What inspired you to work with GET Academy?
The Academy, for me, is the perfect blend of teaching and Teacher Training. We get to welcome new student teachers and guide and observe them to help them grow and develop into the teachers they are and plan to be. It is a very unique situation because we get to work with so many young learners and this intensive course gives the student teachers the opportunity to hone their skills to work with students of any age throughout the world.
Describe your role as the Academic Director.
My role varies quite a bit, which is exciting. I have been fortunate enough to complete the course myself and then progress with the Academy. I am involved with the programming that we provide at our Project Weeks and Project Days around Austria - I get to plan, trial, implement, and train others in the programming and then see it being realized in schools throughout the country. We observe students in schools become engaged and excited about learning and speaking English.
What is your proudest moment with GET Academy?
Two aspects of the Academy that appeal a lot me are the students in schools here in Austria that we get to work with. Watching their “English brains” work out how to communicate with us even when they don’t have the lexus is incredible and they are so creative. The other side of it is hearing from student teachers who have graduated and moved abroad into teaching roles throughout the world. Hearing how they are implementing what they have learned with us is so rewarding!
After living and teaching in many countries around the world, international experiences are a big part of your story. How do these experiences influence the work that you do and the way you live your life?
Traveling has always been a huge part of my life. My parents supported this when I was younger as well and encouraged me to learn languages and use them when we went abroad. I have observed how many non-native English speakers use their “school-English” to communicate with those who come to their countries.
Can you tell us about the Communicative Language Approach and Active Learning?
Our programming has a heavy focus on both these approaches - our aim in the classroom is to ensure the activities and lessons we provide are giving students opportunities to communicate, as authentically as possible, with us and with each other. Giving students a reason for communication means they are more likely to be engaged and focused and see a purpose for their learning. We also promote tasks and activities to get students up and active when they are learning.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Communicating with the people in the countries you visit - it’s rewarding and also helps you to immerse yourself in the country you are in.
