Thrive in ELT

Have you ever noticed that the word no doesn't have a very good reputation in certain situations?

Saying yes, on the other hand, often gets accolades.

There are some situations that are really easy to say no to. But when it comes to everyday ELT life, many things come up where you're probably more likely to say yes.

Whichever you decide, either yes or no, you want your answer to work for you. This doesn't mean that you choose in a selfish way, but rather, that you choose in a reasonable way.

Your job as an EAP/ESL teacher is to serve your students in addition to your colleagues, institutional program, and, yes, even yourself.

For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/38-saying-yes-or-no-when-is-one-better-than-other

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Mundane tasks. Those ordinary, day-to-day things you have to do but don't consider all that exciting or motivating. (Maybe they even make you sigh, roll your eyes, or grit your teeth a little?)

As an EAP/ESL teacher, some of your mundane tasks may include:

• reading, writing, or responding to certain emails;
• filling out your timesheet or leave report;
• reviewing student work;
• preparing for meetings; or
• completing administrative forms.

The truth is though, all of these can be just as significant to complete as those tasks you might classify as urgent or important.

Check out today's episode to find out why they matter and how to tackle them.

For full show notes of this episode, visit eltresourceroom.com/podcast/37-why-mundane-tasks-matter-what-to-do-about-them

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What do you use Google Drive for as an EAP/ESL teacher?

• Creating course documents?
• Collaborating with an ELT colleague for an upcoming conference presentation?
• Sharing ideas and giving feedback?

Google Drive has a ton of great features, but … it can be a bit overwhelming and frustrating at times.

In today's episode, I share 5 tips on what you want to do and don't want to do when using Google Drive.

For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/36-the-dos-and-donts-of-google-drive

Book a free 15-minute call to see if working with me one-on-one on your Google Drive is the right next step for you >> https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6307deacfa690742379f6e31

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One definition of organization is that it's "the quality of being arranged in a way that is sensible and useful."

Did you notice that it doesn't say anything about being perfect … or fixed?

Sometimes we EAP/ESL teachers can be really strict with ourselves thinking that we have to stick with a specific formula for any number of reasons.

But in today's episode, I share why your organizational systems should allow you to be flexible and not make you feel forced to be rigid with yourself or a situation, especially when pivoting or adapting makes good sense.

Whether it's for your instruction, your workspace, or even your email, the systems you have in place are meant to support you and not box you in.

For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/35-why-organization-is-about-being-flexible-and-not-fixed

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Remember how you started off the new semester feeling refreshed and ready to go?

Your desk was one area you got prepared. You were happy with the newly tidied and organized space, and you were determined to keep it that way.

Now you're full on in the semester though, and maintaining an organized desk area is not always at the top of your priority list.

Yet if the items on your desk aren't helping you stay focused and productive, then it may be time to look at what you've got and decide if it all really needs to be there.

In today's episode, I give you a scenario and several questions to consider to help you figure out just what items you need for a desk area that's comfortable and conducive for working on all of your EAP/IEP tasks.

For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/34-what-really-needs-to-be-on-your-desk

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"How am I going to get all of this done?"

Once you settle into a new term, you figure out what to expect from week to week.

But occassionally there's a week that sneaks in that isn't quite so normal, and the stress level starts to rise.

You've ...

• agreed to substitute for two of your colleagues.
• got a conference presentation on Thursday, which happens to be your busiest teaching day.
• just noticed after going through your emails that you forgot to put a committee project deadline on your calendar … and it's in three days.

On top of these additional responsibilities, your brain also reminds you that you have your own lessons to prepare for and classes to teach next week. One thought leads to another, and you start to feel overwhelmed.

So, how are you going to get it all done?

In today's episode, I share five steps to help you figure out an answer to this question. Each one is practical addressing both logistics and personal wellbeing, and they don't require a lot of time to implement.

For full show notes of this episode, visit eltresourceroom.com/podcast/33-5-steps-for-managing-an-overwhelming-week

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In your experience teaching academic English, have you ever … stayed late at the office? worked on a weekend a time or two (or more than you can count)?

Maybe you've done so because it was the only way to get everything done. Maybe it's because you consider yourself a dedicated ELT professional. Or perhaps it's because working long and hard is just part of the job.

On their own, there's nothing wrong with being dedicated to your profession and working late.

But when the choices you make in your ELT life cause you to feel overwhelmed or stressed – or even guilty, then it could be because either you haven't established any boundaries yet or the ones you do have are being crossed.

In today's Thrive in ELT episode, I focus on three major aspects to help you evaluate if taking a next step toward creating boundaries is right for you.

Setting boundaries doesn't mean that you won't ever stay late again or take work home with you. But it does mean that you are aware of what you need to achieve and sustain the ELT life you'd really like to lead.

And guess what? It all starts with just one small step.

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What if …?

We make contingency plans for all kinds of moments in our lives.

These plans provide us with an opportunity to experience less stress and overwhelm when the possibilities become realities.

The probability of needing contingency plans in your ELT life is no less likely than in any other part of life.

What if …

• your car won't start?
• you or your child is sick and you have to stay home?
• your home heating system all of sudden quits and it's in the dead of winter?

In today's episode I share three aspects you need to consider when it comes to creating a teaching contingency plan. I also recount a recent personal story to help you decide if a contingency plan is something you need as an EAP/IEP professional.

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Have you ever noticed that no matter where you are in a term, planning never really stops?

Weeks into it, you're still adding and refining, and at the end, you find yourself making notes about things you want to change for next time.

So if it's the case that you're always planning, then why is it so important to make space for it before a term even begins?

Well, it's at this point in time that you have the opportunity to really set the stage for an effective learning and teaching experience.

It's also when you have more time to think.

Giving yourself lead time to brainstorm and consider options will result in greater focus, productivity, and even creativity.

In today's episode you'll:

1. hear about the process I went through recently to prepare for an academic writing course and
2. be led through a series of questions to get you thinking about how you can make space to lesson plan when you start your new term.

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There's nothing that says you teach English for Academic Purposes quite like your schedule, right?

Classes, office hours, meetings, training sessions, and the list goes on.

It can be really hard to get things done when you're constantly on the move with few opportunities for extended periods of concentrated work time.

Those dreams of teaching in the mornings and planning in the afternoons do come true sometimes, but when they don't, you need a plan.

In today's episode, I share just two steps that will help you be as focused and productive as possible for the next time you deal with a schedule that's all over the place.

Connect with Heather:

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