Job Discussion Forums

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

I'm going to post this on the "other" site as well, so you might see this twice.

Is there some sort of "Russian EFL Teachers' Association"? I think it'd be great fun if EFL (ESL, ESP, etc, etc--you get it) teachers from around this massive expanse of a country got together and spun yarns, lent advice and generally had a grand old time.

I know there's the little problem of the fact that Russia spans nearly 10,000km, but perhaps there could be a "middle ground" where everyone could meet? I, for one, would be willing to head to, say, Novosibirsk for one such meeting.

I know there are many of us (I've gotten to know one or two) who have been in Russia for years; the contacts I've made have been valuable both on a personal and professional level. I figure: "Why not make more?"

When I was teaching in Ukraine, I certainly looked forward to heading to the yearly junket in Kharkiv.

Any thoughts? Does this sound too far-fetched? Does this already happen and I've just not been invited? Embarassed

If not, I'd give it a go at helping this get organized, perhaps for sometime in '09.

ecocks · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 899 Location: Gdansk, Poland

and one that seems so obvious at first glance. Although I am in Ukraine it is continually amazing to me that so many whine that there is a lack of standards, professionalism and ethics in ESL yet no one seems to think this type of professional networking is worthwhile. One of the hallmarks of any profession is the organization of practitioners to implement things such as criteria for licensing, educational programs, codes of ethics and such. I presently struggle to get a half-dozen or so folkls together on Sunday for coffee for networking. Job opportunities, pay/charge rates, methodologies, materials all come up for discussion along with politics, relationships, nationalism and the lamenting of local conditions.

Good luck to you!

Nexus · Joined: 08 Mar 2004 Posts: 189 Location: Moscow

JPW - which "other site" do you mean?

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

Bump.

Would anyone be interested if this got organized? I'm still keen on it.

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Yes, I'd be interested too. I'm not sure about using the other site as it mostly caters for Moscow expats doesn't it? (I'm near Novosibirsk).

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

I must admit that the majority of the members are from Moscow. But I for example am from the western region of moscow, about 30 km outside Moscow, and I haven't met any native English speaking expat in my area. I know they are about, but they seem to keep themselves to themselves.

No expat.ru is what it states, Expats from Russia. You will notice that it is a special teacher's section. And yes the teachers there are likely to be more experienced than the short term contract teachers here. Although sometimes they pop in for advice, and where better can you get advice, but from expat teachers who have livedand worked in Russia for a number of years. Look carefully and you will find out that they don't all come from Moscow. Why not introduce yourself in the general introduction sectio, and also in the teachers' folder. And ask if there are any fellow members in your area.

Also get yourself into the private teachers' directory which is free of charge as all advertising for individual members are.

txmsk · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 58 Location: The World

Hi,

I would like to say that I would be very interested in helping to create such an organization.

There are tons of workshops, seminars, and the like out there, but not all publishers regularly send out information, and schools, if they receive it, only 'passively' inform teachers through flyers posted on boards. A credible organization could centralize and disperse such information to members. Organizing 'our own' workshops might be a good idea as well.

In addition, it would be great if it could somehow bridge the gap between native and non-native teachers of English.

Just my thoughts.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

A couple of points, Bels. Expats.ru in different parts of the site says it's for Moscow expats, and most of the threads and information are about Moscow. As for trying to get private work, no thanks, I'd rather stay onside with my employer. They pay me a reasonable wage on top of a free flat, so why should I detract from my usefulness to them by knackering myself out when I ought to be relaxing outside the classroom.

zeke0606 · Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 9:47 am Post subject:

I think that having a loose knit organization that joins together teachers from different areas is a good idea.

I also know from experience that traveling inside Russia can be a problem. I'm in Ufa. And traveling anywhere from here usually involves a few transfers, either by train or plane - except to Moscow.

I like to come to these meetings as long as they are not held in Moscow. I just don't like big cities anywhere in the world.

Zeke

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

I don't quite see the attraction to you of expats.ru, BELS. What's wrong with this site? At least it is for teachers, and well-frequented. I know there is the backpackers argument, but people who join professional organisations are self-selecting. I.e. backpackers who are likely to turn into teachers are likely to join and others won't.

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

Here is the teacher,s folder link http://www.expat.ru/forum/teachers-discussion-folder/