How my teaching journey began

Hello! I'm Suzanne Blunt, an English literature graduate and seasoned ESL educator with a passion for dynamic and creative teaching. My 20-year journey teaching ESL in a French high school, preceded by a decade of teaching adults in the private sector, has enriched me with diverse experiences, from mainstream classrooms to special education, grades 8 through 11, with a sweet spot for middle school.

Armed with a Bachelor's in TESL and nearing completion of my Masters in Applied Linguistics, I combine time-honored teaching methods with innovative approaches to keep pace with the digital age. With my classroom resonating with vibrant visuals, intriguing videos, thought-provoking games, and yes, even the odd, surprising prop, I strive to capture and sustain the short attention spans of my students in this era of social media and smartphones.

My philosophy is to teach students "how to learn," not just "what to learn," fostering an environment that encourages questioning and cultivates critical thinking. I take pride in making my classroom a safe space for diverse minds - from students with ADHD, aphasia, autism, and dyslexia, to those from a range of ethnic, religious, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

My own journey from a teenager from a broken home to the educator I am today was guided by the profound impact of two remarkable teachers. Their faith in me instilled a love for teaching and the desire to inspire my students the same way. I value the precious feedback from my students, which not only motivates me but also often serves as the inspiration for my lessons and teaching materials.

In this blog, I wish to share the wisdom I've gathered, the strategies I've developed, and the educational materials I've created with both new and experienced educators navigating the exhilarating challenges of teaching. My affinity for the strange and macabre keeps my content interesting and engaging, helping us all keep the classroom enemy - boredom - at bay.

So, join me in this journey as we navigate the fascinating world of ESL teaching together. Here's to making our classrooms vibrant spaces of effective and engaging learning!

Yours Truly,

Suzanne Blunt