Workshops, Workshops, Workshops!

People have asked me what kind of work I do here in Georgia. I like to say that I am here to do whatever I am asked to do but I mainly do workshops for English teachers. I have been doing workshops on reading, writing, listening and speaking activities. After several years of being a public school teacher, I find that I am able to use what I learned during that time to give practical advice to teachers on these subjects. I am also learning that there was so much more that I could have done as an ESL teacher. I am reminded all the time that just because you are a teacher, you don't stop learning. In fact, you job is to continue learning and improving your craft!

Teacher's House teacher trainers' meeting.

My first workshop at Teacher's House.

The first few times I did workshops, I was so nervous. First, because it is something that I really haven't had much practice doing. Secondly, because I certainly don't know everything there is to know about teaching and sometimes I just don't have the answer to all the questions. I have often felt not well-prepared or even worthy of doing this job. I value the work of the teachers that come to my workshops and I want to give them the best activities and strategies that are available. I always hope that they leave my workshops with at least one thing they can do in their classes the next time they teach.

A teacher's workshop conference which took place in both Georgia and Armenia.

Another workshop at Teacher's House

One of the best things I have been able to do while here in Georgia is observe English teachers in the public schools. I think that it was necessary for me to go to schools and see what resources were available for English teachers here in Georgia. Georgian public schools are nothing like American public schools. I knew this was a fact but seeing it was different than talking about it. It is true that Georgian public schools don't have as many resources as American public schools have but that doesn't stop teachers especially English teachers from being creative and resourceful! With what little they have, they manage to do a great job and students are learning in their classrooms. It has definitely shown me that you don't need thousands of dollars of equipment to teach a subject. It is nice to have that kind of money but a good teacher is a good teacher no matter how much money or resources are available to them.

Observing a great lesson in a public school in Rustavi.

A second grade English classroom in Tbilisi.

In the next few months, I will be traveling around Georgia doing workshops and meeting and observing English teachers. I have learned so much already about best practices, creative teaching, etc. I feel so blessed to have this job and I continue to learn about myself through this experience. 

Georgian English teachers are awesome!

A Thanksgiving lesson at a public school in Tbilisi.

On the other side of the world

When I tell people that I live in Georgia, most immediately think of the state of Georgia instead of the Republic of Georgia. I've had several friends in the last few months that have realized that I am not in a state beside them but on the other side of the world! I am constantly checking the world clock on my iPhone each day because part of my family lives in the U.S. and the other lives in Brazil. There are about 9 hours difference between the U.S. and 6 hours from Brazil. It always amazes me that as my day is winding down, my family and friends are just starting their day and it always reminds me that we really are far away from everything and everyone we know. Yet, the feeling I get is not of loneliness or sadness(at least not always). It is a feeling of how blessed my family and I are to get to have this experience. Last New Years, I would have never thought or guessed that this would be our home in 2014. The idea of living in the republic of Georgia would have made laugh and it would have certainly scared me! If my husband, dad and mom would have not thought this move was a good idea, I probably would have never accepted the job I have now. I am so glad that they encouraged me to be brave and to trust that God was in charge of everything. 

For the last few years, I have been in such a low place in my career. I have to be honest and say that I really hated my job and just wanted to get out! I had been trying to leave my job for the last three years but nothing would open up! I was frustrated because I applied to hundreds of jobs and nothing ever had come of it. When I saw this job post, I was hopeful and terrified at the same time. I knew that if this job opened up for me, it was going to be a big change for us. I really wanted to work in Latin America so getting a job offer in Georgia was a complete surprise! Nothing here in Georgia is like the United States. Everything is different and that is good! My family needed this change. We needed to get out and explore the world. I admit that when I left my job in TN, I was still angry and hurt by the many things that had happened in the last years there but as I the months have passed, I have realized that my experiences as a public school teacher have been valuable and certainly helpful in my new job. I have a better understanding of what teachers feel and deal with on a day to day basis. I am getting to see teaching through another perspective. From the beginning of our journey here, my family has had a positive attitude. We know things are very different than what we are used to but that is what makes this such a wonderful adventure. I am excited to see what the rest of adventure will be on the other side of the world!