Get to Know.... John!

• Why did you join the TEd in EAP SIG?

Why did I join the TEd in EAP SIG? Collaboration, that’s why. It’s so important that we look for ways to share ideas and really LISTEN to what other colleagues are saying. If I can promote those values through TEd in EAP, that would give me great satisfaction.

• What development ‘trick’ can you share with us?

When I did my Master's in TESOL, as an already experienced teacher, I found Schön’s phrase “theorise your practice” really helpful in moving me forward from practice to scholarship, or, in other words, in looking for ways to explain my decision-making. I think that’s really important in Teacher Education.

• How did you start your career in EAP?

I got into EAP after working in the UK education sector and in ESOL in Greece for a fair few years. In a pathway familiar to many, I started by working on summer pre-sessionals, followed by a number of years balancing precarious EAP contracts with other work. I am now in a position where I manage staff on those pre-sessional programmes and hopefully have insights and empathy to offer.

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

We have so much to learn from each other. When I’m at conferences or in conversation with EAP practitioners from outside my institution, I’m constantly surprised by the variety of ways colleagues have for overcoming challenges or developing new approaches. So, reflect, yes, but get out there and make connections with this brilliant community!