Get to Know.... Faith!

• Why did you join the TEd in EAP SIG?

That’s a good question! I’ve always been interested in teacher development and education. Before joining the SIG, I’d completed several courses and qualifications in EAP and broader teaching, and I was always excited to delve into the details of our practice with colleagues. I’ve also always had an interest in web design – I was one of those kids in the late 90s who had their own website, all designed with (terrible!) HTML code, about my favourite TV shows and books. So when the TEd in EAP SIG posted on the BALEAP newsletter that they were looking for a new Web Coordinator, I knew I had to apply.

• What part of the SIG/your work for the SIG do you enjoy most?

Honestly, I enjoy all of it! But that’s not a very good answer, so…. I think I enjoy the meetings the most, which isn’t something I would normally say! But our meetings are very collaborative, and it’s wonderful to work with such a friendly and welcoming team. There is so much experience in the TEd in EAP SIG, I feel like I am getting my own personal webinar every time!

• What’s something you would really like to do related to the SIG?

I think it would be really good fun for us to run our own conference! We’ve been part of lots of conferences, including, most recently, Queen Mary University London's Slow PIM on professional development. But I think it would be a lot of fun to put something on ourselves.

• How did you start your career in EAP?

I think my journey is pretty common, actually. I completed my CELTA and began teaching EFL at private language schools. Then I did my DELTA and an MA in Applied Linguistics and EAP. That allowed me to start working on pre-sessionals and IFPs, which I did for a while as I moved from university to university. After a couple of years, I was lucky enough to get a full-time role as an Academic Writing and Language lecturer. From there, my career has been a mix of good luck and the support of excellent colleagues!

• What is the most important thing someone can do to help their own development/teacher education?

Stay curious and be creative! I think that when one’s been in the same role – especially for a long time – it’s easy to lose curiosity. I remember a conversation I had with a nursing lecturer; they explained that there is a phenomenon in nursing where, after someone has been in the job for a long time, they may forget that something routine for them is potentially new and frightening for their patient. This can lead to poor practice and patient care, not because the nurse doesn’t care about their profession, but simply because they’ve become inured to the routines of hospital life. I think teachers can experience something similar, wherein a subject becomes boring or uninteresting because they’ve taught it so many times. But there is always something new to learn or someone new to meet! Creativity is also very important, and is connected to curiosity. It keeps things fun and interesting for both you and your learners, and can lead to new discoveries and experiences. So I would say, be open, explore, and stay curious!