Reasons to count my blessings

REASON 13

CPD with iTDi

Although my college is very good at offering visiting speakers, and helps to pay for online courses or Diplomas etc, the amount of CPD I do is much much more.

I have just finished a four-week course on Blended Learning with Pete Sharma. It was offered by iTDi, the International Teachers Development Institute.  They run courses by Teachers, for Teachers. They are reasonably priced, but excellent value for money. People can opt for a certificate of attendance, or pay a wee bit more and do a certificate to show advanced learning. Teachers in a better position financially can help disadvantaged teachers by becoming patrons, and even a little spare cash goes a long way.
They are offering more and more options as the months go on. This course was the 4th I have done with them, and each time I have enjoyed the taking part- and the amazing networking with like-minded people all over the world.
I can't tell you how great it is to work online once a week, while at the same time being guided to read, analyse and develop skills to advance my teaching. I hope that it shows in class and that my students reap the benefits- I know that my trainees do:-)

Reasons to Count my blessings

REASONs 11and 12

Work

My apologies for not managing last week's post. I have been extremely busy- and I forgot. At the moment I am running a training Cert. and a Diploma for my colleagues. In between I am training a couple of colleagues who are shadowing the Cert. With all that and work for the band at the weekend, and a course with iTDi, it's a wonder I get anything done at all.

What I love about my job is the variety. Variety of students, Nationalities, needs and abilities!
My colleagues are great, and we have a very nurturing staffroom, which hosts some fantastic discussions.
I would never be happy doing something humdrum and 9-5. I enjoy the challenge of doing different and new things on a regular basis.
Soon our CPD sessions will start. Each of us will take a turn to answer the questions of our peers and set up workshops. It will be fun.
When I hear about the conditions some of my PLN work in, or the restrictions they have, I thank my lucky stars for my situation.
When I look at all the talented people who can't find work, I am happy that I not only have a job, but I get up every day to do something I love.

2015 Reasons to count my blessings

REASON 10

Spring Flowers

My wedding bouquet held daffodils, as we got married in February. I just love spring flowers, although they seem to arrive earlier and earlier in the year.
Christmas has the tree and lots of colour. It is a bit depressing when twelfth night comes along and it all goes away for another year.
It is at this time that I go down to the farm shop and buy armfuls of daffs. By this time of the year I can buy a mixture of daffodils; yellow, white, orange middles...... and also tulips.
I will have to wait a little longer to see any irises, but I really love to have them too.

In a couple of weeks the island will be golden, with flowers everywhere. They are already starting to appear in a couple of areas.

2015 Reasons to count my blessings

REASON 9

Log Fires

We have an open fire at home.
It is the focal point of our sitting room and the place most visitors make a beeline for when they enter the house.

I love the smell of the wood, and the crackling noises the logs make as they catch fire, and I enjoy watching the two cats curled up on the rug in front of the fire, or in their baskets at the edges of the hearth.

Last night we went out with our musician friends. They had visitors over from Ireland, so we borrowed some extra instruments and headed out West.
When we arrived, the pub was aglow with warmth and light from the fire in the middle of the room. It was such a cosy place to settle down to drink, chat and play.

At the moment, it is great to know that M is home before me, and has the fire going by the time I finish work. It is such a welcoming sight on a cold evening.

I will be glad when winter has finally loosened its grip, but I do enjoy my fire.