ELTcpd

In this episode, we chat to award-winning ELT Author and Trainer John Hughes, and ELT Author and Teacher Trainer, Kath Bilsborough. John and Kath have teamed up to launch an amazing new course, Writing ELT Materials. We discuss what the course entails, who it's designed for, and what you can expect to learn about the process and development of your own ELT materials. We also discuss the best educational events to put in your calendar, as well as predictions for the future of ELT materials. Support the show

In this episode of the ELTcpd podcast, we chat to Nicola Prentis, also known as The Chilled Investor. Nicola breaks down the barrier of talking about money in the ELT industry, and shares why investing your money is so important. We discuss pensions, investment tips, and where you can go to find out more about managing your finances whilst working in ELT. Nicola is an award-winning materials writer who has been in the industry for 20 years. Her interest in investing came about almost by accident when she began looking at her own woeful finances and she now supplements her income through investing and runs a course for beginner investors at www.chilledinvestor.com.Support the show

In this episode, we chat to IELTS specialist and teacher trainer Fatime Losonci. We discuss the sub-skills learners need for IELTS, and why it's crucial to focus on these skills when preparing your learners for their exam. Fatime shares some fun and engaging activities you can use in the classroom and in your materials, and answers the age-old question of how to get a score of 7+ in less than a month. Fatime also shares her top tips and advice for how to improve and develop your IELTS teaching skills. Support the show

In this special episode of the ELTcpd podcast, guest interviewer & VP of IATEFL Aleksandra Popovski interviews the host, Billie Jago. We discuss moving from teaching to freelancing, how to thrive as a freelancer, and Billie shares some super exciting news about the future of ELTcpd.Support the show

In the first episode of our Roles in ELT mini-series,  we chat to freelance author, teacher trainer and consultant Emma Heyderman. We discuss the various responsibilities of an ELT consultant,  the experience required to be effective in the role and how to get into consulting. We also discuss fees, timelines, and why language schools and publishers may require a consultant's services. Support the show

In the final episode of our editing series, we chat to Catherine Zgouras - a teacher, teacher trainer & writer who has worked as a freelance editor and now works for Alef Education as an ELT specialist. We discuss the differences and similarities between freelancing and working in-house, as well as tips and advice for giving constructive feedback to authors. We talk about the differences between editing materials for different age ranges, and how to develop your skills as an ELT editor. Support the show

In the second episode of our editing series, we chat to Noel Smaragdakis - a writer and editor with more than six years of experience in academic publishing and TESOL writing.We discuss the process of editing ELT assessments and test items, as well as the skills and qualities an assessment editor needs.  Noel outlines the differences between editing assessments and academic papers, and how to give constructive editorial feedback. He also shares his thoughts on the future of ELT editing. Noel Smaragdakis has worked as an editor and writer for various international education companies, including Kaplan, Inc., the British Council's EnglishScore, and has produced preparation tests for IELTS (Academic and General) and TOEIC. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In our first episode of 2022, we chat to two experts with extensive ELT editing experience: Karen Spiller, co-founder of ELT Teacher 2 Writer & ELT Publishing Professionals, and Karen White,  co-founder of ELT Teacher 2 Writer. We discuss how to get into editing and what new ELT editors can expect in their role.  Our guest experts share their advice on moving from in-house editing to being freelance, their thoughts on what makes a good ELT editor, and emerging roles within the world of ELT editing.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In this episode, we chat to teacher, teacher trainer and  Coordinator of the IATEFL Materials Writing Special Interest Group (MaWSIG IATEFL), Aleksandra Popovski.We discuss different types of teaching materials and how teachers can create, personalise and deliver their own successful materials. Aleksandra shares her advice and top tips on how teachers can start writing their own materials, what types of activities learners might enjoy, and why it's essential for teachers to consider themselves as materials writers. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In this episode, we speak to ELT author & Teacher Trainer Katherine Bilsborough, who has written over 100 course books and online courses, and is the author of 'How to write Primary Materials' (ELT Teacher 2 Writer). Kath shares her top tips and advice for writing primary materials for both materials writers and teachers, and shares some engaging activities for primary-aged learners. We discuss things to keep in mind when writing and teaching young learners, and where to learn more about writing age-appropriate materials. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In this episode, we speak to ELT materials writer, teacher and IATEFL TDSIG coordinator Tyson Seburn, who has recently released his new book with ELT Teacher 2 Writer, How To Write Inclusive Materials.  We define what inclusive materials are, and discuss different approaches to writing. Tyson gives his top tips and advice for making your materials more inclusive, as well as recommendations of existing  materials, photos sourcing websites and further reading. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In this episode, we speak to award-winning ELT materials writer, teacher trainer and teacher Philip Kerr. Philip defines adaptive learning and gamification, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both. We discuss where adaptive technologies are currently being used, and where they may head in the future of digital ELT. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In this episode, we speak to Ethan Mansur, a teacher & materials writer, and Riccardo Chiappini, a materials writer, teacher & teacher trainer. We break down exactly what mediation is, and discuss the benefits of mediation for learners. Ethan and Riccardo share engaging activities and tasks which both teachers and materials writers can use alongside the CEFR mediating descriptors, and where you can find out more about this ELT Buzzword. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In this episode, we speak to EdTech professional and VR expert Nergiz Kern about using Virtual Reality in both the online and face-to-face classroom. We'll be discussing the three different types of VR and the activities that teachers can do with each, to create an immersive and experiential learning environment. Nergiz shares the steps teachers should take when using VR for the first time, and explains why it's an accessible technology for everyone. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In this episode, we speak to Nik Peachey, Director of Pedagogy at PeacheyPublications, an independent digital publishing company that specialises in the design of digital learning materials. We discuss digital resources to enhance both online and face-to-face classes, the importance of socialisation in the remote classroom, and developing your own digital materials. Nik also shares his thoughts on the future of digital ELT.  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In this episode, we speak to Jarrad Merlo, the Director of Teaching and Learning and co-founder of E2Language and E2School - both fully online language learning platforms. We discuss ways in which to develop and market a successful online ELT business, creating engaging video content for learners, planning & teaching live classes, and the future of ELT. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In this bonus episode of our Teaching to Writing mini-series, we chat to Rachael Roberts, a life, career & business coach for ELT professionals who has worked in the ELT industry for 30 years as a teacher,  teacher trainer & materials writer. We discuss the warning signs of burnout, dealing with imposter syndrome and how to better manage your time, to avoid working from home becoming living at work. Rachael shares suggestions for alternative ways of taking breaks, and her top tips for negotiating fees. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In the third episode of our mini-series of moving from ELT Teaching to Writing, we chat to three ELT superstars at different stages of their career about sustaining a career as a freelancer; Sue Kay - author (Inside Out, Focus) and co-founder of ELT Teacher 2 Writer, Lindsay Warwick - teacher, teacher trainer and materials writer (Gold Experience, Gold, Expert IELTS) and Ethan Mansur - teacher and materials writer (Ready for First Teacher's Book, Activities for Mediation: Building bridges in the ELT classroom). We discuss how to feel part of a freelancer community, how to continue to develop your skills, negotiating fees, and the emotions a freelancer goes through when upcoming work is unknown. We finish our chat with a 'quick-fire' round full of top tips and advice for ELT  freelancers. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In the second episode of our mini-series of moving from ELT Teaching to Writing, we speak to John Hughes, an award-winning  ELT author with over 50 titles, and trainer of materials writers. We discuss how teachers can get noticed by publishers and find writing opportunities, what new writers should know about the publishing process, and the skills and requirements publishers look for in materials writers. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In the first episode of our mini-series on moving from ELT Teaching to Writing, we speak to Harry Waters, founder of Renewable English & Trainer for The ELTon award-winning Pearson and BBC Live Classes project. We discuss how teachers can begin building their network to get noticed in the industry, create and sell their own online courses, and get paid for their  teacher-made materials. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In our third and final episode of our mini-series on Diversity & Inclusion, we speak to the founders of Ideal+, an organisation providing training and support to publishing professionals to create a more inclusive ELT environment.  We discuss LGBTQIA+ and disability representation in ELT coursebooks and assessments, as well as ways to further develop your own awareness of D&I by assessing your own biases. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

In our second episode of our mini-series on Diversity & Inclusion, we speak to James Warwick, a Digital Product Manager for Pearson, who was instrumental in developing their new Race & Ethnicity Guidelines. We discuss diversity in ELT material creation & recruitment strategies, as well as hearing more about the new guidelines. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)

Our first podcast discussion in our mini-series on Diversity & Inclusion is with Laura Broadbent, who is an expert in neurodiversity. We talk about special educational needs in the classroom, activities and resources for teachers, and how to write ELT materials and assessments with neurodiversity in mind. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ELTcpd)