English Teachers Conference 2019

At Conference!

“I have learned that I should not be angry with my students all the time.”

“I’m going to learn my students’ names.”

“I believe now that adults can learn language too.”

“I’m not going to teach one way, but use multiple strategies.”

“I’m going to know my students and teach in a way appropriate to their level.”

“I can use trash to make resources!”

I (Tom) traveled to the big island this weekend to participate in our NGO’s 9th annual English Teachers Conference.  It is always a joy to go to this conference for many reasons—one of them is seen in the quotes above.   After all the sessions and workshops were over, we had a breakout session where we asked the teachers to share some of the things they learned, some of the things they wanted to start doing, some of the things they wanted to stop doing.   The quotes above are all things we heard island teachers say. 

You may not think of them as a big deal, but for many of these teachers, these are “Eureka!” moments that may help to begin transforming their classrooms from dull repetition and shame based/passive education to active, encouraging and fun learning.  It is no small thing to see teachers inspired to do their jobs better.  And this is another wonderful thing about the conference.  As seen from the quotes above, much of what is shared and learned at the English Teachers Conference is very practical.  Much of it is immediately applicable.  There is something exciting about giving tangible help that makes the conference feel important.

Island friends leading session

Another great thing for me personally is seeing old friends grow.  Now in some cases I am talking physically.  Some of these teachers I have known since they were teenagers or unemployed young adults.    Now many of them have grown up, married, found jobs as English teachers, opened their own centers, gone on to teach at the local university, etc.  All of them have grown greatly in their English as well.  It’s exciting to see and hear from them how classes and training sessions that were done years ago (back when we were on the big island) have helped them to achieve the great things they are achieving today.

Tom leading a session at Conference

The conference is a wonderful place for inspiration.  I see it in the faces of young island teachers.  When they see islanders teaching sessions, when they talk to other teachers and hear of their struggles and achievements, you see their faces light up with possibility.  It isn’t just foreigners and native speakers. The idea is sparked in their mind and heart, “I can do this too!”  And that is no small thing.  One of the sessions was more or less a time for teachers to share their English testimonies:  how they struggled, how they overcame, and where they hope to go.  Story after story helped to encourage the younger teachers and the smiles on their faces revealed their encouragement.

Talking about English testimonies makes me think of the final thing the English Teacher Conference does:  It gives me hope.  So many of the things that happen at the English Teacher Conference are the very things we want to see happen in island communities hearing good news.  “Eureka!” moments when the truth becomes clear.  The practical, tangible, applicable ways that good news can transform a community.  The growth and expansion of leaders and groups.  The inspiration from gathering together.  The testimonies of perseverance, hope and victory.  When we see it happen in English, it gives us hope for development and change in all areas of life.  My colleague from the big island, began the conference by telling the teachers, “There are things that we think are true, that hold us back.  We must be careful to search for the truth, for the truth will set you free.”  I know that as he said those words, he meant it for so much more than English teaching.

Discussion group at Tom's session

PRAYERS ANSWERED

We are thankful that the conference went so well and everything went smoothly.  Many teachers attended and enjoyed it immensely.  Tom also got the chance to teach a session unexpectedly when one of the speakers dropped out at the last minute.  He is very thankful that his session went well and was well-received.  We are rejoicing that Ma Imani is back from her medical travels and seems to be in good health.  We thank God for all the people he sent to help her heal..  We are thankful that Elewa’s health continues to improve.

 
PRAYERS REQUESTED
Pray that all the positive relationships encouraged and strengthened by the English Teachers Conference will have long term effects and that many will search for the truth and be set free.  A colleague and future teammate who has struggled with medical issues is hoping to receive clearance to return to the islands today.  Pray that the medical assessor would be able to make wise decisions and that her health truly is improved. Pray for a visitor coming out this week.  May her travels go well and may she be inspired by her time on the islands.   Continue to pray for those new brothers and sisters who have much to learn and need encouragement and pray for the ones who have helped them so far that they will follow through in seeing them grow and grow.