Anna Zhulinska

My Ways

       I have been teaching English for 10 years now. Quite an anniversary! When I started my career ten years ago I already had higher education and felt a part of the ELT world. But it is only now that I have realized I have something to share – not only being part of this world, but also being one of those committed people who devote their lives to making a real difference to this world. Bare higher education is not enough for this because understanding the students’ characters and needs is vital. This comes with experience. Yes, we as teachers are overloaded with piles of work. However, it is only as long as you enjoy your work that you get the desired result. Otherwise does not make sense.

       When I first came to school I found myself exposed to my senior colleagues’ and principals’ influence. It was of great help: I can listen well. They shared the treasures of their experience. I can’t say how grateful I was to my supervisors and I still am! Time passed by though, and I have understood that following my own path in teaching is much more important than copying the seniors’ styles. The teacher becomes a professional only after they realize they have got their own style – something reflecting their personality, something very special and personal in every lesson, in every teacher-student relationship. Something very dear to heart…

        The teacher takes responsibility. The teacher teaches responsibility. The teacher’s being in love with their subject will smoothly and naturally motivate the students towards getting better results in their studies. Well, it means much but, to me, this is not enough though. Together with our students we share the same community which we wish to develop towards a better future. It is time to act. Out-of-class activities and practicing in their real lives the knowledge our students get in class is vital to their understanding of the importance of their learning outcomes. For this, I have come to think, task-based teaching in class and integraiting in-class and out-of-class activities are indeed the best.