Thrive in ELT

Heather Johnston
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  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • BIWEEKLY SERIES

What if your English language teaching life was so organized that your systems helped you manage your time, get things done, and thrive in work and life? Know what? It's not impossible. With over 20 years in the teaching and administrative trenches, I know what it's like to have a to-do list a mile long when all you want to do is rest. In each bitesize episode, I'll share quick, practical tips that you can apply right away so you can live a more relaxed, happier, and organized ELT life. Looking forward to talking with you soon. - Heather Johnston

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  1. EPISODE 75

    What I've Learned from Using Checklists

    Who doesn't love a good checklist?! Well, it depends. Generally, I love them. But sometimes, they create more problems than not. (I talk about one experience I've had with that!)  The key is to use them wisely, which means they're better when set up intentionally and sometimes when they're not used at all. Listen in for four things I've learned from using checklists as an English language teacher. I hope that what you hear will inspire, reassure, or encourage you.   For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/75-what-ive-learned-from-using-checklists    Sign up for the 3 Steps to Building Your Thriving ELT Life workshop: It's happening live on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Hope to see you there! https://www.eltresourceroom.com/3-steps     Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my newsletter to get more organizational tips like in today's episode that will help you live the thriving ELT life you're longing for >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017    Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook

    9 min

  2. EPISODE 76

    What It Really Means When Your System Fails

    Imagine that you're the testing coordinator at your school. It's the day before exams, and you've done everything on your checklist... except order the actual tests. No imagination needed here. This is real life for me! What happened next came as a surprise though. After years of working on being kinder to myself, I finally realized something in my head and my heart. It wasn't actually my fault. Yes, I was the one responsible, but it was the way the system was set up that was the problem. If you've ever beaten yourself up over a mistake of any size in your English language teaching life, then this episode is for you. Listen in to learn why system failures aren't personal failures and get inspired for making your own system fixes.   For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/76-what-it-really-means-when-your-system-fails    Develop your own Personalized PD Plan: (Available for purchase through Oct. 9. 2025) Tired of setting your sights on professional development and not following through? Create a personalized PD plan with accountability and support to help you focus your efforts and aspirations on the right-for-you opportunities. Sign up to schedule your two 1:1 coaching sessions (Oct. 13-Nov. 22, 2025) >> https://eltresourceroom.kit.com/products/personal-pd-plan  Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my newsletter to get more organizational tips like in today's episode that will help you build the thriving ELT life you're longing for >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017  Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook

    9 min

  3. EPISODE 77

    Batching as a Teacher: Is It Even Possible?

    Ever feel like you're constantly jumping from task to task? Planning one class… grading a few papers… checking email… then back to planning another class?   Thank goodness there's a better way! Batching your work (grouping similar tasks together) helps you get and stay focused and get more done with less stress. In this episode, I share how I batch three key areas of my teaching life: lesson planning, grading, and administrative tasks. You'll hear what works for me, like my Wednesday lesson planning routine, and get practical ideas for finding your own batching system. If your schedule feels chaotic or you're tired of feeling scattered, this episode will help you think about how to get more done without adding to your workload. Ready to discover how batching can make life easier for your ELT life?   For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/77-batching-as-a-teacher-is-it-even-possible    Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my newsletter to get more organizational tips like in today's episode that will help you build the thriving ELT life you're longing for >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017  Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook

    9 min

  4. EPISODE 78

    Learning from a Teacher Who Taught 100 Years Ago

    Ever been inspired by a teacher who taught 100 years ago? I have to say that it's a new one for me! In this episode I'm reviewing "The Thread That Runs So True" by Jesse Stuart. Surprisingly, this 1949 autobiography of a Kentucky mountain school teacher impacted me more than I expected. What struck me most: Stuart's experiences are extremely relatable. (Maybe you haven't been able to sleep at night either because you're trying to figure out how to help your beginner students?!) He valued people – his students, his teachers, the community in which he taught, and himself. He wanted his students to learn but not just facts and figures. Learning also included responsibility, respect, and relationship. Despite the century between us, his struggles and joys as an educator feel very present. And his story reminded me why I teach — not just to cover pronunciation rules and vocabulary but to build confidence, create meaningful connections, and help students express their true selves. My biggest takeaway? I'm on the right path. And after 20+ years of teaching, that validation from across a century means a lot. Listen in to hear about Stuart's leadership qualities, his surprising teaching philosophy, and why this book belongs on every English language teacher's reading list.   For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/78-learning-from-a-teacher-who-taught-100-years-ago    Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my newsletter to get organizational tips that will help you build the thriving ELT life you're longing for >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017  Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook

    10 min

  5. EPISODE 79

    Sharing Ideas in English Language Teaching: Writing Journal Reviews

    Every English language teacher has something worth sharing. Even you! If you've ever thought your teaching insights weren't "publishable" (Yep, thought it myself.), the newest Thrive in ELT podcast episode will quickly change your mind. Michele C. Guerrini, the Reviews Editor for TESOL SPAIN, walks you through the process involved in writing a journal review. In this conversation, we explore:  ▪️What types of ideas are worth sharing (Hint: There are more than you think!)  ▪️ How to write your journal review  ▪️ Why sharing your work benefits you as much as your peers  ▪️ Practical tips for making time to write (even when you're busy) Ready to see how you can contribute to the ELT community and grow professionally? Listen in and turn your ideas into action.   For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/79-sharing-ideas-in-english-language-teaching-writing-journal-reviews    Connect with Michele: Send Michele an email, proposing a review for TESOL SPAIN:  tesolspainreviews@gmail.com  Take a look at previous reviews in TESOL SPAIN: https://www.tesol-spain.org/en/news/8/reviews.html (Choose a date and then click the orange Read the reviews here link underneath the image to access the issue.)   Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my newsletter to get organizational tips that will help you build the thriving ELT life you're longing for >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017  Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook

    22 min

  6. EPISODE 80

    4 Tools I Continue Using Because They Keep Me Organized

    Want a more organized teaching life without overcomplicating things? Spoiler: The best tools are often the simplest. In this episode, I'm sharing four tools that have become mainstays in my ELT life. They're simple, they work, and some I've been using for over a decade. A tiered file sorter for class materials A desk caddy for supplies Google Calendar for time-sensitive tasks Trello for organizing digital resources The common thread: They keep me organized so I can focus on teaching. Are any of these on your essential tools list too?   For full show notes of this episode, visit https://www.eltresourceroom.com/podcast/80-4-tools-i-continue-using-because-they-keep-me-organized  Stay up to date with the podcast and more: Sign up for my newsletter to get more organizational tips like in today's episode that will help you build the thriving ELT life you're longing for >> https://eltresourceroom.ck.page/a29bcd1017  Connect with Heather: Website LinkedIn Facebook

    8 min
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About

What if your English language teaching life was so organized that your systems helped you manage your time, get things done, and thrive in work and life? Know what? It's not impossible. With over 20 years in the teaching and administrative trenches, I know what it's like to have a to-do list a mile long when all you want to do is rest. In each bitesize episode, I'll share quick, practical tips that you can apply right away so you can live a more relaxed, happier, and organized ELT life. Looking forward to talking with you soon. - Heather Johnston

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Johnston
  • Episodes
    80
  • Seasons
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ELT Resource Room
  • Show Website
    Thrive in ELT