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Elisa Waingort

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A Teacher Musing Out Loud

  • Day #8

    Day #8 No students, yet. As an ESL teacher I spend the first two weeks of school testing and testing some more, meeting and meeting again, setting up lists, and organizing schedules, until finally I can start servicing students. This is my second year as an ESL teacher though I have been in this position… Read more

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  • Summer Reading and Other Ruminations

    If I could read all day, or most of the day anyway, I would. This summer, despite some voluntary and involuntary deadlines, I have found long, uninterrupted spaces for reading. As always, I’m trying to figure out how I can keep the momentum going come September. And, as never before, I am begrudgingly coming to… Read more

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  • Professional Development

    I recently gave a workshop to a room full of teachers, which in this particular venue amounted to 150 educators. First, let me say that I don’t think I have ever given a 2 1/2 hour workshop to a group this size. In fact, I know I haven’t. Although it may appear intimidating to be… Read more

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  • Partner Reading and Content, Too Routine (PRC2)

    I’m a hoarder. There, I’ve said it. I try to deny that I’m a hoarder but it comes back to haunt me every time I move houses, or pack up my classroom at the end of the school year. I have old articles, lesson plans, handouts, folders brimming with teaching ideas, past issues of profesional… Read more

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  • The Gym

    For some people, working out comes easy.They decide on a time in the day that they’re going to exercise.They decide how many days a week they’re going to go running, jogging, swimming or to the gym.And, they pretty much stick to their schedule.They don’t let excuses get in the way.They jump in without looking back.And… Read more

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  • Summer Manifesto

    Tomorrow at noon I will be officially on summer vacation. To say that I am excited to be on break would be an understatement. (See here for an end-of-year reflection where I try to come to terms with my feelings surrounding this very challenging school year.) At the same time, the end of the school… Read more

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  • End of Year Reflection

    I’m trying very hard to finish this year on a positive note. I don’t want to leave for the summer feeling sour and negative. However, when at every turn it feels as if doors get closed faster than they’re opened, it’s not easy. Teaching shouldn’t be so hard. Teachers should be supported in their work… Read more

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  • Twitter

    I think I have begun to understand the power of Twitter. First, a little history. I’ve had a twitter account for several years now and, although I would occasionally tweet or retweet a post, I rarely engaged in much conversation. I was always worried that my tweets weren’t witty enough or correctly written, not to… Read more

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  • Reflections on the past year

    Almost a year ago we relocated to Quito, Ecuador after having spent six years living in Calgary, Alberta. Image from: http://bit.ly/19cIuyP Those six years in Calgary were wonderful; both my husband and I had amazing jobs and we made some good friends while we were there. I could write an entire blog post about the great… Read more

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  • ESL Ruminations #3

    OK. I’m on a roll. I have been energized by thinking and writing about what’s working and what isn’t going so well with my ESL classes. I have enjoyed trying out new routines and activities with my students. I’ve written about some of my ruminations and attempts to improve learning for my students here and… Read more

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