Job Discussion Forums

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

Can you name a role model who inspired you at some point in your career? Could be a colleague, supervisor, TEFL course trainer, student, or any other contact.

For me, the one person who stands out most was the first TT (teacher trainer) I had when I started work in Shanghai. We'll call him Mike. This guy clearly had a passion for his job, and went out of his way to offer ideas and suggestions to me and new teachers. His aim wasn't just to help us plan lessons, but rather extraordinary lessons that really motivated both us and the students.

He was more than fair in his class observations, with at least a week's notice, detailed feedback, and a progressive plan to help teachers reach certain targets. But he wouldn't tolerate BS, and fired the occasional teacher who was lazy. He knew where to draw the line, in other words.

Also, he had pretty strong views about the TEFL industry and would not put up with mediocricy. He took a lot of risks to criticize certain things about it, including his own school he worked for.

All in all, he influenced me greatly and it was sad when he eventually left the company.

Steve

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

One of my professors in grad school. A truly amazing woman.

d

Sara Avalon · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 254 Location: On the Prowl

My instructor from GlobalTESOL college, Dennis Campbell. Such a sweetheart. He's worked all over the world but spoke mostly about his experiences in Saudi Arabia.

His classes were really fun and engaging... When we were practicing creating lesson plans and teaching in front of the class, he gave a demonstration and sang off pitch! It was classic but I still remember his song...

I'd definitely recommend him for anyone considering taking the course in Canada.

Boy Wonder · Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 453 Location: Clacton on sea

Biffinbridge...Slaqdog and dmb for their services to the EFL industry in the ME...now all off on other tours of duty.....
Scot47 from Eslcafe because he gives as good as he gets....A real man's man!

go2guy · Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Posts: 74 Location: France

Big Al Mazet in France! This guy left the security and sanctimony of the French education system in order to develop his own novel system in which he believed people could actually learn to communicate in English (not simply regurgitate the usual "rote-a-dote" if you will!). He has been successful with his approach, has passed it on passionately to his staff and successors. A model to whom I will be forever grateful. Tres bien big Al!

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

I would not say I have a TEFL role model per say (Rhond and Roger excluded Cool

) but my biggest influence was a Business professor at Florida State Univeversity: Dr. Garry Knight!

He is a great bloke and he had been in Japan for a number of years teaching English back in the early 80s. He took me in as his advisee and apprentice during my tenure at FSU. I learned quite a bit from him and he is to blame or to credit for my interest in Education!!!

Another person that inspired me quite a bit was an assistant professor at FSU called Michael Knudstrupp! He walked in class one day wearing a winnie the pooh tie around his head just to encourage us to do new things and tray different things... I only had him for one semester but I still remember him to this day..it was 5 years ago!

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

None.

Role models yes. People I've gotten good TEFL role models yes. Actual TEFL role models no.

Well, thanks to my first job, there are a few people I known I never want to be like, but that's kind of an anti-role-model thing.

There are people whom I admire for adapting so well to other cultures, but that's only one side of TEFLing.

I guess I've just never met the Michael Jordan of TEFL teachers.