http://eslblogs.englishclub.com/kootvela Who I am, what I do and how much I charge Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:06:35 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The first official week of work has almost passed. This is what I have at the moment: 6 private students who have paid for this month. That means they will attend, hopefully. Then, a couple of lessons at a college in their business studies faculty for evening and distance students. I have also received ... http://eslblogs.englishclub.com/kootvela/2008/09/05/septemeber-rain/ 8:45 a.m. I switch on my mobile and I get an SMS from a friend that a college is looking for teachers of English. 9:00 a.m. I drink my morning coffee and send my CV. 9:15 a.m. I get a call from the college. We arrange a meeting at 12.00. I am officially employed ... http://eslblogs.englishclub.com/kootvela/2008/08/29/only-fools-rush-in/ OKay, so here are some things that happened in my life and which I burn with desire to share. First of all, the school year starts on the 1st September (next Monday) and the demand for state school teachers is evident. The magazine "Veidas" published statistics: Sept.1 2006- full time teachers needed 398, part-time teachers ... http://eslblogs.englishclub.com/kootvela/2008/08/28/amusement-park/ Okay, so here's some briefing about my life for the past couple of days. First, the complaint with the travelling company was placed. They refused to refund but we agreed about a 15% discount for another trip that doesn't exceed 1,000Lt. I find it agreeable. I mean, you pay cheap and you get cheap. Second, ... http://eslblogs.englishclub.com/kootvela/2008/08/23/dammit/ Okay, so last week I had a horrendous trip and I've already written a complaint. I hope to get half of the money back. More info when I have it. But check out that photo here, that's Rundale castle, Latvia. It's gorgeous! Friday was our 'Zoline', the day when people go to church with seeds, ... http://eslblogs.englishclub.com/kootvela/2008/08/18/calm-before-storm/ A couple of weeks ago I was invited for a job interview at one language school that mainly deals with teaching people at government institutions. Last week I went to observe a lesson and ws meant to give a demo one. I bolted. The main reason I thought I'd give it a chance was a ... http://eslblogs.englishclub.com/kootvela/2008/08/14/job-thing/ I hate them. Skipping the part about how useful they are for your own development and quality control, they are a horrific waste of paper and ink. 1. They serve well to compile compromising material on the teacher and serve as a basis for denial in a higher salary. 2. They are given ... http://eslblogs.englishclub.com/kootvela/2008/08/06/on-student-questionnaires/ Well, slowly but forward. I bought a monthly ticket to the gym and it's fantastic! I don't like water but this time the pool is bearable and the jakuzzi is an absolute must. Next week I will go to the training hall and try to work out a bit. It's a bit pity ... http://eslblogs.englishclub.com/kootvela/2008/08/03/holidays-oh-holidays/ News yes: SUMMER BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!! And already getting calls from possible students about September. News no: 1) obligatory pension installment rose by 30lt per month as from today. 2) annual inflation rate is 12%. http://eslblogs.englishclub.com/kootvela/2008/08/01/news-yes-and-news-no/ Next week Monday thru Thursday is my last teaching week this term. Then I intend to have my holidays and do stuff I didn't have time for: language courses, copies of missing pages, gym, cinema, meeting friends, etc. I need to prepare for my lessons (read: make copies) but I am terribly lazy. I ... http://eslblogs.englishclub.com/kootvela/2008/07/27/countdown-to-holidays/