Professional Development

Fulbright has a great opportunity available for all exchange teachers in my program where you can apply for a grant to attend a professional development event in your host country. I knew I definitely wanted to take advantage of this great opportunity, so earlier in the school year I started researching English teacher workshops. When I discovered that the National Association of the Teachers of English was having its annual conference in Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare's birthplace!) I knew I had to go! And so I spent my last weekend in June at the conference, learning lots of new teaching strategies, making some new friends and exploring another new town. Last fall, I briefly came through Stratford-upon-Avon during a day tour trip, but it was only a quick stop, and I'd always wanted to come back for a longer visit. This time, I had quite a weekend, and between the courses and speakers, and the touring and just some down time on my own, I really came home to London feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. It was just what I needed!

The conference as held at the Holiday Inn, which meant I had a nice big room and a huge bed! When I saw my hotel room, I was extra happy I had decided to head to Stratford-upon-Avon on Thursday night after work rather than early Friday morning. An extra night in a big comfy room!

The big statue of Shakespeare with some of his most
well-known characters. Here he is with Lady Macbeth,
whom I got to know quite well this year!

Poor Hamlet, who can never quite figure things out! 

On Friday, my main workshop was about teaching grammar through the use of literature. It was actually meant for primary teachers, but I found that most of the strategies we learned would work really well with high school students. The instructors had us doing lots of active learning, so we were actually participating in the fun activities she demonstrated as if we were the class of young students. At first, it was a little hard to be silly (she had us making funny noises while she read the picture books and even dressing up and acting things out) but then I got into it and just decided to go for it. I actually had a lot of fun and realized that it doesn't really matter how old you are--learning grammar is way more fun when it is done through creative activities!

My main workshop Saturday was about how to integrate the study of literature and language analysis. Again, we did lots of hands on activities, and I feel like I learned several strategies that would work well in my classroom here in the UK and back home in the US.

Some pics during the workshops 

My new friend Anna, who I really enjoyed getting to know over the course
of the weekend. We happened to have signed up for the same main workshops,
and I even bumped into her in a couple of the drop in workshops as well!
It was really nice to make a friend and it made me feel a little more comfortable
at the conference. Anna is also a huge fan of Anne of Green Gables, just like
me, and she is definitely a kindred spirit! 

In between the main workshops, we had seminars and special speakers to attend. The conference also provided us with all our meals and even a fancy dinner with pre-dinner drinks on Saturday night. Of course it wasn't all work; I did find some time to explore Stratford-upon-Avon (which means Stratford on the river Avon) and do some sight seeing, too.

Friday night, I went to see "As You Like It" at the Royal Shakespeare Company's theatre in town. I wasn't very familiar with this play, but I really enjoyed it! I ended up with a front row seat, which was really incredible. I could see every facial expressions on the actors' faces--I could even see how much they spit when they said their lines with such passion! The show was really cleverly done, with modern costuming (it had a sort of hobo-hippie-festival-chic look) and even some great live music, which the actors performed themselves. The whole production was fun and engaging, and I'm so glad I went!

The Royal Shakespeare Company's theatre

The view from my front row seat!

For fun on Saturday, I wandered around town, checked out the market, and did a little shopping. One of my favorite things about Stratford-upon-Avon is how many Shakespeare-themed establishments there are. Here are just a few:

Finally on Sunday after the workshop sessions in the morning I went to Shakespeare's birthplace and toured the house. Then I walked about a half hour out of town to go see Anne Hathaway's cottage. Hathaway was Shakespeare's wife, and her family home is really lovely, which an amazing English garden.

Outside of the home where Shakespeare was born.

In the yard of Shakespeare's house.

A performer in the back yard of Shakespeare's house.

This is one of the original windows where pilgrims who travelled to see
Shakespeare's home would sign their names.

This was probably the room where Shakespeare was born, and this furniture
is set up to look like it probably did.

Along my walk to Anne Hathaway's cottage.

I really loved seeing all the amazing English country homes along the way as I walked to Anne Hathaway's cottage. Here are a few of my favorite homes:

Anne Hathaway's cottage

Anne Hathaway's cottage

On the way back to town, I stopped in at the church where Shakespeare is buried.

Shakespeare's grave 

An original, first edition King James Bible!

Canal boats along the river Avon

The cutest ice cream truck ever!

I thought these scooters were really sweet

Me in front of the river Avon, getting ready to head back to the train station.

 By the time I was ready to catch my train back to London I was plumb tuckered out. In fact, I fell asleep on the train almost immediately! But as tired as I was, when I arrived back home, I actually felt refreshed. The whole weekend made me remember how special this year is, and it was a good reminder to take in each new experience with as much enthusiasm as I had at the beginning of the year.