Local professional development opportunities
Please note that the listings here are for informational purposes only. CESL does not endorse any particular listings.
Local References and Information
Further Educational Opportunities
Using the Internet to Teach
- 1-language.com - free, comprehensive ESL site including forums, real time chat, jobs, grammar, helpline, multi-lingual content and much more
- American English - United State Department of State website for language teachers and learners
- British Council's LearnEnglish - gain access to teacher networks and professional development communities
- British Council's TeachingEnglish - tips, suggestions and teaching materials for ELT classrooms; advice on managing class, exploiting materials with games and activities
- BBC's Skillswise - a site containing factsheets, worksheets, quizzes and games
- Breaking News English - a site with current news articles and activities at different levels
- Custom Writing Resources - a site containing resources for writing, listening, and grammar
- English Club - everything from job openings and continuing development to lesson plans
- ESL Active - free ESL activities
- Grammar Education Resource Guide - a thorough grammar guide for ESL/EFL teachers
- Guidelines for Designing a Good ESL Website - website design for ESL teachers
- IvyPanda: website with resources for teachers and students as well as a blog with teaching ideas.
- Kathy Schrock - website evaluation and integration
- Mark's ESL World - general ESL information about teaching, practicing and jobs
- Movie Segments to Assess Grammar Goals - movie segments recommendations for ESL classrooms
- Penguin Readers - a variety of books at different levels with teacher's notes including background about the author and the text, summary of the book, classroom ideas for discussion, and group activities
- Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab - audio and video for all English levels, including pre-/post-listening activities
- Student Training and Education in Public Service - apps, quizzes, and resources for students, teachers, and parents
- University of Iowa's Phonetics Libraries - practice and compare English and Spanish phonetics
- ESL Resources for Classroom Teachers - list of links and activities
Bibliographic Citations
Dictionaries
Reference materials
ESL Megasites for Teachers
ESL Writing Sites
Newspapers with Educational Components
Professional Organizations
Research and Articles on Education and ESL
Virtual Libraries
Tips for finding reputable employers abroad
From reverseretrograde.com
- The application and interview process is well-organized and runs smoothly and professionally
- They give you adequate time to make your arrangements (be wary if they are rushing you to come)
- They give good visa/immigration advice and support (stay away from places that do not seem to know or that advise things that are usually illegal, like coming to work on a tourist visa)
- They pay you through standard means (checks, electronic deposits, etc.) and provide information on paying taxes (stay away if they want to pay cash only or seem to be avoiding taxes)
- They compensate you fairly and don't expect you to pay them (you should not be paying them any "fees" if they are employing you)
- Good signs when you arrive:
- The accommodations and arrangements are the way they promised they would be (watch out of the arrangement suddenly seems different)
- They provide you a health insurance card if they indicated that health insurance is part of the job (they should give you a card and all the needed information to use your health insurance)
- They follow through on promises, such as finding housing, paying bills, etc. (be wary if they backtrack on their promises after you arrive)
- They have clear and fair employment procedures and practices (the company has an HR department, they don't demand you work overtime or do work outside your contract, etc.)
- If they need your passport/visa after you arrive, they explain why and when they will return it, and return it promptly (if they want to take your passport for unexplained reasons and won't return it, go to your embassy right away)
