Motivating Teachers to attempt Innovation: Schools helping teachers develop

Maria-Araxi Sachpazian [BA edu/RSA dip/TELF]

Innovation
The most needed component of change Attempting innovation whithin the range of our abilities

means we keep exploring

When we keep exploring we stay motivated,

therefore we maintain our fire for teaching.

Motivation
To attempt innovation, teachers need to be motivated. Motivation comes from within us, but is also contingent on the support we receive from the teaching staff and the administration of our school. The role of the school owner/director of studies is crucial in motivating the staff and setting standards. Thats why in some schools, attempting innovation becomes a culture. Motivation is what keeps us exploring....

Education
What is the necessary minimum teacher education? How can we ensure that certain requirements are met when teachers are hired? Does teacher education ever stop and how is it linked to CPD (continuous professional development)? Has the financial cricis affected this? Does CPD and teacher education depend on money only?

If CPD / Teacher education stop what does that bring on?

The financial crisis and the Greek Foreign Language Schools

The here and now of the Greek Foreign Language Education is not particularly bright, or so it seems to the naked eye. In the recent years, mainly due to the financial crisis, professionals have started thinking of innovation as a luxury. Soon, education seems a luxury too and nobody is motivated enough to explore anything.

The question is can we keep afloat like this?

The question that follows is: is it worth the effort to stay in business if what we do is just leafing through workbooks and assigning homework? If we actually do that, how will our work stand out in comparison to that of our competitors?

This session aims

To examine the current situation. Shed light on various layers of misconceptions which are related with the issues of supporting teachers and motivating the teaching staff. Offer practical suggestions that can be applied from the following day in any private language school without forcing the administration to spend more money. To make us feel that we should not aim to merely survive but to achieve greatness, even in the time of gloom and doom.

Get Involved!
Join Maria- Araxi Sachpazian on Saturday, March 30th 19:30 20:15

during the 34th Annual International Convention of TESOL Greece

to discuss why teachers will soon stop developing and what responsible professionals (teachers & school owners) can do to break that fall. See you all at the Hellenic American Union, 22 Massalias str, Kolonaki

Who is Maria-Araxi Sachpazian

Maria Sachpazian is the co-owner and Academic Director of Input on Eduaction, a company which provides academic and business support services. She is an academic management specialist who has worked as an EFL teacher, Teacher trainer and materials developer.