Thrive in ELT

Want a more organized teaching life without overcomplicating things? Spoiler: The best tools are often the simplest. In this episode, I'm sharing four tools that have become mainstays in my ELT life. They're simple, they work, and some I've been using for over a decade. A tiered file sorter for class materials A desk caddy for supplies Google Calendar for time-sensitive tasks Trello for organizing digital resources The common thread: They keep me organized so I can focus on teaching. Are any of these on your essential tools list too? For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/80-4-tools-i-continue-using-because-they-keep-me-organized Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my newsletter to get more organizational tips like in today's episode that will help you build the thriving ELT life you're longing for >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017 Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook

Every English language teacher has something worth sharing. Even you! If you've ever thought your teaching insights weren't "publishable" (Yep, thought it myself.), the newest Thrive in ELT podcast episode will quickly change your mind. Michele C. Guerrini, the Reviews Editor for TESOL SPAIN, walks you through the process involved in writing a journal review. In this conversation, we explore: ▪️What types of ideas are worth sharing (Hint: There are more than you think!) ▪️ How to write your journal review ▪️ Why sharing your work benefits you as much as your peers ▪️ Practical tips for making time to write (even when you're busy) Ready to see how you can contribute to the ELT community and grow professionally? Listen in and turn your ideas into action. For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/79-sharing-ideas-in-english-language-teaching-writing-journal-reviews Connect with Michele: Send Michele an email, proposing a review for TESOL SPAIN: tesolspainreviews@gmail.com Take a look at previous reviews in TESOL SPAIN: https://www.tesol-spain.org/en/news/8/reviews.html (Choose a date and then click the orange Read the reviews here link underneath the image to access the issue.) Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my newsletter to get organizational tips that will help you build the thriving ELT life you're longing for >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017 Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook

Ever been inspired by a teacher who taught 100 years ago? I have to say that it's a new one for me! In this episode I'm reviewing "The Thread That Runs So True" by Jesse Stuart. Surprisingly, this 1949 autobiography of a Kentucky mountain school teacher impacted me more than I expected. What struck me most: Stuart's experiences are extremely relatable. (Maybe you haven't been able to sleep at night either because you're trying to figure out how to help your beginner students?!) He valued people – his students, his teachers, the community in which he taught, and himself. He wanted his students to learn but not just facts and figures. Learning also included responsibility, respect, and relationship. Despite the century between us, his struggles and joys as an educator feel very present. And his story reminded me why I teach — not just to cover pronunciation rules and vocabulary but to build confidence, create meaningful connections, and help students express their true selves. My biggest takeaway? I'm on the right path. And after 20+ years of teaching, that validation from across a century means a lot. Listen in to hear about Stuart's leadership qualities, his surprising teaching philosophy, and why this book belongs on every English language teacher's reading list. For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/78-learning-from-a-teacher-who-taught-100-years-ago Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my newsletter to get organizational tips that will help you build the thriving ELT life you're longing for >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017 Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook

Ever feel like you're constantly jumping from task to task? Planning one class… grading a few papers… checking email… then back to planning another class?   Thank goodness there's a better way! Batching your work (grouping similar tasks together) helps you get and stay focused and get more done with less stress. In this episode, I share how I batch three key areas of my teaching life: lesson planning, grading, and administrative tasks. You'll hear what works for me, like my Wednesday lesson planning routine, and get practical ideas for finding your own batching system. If your schedule feels chaotic or you're tired of feeling scattered, this episode will help you think about how to get more done without adding to your workload. Ready to discover how batching can make life easier for your ELT life?   For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/77-batching-as-a-teacher-is-it-even-possible    Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my newsletter to get more organizational tips like in today’s episode that will help you build the thriving ELT life you’re longing for >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017  Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook  

Imagine that you're the testing coordinator at your school. It's the day before exams, and you've done everything on your checklist... except order the actual tests. No imagination needed here. This is real life for me! What happened next came as a surprise though. After years of working on being kinder to myself, I finally realized something in my head and my heart. It wasn't actually my fault. Yes, I was the one responsible, but it was the way the system was set up that was the problem. If you've ever beaten yourself up over a mistake of any size in your English language teaching life, then this episode is for you. Listen in to learn why system failures aren't personal failures and get inspired for making your own system fixes.   For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/76-what-it-really-means-when-your-system-fails    Develop your own Personalized PD Plan: (Available for purchase through Oct. 9. 2025) Tired of setting your sights on professional development and not following through? Create a personalized PD plan with accountability and support to help you focus your efforts and aspirations on the right-for-you opportunities. Sign up to schedule your two 1:1 coaching sessions (Oct. 13-Nov. 22, 2025) >> https://eltresourceroom.kit.com/products/personal-pd-plan  Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my newsletter to get more organizational tips like in today’s episode that will help you build the thriving ELT life you’re longing for >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017  Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook  

Who doesn’t love a good checklist?! Well, it depends. Generally, I love them. But sometimes, they create more problems than not. (I talk about one experience I’ve had with that!)  The key is to use them wisely, which means they’re better when set up intentionally and sometimes when they’re not used at all. Listen in for four things I’ve learned from using checklists as an English language teacher. I hope that what you hear will inspire, reassure, or encourage you.   For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/75-what-ive-learned-from-using-checklists    Sign up for the 3 Steps to Building Your Thriving ELT Life workshop: It’s happening live on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Hope to see you there! https://www.eltresourceroom.com/3-steps     Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my newsletter to get more organizational tips like in today’s episode that will help you live the thriving ELT life you’re longing for >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017    Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook

Wish your work-life balance was a bit more… balanced?  Forgetting my sister’s birthday was the wake-up call that started a gradual process of finding the work-life balance I needed to thrive as an ESL teacher. In the final episode of this season, I talk about the two key elements that moved me forward and can help make that wish a reality for you, too.   For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/74-finding-better-work-life-balance    Stay in touch! Sign up for my newsletter, Your Organized ELT Life. I’ll share tips, resources, and insights to help you manage your workload so that you have more time for yourself. >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017  Connect with me: Website LinkedIn Facebook  

Don’t you love it when you find out that you’re not the only one? That’s the way I felt when I first had a chat with Ana Jereb a few months back. I felt it again when we recorded this latest episode. I typically go solo on the show, but sometimes I meet someone who impacts me and my ELT life so much that I want you to know this person too. In this episode, you'll learn about: how Ana experienced burnout as an English language teacher and then turned things around why she believes that saying students come first isn’t possible the importance of teachers thinking of themselves as people first and foremost If I were a betting person, I’d bet that you’ll see yourself somewhere in her story too. For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/73-teachers-are-people-first-finding-balance-in-language-education   Connect with Ana: Website LinkedIn Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for updates on the podcast and other good stuff like organizational tips that you can apply straightaway. >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017  Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook  

Do you find it hard to actually apply English language teaching theory to your teaching? Often, research articles can feel distant, like the ideas are for a completely different world because you don’t see how they apply to your teaching situation.  At the same time, you recognize that academic research in English language teaching is important to know about and understand – for yourself and your students. That’s why I’ve reviewed the book, Teaching English to Second Language Learners in Academic Contexts: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, for you. It’s definitely a gold mine if you teach academic English, but it’s also worth a read even if you’re not. The authors themselves mention that this book can benefit teachers who are:  ◼ looking to give new energy to their teaching,  ◼ just starting out, and  ◼ pre-service teachers.   For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/72-four-skills-one-book-bridging-theory-and-practice    Subscribe to my monthly newsletter: Get more helpful resources in addition to organizational tips and special offers that will help you live a calmer, more sustainable ELT life. >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017  Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Newton, J. M., Ferris, D. R., Goh, C. C. M., Grabe, W., Stoller, F. L, & Vandergrift, L. (2018) Teaching English to second language learners in academic contexts: Reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Routledge.  Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory (MARSI)  Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook  

Does this ever happen to you? You’re listening to music or cooking dinner and all of a sudden you get an idea for one of your classes.  It’s very common for us English language teachers to think about work outside of work. I would even bet that some of our most creative thoughts come from these times! But as exciting and helpful as it can be, sometimes the way work presents itself in our personal time can feel like a burden, maybe even an intrusion. Which is why switching off from work is so important. Tune in to learn five ways you can truly switch off from work.   For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/71-5-ways-to-truly-switch-off-from-work    Resources: Ready to stop putting off the professional development that you really want or need? Get rid of the frustration and guilt by creating a personal PD plan that will help you get the right things done at the right time. Grab your step-by-step PDF guide and three linked Google Docs, and lock in your two 1:1 sessions with me before March 27, 2025 >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/products/personal-pd-plan.    Sign up for my newsletter to get more organizational tips like in today’s episode that will help you live a calmer, more sustainable ELT life >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017    Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook  

What do you need to take (and stay) in control of your to-do list? It’s Day 5 — congratulations! You’ve accomplished a lot this week. To help you maintain the momentum, I’ve got two more factors for you to consider. How you answer today’s questions will determine how well your to-do lists work for you and if they’re stress relieving instead of stress inducing.   Resources: Get the free PDF companion that will guide you as you work through the challenge, giving you space to brainstorm ideas and make decisions. >> https://eltresourceroom.kit.com/3c5da19c88  Instead of missing out on growth opportunities or spending time on things you don’t really need, create a personalized PD plan that’s right for you at this moment in your ELT life. Get the guide and lock in your two 1:1 sessions with me. >> https://eltresourceroom.kit.com/products/personal-pd-plan  Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook  

If your to-do list could be any way you could make it, what would it look like? It’s Day 4, and you get to decide. While there are probably options you’ll want to choose from, your to-do list is yours. How do you want it to be so that it serves you and your English language teaching life in the best way possible?   Free Resource: Get the free PDF companion that will guide you as you work through the challenge, giving you space to brainstorm ideas and make decisions. >> https://eltresourceroom.kit.com/3c5da19c88  Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook  

How many to-do lists do you really need? It’s Day 3, and that means it’s decision making time! Answer these two important questions to help you work more productively.   Free Resource: Get the free PDF companion that will guide you as you work through the challenge, giving you space to brainstorm ideas and make decisions. >> https://eltresourceroom.kit.com/3c5da19c88  Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook  

Want to make your to-do list work for you instead of stressing you out all of the time? It’s Day 2, and we’re going a step further. Let’s think about how your answers to Day 1’s questions impact your English language teaching life — now and in the future.   Free Resource: Get the free PDF companion that will guide you as you work through the challenge, giving you space to brainstorm ideas and make decisions. >> https://eltresourceroom.kit.com/3c5da19c88  Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook  

It’s Day 1 — let’s get started! Listen in for three guiding questions that will help you run a diagnostic on your current to-do list practices.   Free Resource: Get the free PDF companion that will guide you as you work through the challenge, giving you space to brainstorm ideas and make decisions. >> https://eltresourceroom.kit.com/3c5da19c88  Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook  

Do you feel overwhelmed by all the stuff that needs to get done in your English language teaching life? Join me, right here on the podcast, March 3-7, 2025, for the Take Charge of Your To-Do List challenge. Get the details in this short invitation episode and get ready to make your to-do list work for you and not stress you out. (Sounds good, doesn't it?!)   Free Resource: Sign up to get the free PDF that goes along with each day of the challenge here: https://eltresourceroom.kit.com/3c5da19c88 

Have you ever thought to yourself that there has to be a better way? Whether it’s every week or every day, it can feel like there’s always something to be done.  What often follows? The feeling that there’s always something that could be done better. The reality of your English language teaching life is likely this: There will always be a lesson to plan, a course to revise, or an assignment to review. But that reality doesn’t have to mean long hours or striving toward perfection. What I finally decided to say years ago was this: Good enough is enough. This doesn’t mean that you stop doing your best for you students. Instead, it means that you focus on the right things, the better things, at the right time. Join me in this episode to find out how you can make good enough enough in your ELT life.   For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/70-when-good-enough-is-enough-in-english-language-teaching    Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my monthly newsletter to get tips like in today’s episode that will help you live a calmer, more sustainable ELT life >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017    Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook  

Do you want to thrive in your English language teaching life? Learn about the Thrive in ELT podcast and how the practical episodes can help you reduce stress and find more time to breathe by getting organized.   Connect with your host, Heather Johnston: Website LinkedIn Facebook  

Have you ever started a system and then gotten off track? (My hand is up!) We all need a restart every now and again, don’t we? Some are easy, like the ones that tend to come naturally at the beginning of a new term. But others? They can feel like a disruption, a hassle, or even a disappointment. But here are three facts about organizational systems: It’s OK if you put a system in place and it doesn’t work out like you’d hoped. When you discover that a particular system or a part of a system doesn’t work, that can be a really good thing. When you get off track, it doesn’t mean that you’re an unorganized person or that you can’t handle follow-through. It means that your system needs attention. Not so sure about all of this? Then you'll want to check out this episode where I share four steps for getting your organizational systems back on track.    Show Notes: For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/69-four-steps-to-get-your-organizational-systems-back-on-track Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my newsletter to get more organizational tips like in today’s episode that will help you live a calmer, more sustainable ELT life >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017   Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook  

Do you find it a struggle to help your students learn vocabulary?  It’s been a challenge of mine for most of my English language teaching career.  But last semester I discovered a resource that’s helping me change that – all thanks to James Thomas.  VersaText is a free online vocabulary tool that helps language teachers like you and me create text-specific materials and help our students discover new ways of thinking about words. Through the use of a fun yet intentional word cloud, concordance, and word profiler, I’m learning how to systematically help my students learn better. And I have to say, it feels really good. So if vocabulary is one of your topics of interest, or a need like me, listen in to hear James share his knowledge and wisdom about learning and teaching words.  My favorite quote from the episode? “I always think it's like looking at a text through a kaleidoscope.” I’d never thought about a word cloud in this way, but I can see it! Maybe you can too?   For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/68-teaching-vocabulary-and-more-through-text    Resources Mentioned in the Episode: VersaText - The free, online vocabulary tool that James has developed Teaching English through Text - VersaText course for English language teachers (25% discount for the first 50 signups using the coupon code versatext25) Versatile Publisher - James’ website Connect with James on LinkedIn or Facebook   Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my monthly newsletter for more helpful content, including recommended resources like in today's episode, to help you live a calmer, more sustainable ELT life >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017    Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook