Lesson Planning Tips For New Native Teachers

Welcome back! While most native teachers slated to start in April have postponed their travel until August, a few have migrated from other positions within Korea to begin their public school journeys. We've all been new ESL teachers at one point. Moving abroad, flying thousands of miles, settling into a new community, and adapting to … Continue reading Lesson Planning Tips For New Native Teachers →

You Never Forget Your First Farewell

As the world descends into physical distancing, handwashing, panic, and pandemic, mid-February feels like several lifetimes ago. And yet the end of my first six-month teacher-training program etched memories on my mind that will last a lifetime. I still remember the aching awkwardness as I started work at the Institute. The previous class of 16 … Continue reading You Never Forget Your First Farewell →

I Still Suck At Asking For Help

After retreating from my locked apartment in defeat with nothing but the clothes on my back, I slunk into my classroom for some refuge from the swirling island winds. But before I slipped into sleep, thoughts flitted across my mental sky like shooting stars."You should let someone know. Maybe they can call a locksmith, or at … Continue reading I Still Suck At Asking For Help →

I Suck at Asking for Help

As we all settle into this world-consuming viral reality, I've found more time to reflect on my relationships with others. For the past year, I’ve immersed myself in self-development podcasts like The Art of Charm or The Jordan Harbinger Show and felt the same messages bludgeon themselves into my mind. The most lasting lesson of … Continue reading I Suck at Asking for Help →

Teacher Training Reflections – First Program (Part One)

https://youtu.be/j-gOJRndXZg As we cross over into February, my first 6-month program as a teacher-trainer is drawing to a close. I feel like it was yesterday that I showed up at JIEI as a fresh teacher-trainer scared out my mind with little dribbles of pee running down my leg as I stepped in front of my … Continue reading Teacher Training Reflections – First Program (Part One) →

The Blessed Dregs of December

https://youtu.be/j-gOJRndXZg The month of January [has just passed] and I must say - last month was good to me. I've re-righted my habits like eating more healthy foods. I've used the shit out of my slow cooker to stew vegetables, beans, and lentils. I've also resumed finishing my meals with more mixed nuts and fruits. … Continue reading The Blessed Dregs of December →

How To Use Looper For YouTube To Select Listening Clips For Class

As a listening and speaking instructor, I often mention the value of authentic listening materials. “Students find it motivating to discover that they can extract information from an ungraded passage” (Field, 1998). I feel the same sense of accomplishment when I can read full sentences of Korean webtoons without using a translator. It doesn't happen … Continue reading How To Use Looper For YouTube To Select Listening Clips For Class →