The blogs here at suite 101 remind me of the days when I kept an open journal on the computer and described the lessons, the outcomes, the successes and challenges of every day teaching. Very recently I dusted it off and reread my mentor’s comments that seem nowadays so rudimentary. But back then, there was the sure need to build a voice and establish a connection, which is now the unique blog hemisphere of a teacher’s world.
If I were a new teacher starting out today, I would definitely start out with blogging as a quick and easy way to connect. I have quickly noticed that teachers usually get bored by just writing lesson plans and talking about students and there is the unique side to teachers that are often found in blogs. Just don’t get too disappointed! The language of blogs is usually what gives a new teacher the more personal touch that you can’t find once you have finished teacher colleges.
There are so many ‘live communities’ for teachers. Once I navigated a bit, I realized how rich other teachers' lives are and it really does put our work in perspective. I personally enjoy the intimacy of
ETNI (English Teacher Network in Israel). There are many teachers there looking for jobs from all over the world and it gives a more global perspective to the list. Many teachers are Anglo speaking and I especially enjoy reading about those who emigrated from the States especially from New York. There are many specialized blogs out there! The latest one was a
kosher cooking blog, which made me feel quite hungry after reading it. But when the writer/teacher described
growing up in America and enroute
for bagels, (alas, no NYC bagels here) I suddenly felt hungry to see my old Greenwich Village apartment.
After a long week of work, who has time for anything? Blogging is a quick way to connect with a community and helps you retain your sanity. Teaching is one of the hardest professions out there!
The real pay back in my opinion, is the globalization that helps
bring teachers and non-teachers alike. So thank Suite 101 for the live community.
