to the end though. I’d imagine they’ll be plenty to discuss in the forum… Read More ›
Towards building a whole-school approach to EAL
I enjoyed Adri’s post on EAL vs ESL the other day. It’s great to read so many positives regarding EAL culture at her school: teamwork, addressing individual needs, building a whole-school EAL approach, etc. Based on Adri’s comments, I feel… Read More ›