For the first time, I will be pursuing a sabbatical. Here's what in store for the teacher in me.
It's that time of year again when our coordinators of the English start hiring teachers for next year before the budget and other curriculum issues start taking the platform. For seven years now, I have been part of that list of ten teachers. It's time now to move on, explore other options, spread my wings - this time in the direction of the US where ESL is big, mighty big and steadily growing.
The teaching status of EFL in Israel, is without a doubt, affected by the globalization of English. However, I feel largely removed from the ESL scope of learning, that is largely part of EFL teaching methods and curriculums today.
Teacher sabbaticals are a challenging and neat way to do something exploratory in the teaching venue, without too much committment.
Since there is a vast opportunity for growth in the field of ESL publishing and writing, I have applied for a second MATESOL degree in the fields of teaching and publishing. This industry is becoming huge in the US. It helps to have a little bit of teaching experience under your belt, so that you can write a workbok knowing the cognitive and intellectual aptitudes and limitations. I am writing an abstract now on a reading unit I implemented last year and although, it doesn't pay much, the exposure and experience is worth the effort not to mention the experience.
I grew up in an urban bilingual environment so relocating isn't a problem for me. Luckily, I studied Spanish in High School, so it's time to brush off those Spanish coursebooks again!
