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Recording date: April 25, 2021 Guest: Melanie Johnson, Los Angeles and Amy Swanson, Chicago Synopsis: Oh boy! What a season! We decided to wrap up our first season of Talk to Us @BounceEnglish with another two part episode. In Part 2, we reflect on the amazing discussions we had during season 1. We talk about what surprised us, cool things we learned and discuss some of Melanie’s techniques for teaching online. We discuss equity in ELT and get candid about salaries and compensation, career paths, and why being “replaceable” can sometimes be a good thing. We chat a bit more about Covid-19 and what’s next for BounceEnglish and for Season 2 of Talk to Us @BounceEnglish. We hope you enjoy and we’ll see you next season!  Miss us already? Check out some of our YouTube content! 5 Tips for Online Teaching: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxcmnJ-pt5fo2RlzCV7xw BounceEnglish Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnxcmnJ-pt5fo2RlzCV7xw/featured Need some summer reading? Check out Jeffrey Miller’s book: The Day the Earth Swallowed Louis Available at Amazon

Check out our Talk to Us @BounceEnglish Season 1 playlist in Spotify! Here is the link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2xdjadUVmcLkonmYikLy55?si=614dfd7c5b3a48d5 Or you can search Spotify for BounceEnglish (one word) and you should see the Talk to Us @BounceEnglish Season 1 playlist. We hope you enjoy and will have a new episode next week.

Recording date: April 1, 2021 Guest: Melanie Johnson, Los Angeles and Amy Swanson, Chicago Synopsis: Oh boy! What a season! We decided to wrap up our first season of Talk to Us @BounceEnglish with another two part episode. In Part 1, we share our origin stories! As Mel says, “What’s our deal?” Well, we have been friends for almost 30 years. We talk about how we met, the highs and lows of the past 30 years and how each of our lives intersected with English Language Teaching. There are a lot of laughs and memories that we are so happy to share. AND Amy finally learns the word “Precacity”.  Also - we had so much fun naming the episodes with song titles and lyrics, we made a Spotify playlist! Check it out at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2xdjadUVmcLkonmYikLy55?si=614dfd7c5b3a48d5

Recording date: February 22, 2021 Guest: Jeffrey Miller, Seoul Synopsis: We have a two part episode with guest Jeffrey Miller, who has been living and teaching English in South Korea for almost 30 years. In part 1, we hear about what led Jeffrey to teaching English and brought him to Seoul. We discuss the many ways in which the culture of English teaching has evolved, from the “cowboy” days of the 1990s to the industry of today. In part 2 of the interview, Amy and Jeffrey discuss the impact that the pandemic has had on his children and students. We discuss how the ESL market in South Korea has changed over the years, from the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997 to market saturation of the 2000s to today. And, Jeffrey is an author! Check out the link to his book below. He’s currently working on his memoirs of teaching English in South Korea. Links: The Day the Earth Swallowed Louis Available at Amazon

Recording date: February 22, 2021 Guest: Jeffrey Miller, Seoul Synopsis: We have a two part episode with guest Jeffrey Miller, who has been living and teaching English in South Korea for almost 30 years. In part 1, we hear about what led Jeffrey to teaching English and brought him to Seoul. We discuss the many ways in which the culture of English teaching has evolved, from the “cowboy” days of the 1990s to the industry of today. In part 2 of the interview, Amy and Jeffrey discuss the impact that the pandemic has had on his children and students. We discuss how the ESL market in South Korea has changed over the years, from the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997 to market saturation of the 2000s to today. And, Jeffrey is an author! Check out the link to his book below. He’s currently working on his memoirs of teaching English in South Korea. Links: The Day the Earth Swallowed Louis Available at Amazon

This week, we have a bonus episode from our 2020 Teachathon. This discussion was presented by Julie Butters (who you might remember from episode six) and Emma McCarthy and in it, they discuss a 2015 study that Emma was involved in regarding dealing with sensitive cultural issues in the classroom. They introduce the theory behind teachers' attitudes towards dealing with sensitive issues in the classroom and give some practical examples of incorporating social justice issues in the classroom to promote transformative learning.  You can also watch the video of this presentation on our YouTube channel, which includes a beautiful presentation that accompanies discussion.  Link: https://youtu.be/kM7-pv1_EcE Mel and I both this is an very interesting and important topic, so we hope you enjoy it! Check back next week when we will have a brand new episode of Talk to Us @Bounce English! You’re the best!

Recording date: December 23, 2020 Guest: Beth Butterfield, Rabat Synopsis: In this episode, we get a chance to catch up with long time friend, Beth Butterfield. Beth discusses her road to teaching English as a Second Language and how it took her to beautiful Morocco, where she currently lives and teaches. We discuss the good and bad in American Charter Schools and whether hybrid learning model (where students spend part of the week in person lessons and part of the week in online lessons) or offering separate programs for in person or virtual learning best serves students. Beth shares her thoughts on living in Rabat, the capital of Morocco and its wonderful culture (we can’t wait to visit!) And, we get to hear a new use for the word “Cohorts”. Check it out! Links: https://thewellplantedlife.com/ https://www.ras.ma/ https://www.voa.org/children-youth-and-families Produced by Melanie Johnson and Amy Swanson for BounceEnglish Edited by Amy Swanson Theme Song “Let’s Keep in Touch” by John Swanson (Amy’s big brother!)

Recording date: January 7, 2021 Guest: Liliana Arrias Orrego, Medellin, Colombia Synopsis: This week we talk with Liliana Arrias Orrego, the Children and Youth Program Academic Coordinator at the Colombo Americano school in Medellin, Colombia. This was such a joyful conversation with Lili, who brings some new perspectives about English Language teaching as English is her second language. She discusses some of her life lessons as a mother and teacher, the power of the teacher and struggles parents have had with online learning. We also discuss the pressure of learning English for non-native speakers, how important motivation is to learning, and the importance of making virtual learning meaningful for all students, no matter what their age. Produced by Melanie Johnson and Amy Swanson for BounceEnglish Edited by Amy Swanson Theme Song “Let’s Keep in Touch” by John Swanson (Amy’s big brother!)

This week we have a special bonus episode for you. We are sharing a presentation that Melanie originally did in June 2020 called "Where are we now? Managing Changes in Uncertain Times".  In this episode, Melanie Johnson will discuss how trauma can impact the classroom or workplace (in person or online).  She will share some techniques for managing uncertainty and mitigating its potential impact on all of our lives - as educators, professionals and individuals. Full video: https://youtu.be/JTN6WqL7wlU Check back with us next week for an all new episode of Talk to Us @BounceEnglish. --------------------------------- Produced by Melanie Johnson and Amy Swanson for BounceEnglish Edited by Amy Swanson Theme Song “Let’s Keep in Touched” by John Swanson (Amy’s big brother!)  

Recording date: December 9, 2020 Guest: Fi Aish and Jo Tomlinson Synopsis: In this week’s episode, we talk with the founders of Target English, Fi Aish and Jo Tomlinson. Fi and Jo are experts in creating materials and tests for English Language Training and IELTS exam preparation. We talk with Jo and Fi about the transition from teaching to starting their own business and some lessons they have learned as language material and assessment consultants. We discuss the future of English Language assessments and testing in the “new normal” of online teaching. We also chat about the impact of Covid-19 and (gasp!) its positive impact in their day to day work life. Links: https://www.target-english.eu/ Produced by Melanie Johnson and Amy Swanson for BounceEnglish Edited by Amy Swanson Theme Song “Let’s Keep in Touched” by John Swanson (Amy’s big brother!)

Recording date: December 16, 2020 Guest: Joy MacFarland, Boston Synopsis: Need a shot of hope and inspiration? Well, you’re in luck because this episode has both, thanks to our amazing guest, Joy MacFarland. A former English Language Teacher, Joy now works in ELT publishing and promotes collaboration within the ESL industry (even with, gasp, competitors!) through her love of conferences! We discuss the impending challenge of enticing qualified teachers back to the classroom after getting “real jobs” because of Covid-19.  And we talk about how Language Learning can change the world, one student at a time. We also get a chance to hear Joy use one of our favorite new quotes, “We’re a huggy industry.” Links: https://www.englishusa.org/ https://www.matsol.org/ https://eltngl.com/

Recording date: December 16, 2020 Guests: Jo McVey, London and Julie Butters, Cork Synopsis: It’s double the fun as we talk with veteran English Language Teachers Jo McVey and Julie Butters. We discuss their different career paths in English Language Teaching. We explore the delayed emotional toll many teachers faced after the rapid transition to online teaching and the road back to Wellness during the continued lockdowns.  We also chat about the good and bad of academic language training and the future of the English Language Teaching industry. Links:  https://eapinireland.org/ https://englishusapdc2021.org/ Produced by Melanie Johnson and Amy Swanson for BounceEnglish Edited by Amy Swanson Theme Song “Let’s Keep in Touched” by John Swanson (Amy’s big brother!)

Recording date: January 28, 2021 Guest: Amanda Bradford, Kunshan Synopsis: Looking for some light at the end of this Covid tunnel? Well, Amanda Bradford is the person to talk to! Join us for this wonderful conversation with Amanda about her experiences teaching at a Chinese university when, just one year ago, the Covid-19 hit. She shares her thoughts on how online learning will change in the future and about how, now that she is back teaching in the classroom, she and her students have come to appreciate the value of face to face classes. We also discuss how the future of international travel may change. Join us for this first person account of getting back to “normal” and her hope for the future in the West. Links:  https://dukekunshan.edu.cn/en Produced by Melanie Johnson and Amy Swanson for BounceEnglish Edited by Amy Swanson Theme Song “Let’s Keep in Touched” by John Swanson (Amy’s big brother!)

Recording date: December 22, 2020 Guest: Caroline McKinnon, New York City Synopsis: We are so excited to talk with Caroline McKinnon, an incredible person and an incredible teacher, who is universally ADORED by her students and colleagues. Caroline has travelled and worked all over the world, and put together a phenomenal career. She's currently the Director of Courses at Rennert International in New York City, and Director of FeLTNYC, an all volunteer organization founded to help asylum seekers in New York City learn English in a very challenging time for immigrants to the United States. In this episode, Caroline has lots of interesting things to say about how FeLTNYC grew during the pandemic and the future of English Language Teaching. Links: https://www.feltnyc.org/ https://www.rennert.com/ https://www.englishusa.org/page/2021PDC

Recording date: December 9, 2020 Guest: John Laing, Sydney Synopsis: John Laing is a veteran English language teacher whose career has taken him from Australia, to Japan to the Middle East and back home to Oz. He has a reputation for being a source of positivity and fun in the classroom and a beloved teacher by his many students. Join us as we talk with John about life in Australia during Covid, its impact on the English Language Training industry in that country and his thoughts on the future of English Language Industry in Australia. Produced by Melanie Johnson and Amy Swanson for BounceEnglish Edited by Amy Swanson Theme Song “Let’s Keep in Touched” by John Swanson (Amy’s big brother!)

Recording date: December 6, 2020. Guest: Chris Griffiths, Dubai Synopsis: In this episode, we talk with the wonderful Chris Griffiths about living and working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), language localization for English training materials in the Middle East and his experiences living in Dubai during the time of Covid. Produced by Melanie Johnson and Amy Swanson for BounceEnglish Edited by Amy Swanson Theme Song “Let’s Keep in Touched” by John Swanson (Amy’s big brother!)

Recording date: December 2, 2020 Guest:  Anne Crutchfield, Los Angeles Synopsis: In this episode, we talk with Dr. Anne Cruchfield about her experiences starting her own English Language Teaching business based in Los Angeles. We discuss entrepreneurship in this English Language industry, the transition to teaching English online and her thoughts on the future of English Language Teaching in a post-Covid world. Oh - and how Anne is living her dream by taking the leap to start her own business!  Episode correction: the name of Anne’s business is LA English Tutor. Links: https://www.laenglishtutor.com/ Produced by Melanie Johnson and Amy Swanson for BounceEnglish Edited by Amy Swanson Theme Song “Let’s Keep in Touch” by John Swanson (Amy’s big brother!)  

In this season, we talk with guests about the impact of Covid-19 and new technology on the future of teaching, education and learning. And our first season is all about ESL, Baby! That’s English as a Second Language for the uninitiated. Or third language or forth language!