ELT in Brazil

Because we’ve all been lost at the main hall for half an hour. (right?)

BRAZ-TESOL’s International Conference is coming, the program is out and that means we have got homework to do. Going to an international conference the size of BTIC can be a daunting experience to green conference-goers – at least it was for me when I first joined BRAZ-TESOL some eons ago.

To ease feelings of anxiety and perhaps help guide you in your experience and ensure you make the most of this beautiful, bustling, get-together of teachers, I have decided to put together three quick tips that might facilitate your choice of which talks and workshops to attend.

#1 Choose sessions for the job you have

These are the easiest go-to choices at conferences. These sessions are designed for your niche. If your thing is teaching young learners, find sessions aimed at young learner teachers. By getting more and more experienced at your own craft, you will find that planning and dealing with other aspects of teaching will take less time allowing you more free time to spend with your family, friends, pets, hobbies, and self-development.

Nothing beats becoming more efficient, getting better results, and, in a way, making more money while working less.

#2 Choose sessions for the job you would like to have

These sessions possibly aren’t connected to what you do at the moment but are very much so connected to what you would like to do in the near future. For example, do you dream of working with materials writing? Attend sessions on the topic. It is not only about the content of the session you are going to but the people you might meet there. In order to maximize your chances of networking with someone who holds the keys to the doors you want open, look for workshops instead of talks. Workshops often get teachers to work in groups and being obliged to interact might just be the ice-breaker you are looking for. Oh, and do update your LinkedIn profile before the conference!

Networking is key to career development and should be actively acted on, not left to fate.

#3 Choose sessions that heed the market’s call

These sessions might not be your cup of tea (yet) but they will help you tune in to what the market is playing at the moment. Right now, I get the feeling that Bilingual/multilingual education, Social-Emotional Learning, and the whole Multiverse hullabaloo are the talk of the town.

Attending a couple of sessions on these topics will give you an insight into what’s going on in Brazilian ELT.

#4 Choose the bar where people are going

As an extra-official tip, a reward if you’ve made it this far in this article: go to the happy hours. I cannot stress this enough. Find a pack of teachers (I’ve come to realize that our community is quite embracing of new members) and get together with them for some juice and salad after the closing plenaries.

Bar tables have proven to be quite effective partnership-makers.

I hope you have a wonderful time at the conference this year and, should you see me around, do stop by to say hi! I’m always looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends and colleagues.

P.s.: Attend all plenaries =]

See you there!