Teacher feature is a regular column in the NATE magazine. Here is my recent contribution where I had to the honour of being the Featured Teacher!
The Books
My summer reading was a mixed bag. Barbara Kingsolver‘s ‘The Poisonwood Bible’, is one if my favourite novels, so I embarked on ‘Unsheltered’ with relish. I really wanted to enjoy this more than I did. Interesting concepts- the 19th Century narrative is Darwinism V Religion with some feminism thrown in. The 21st Century narrative is Capitalism V Sustainability mixed with middle age angst. Ultimately, I found the alternative narrative from one era to the other hard work – like starting a new book every time there was a new chapter. Personally, I would have preferred two different novels- or a more straightforward structure. So, I am glad I read it, but in my opinion, it is not even close to ‘The Poisonwood Bible’. If you have never read Kingsolver, read ‘The Poisonwood Bible’!
‘Washington Black’ By Esi Edugyan has an engaging opening – but it was a slog to finish. My biggest issue was that the unnecessarily pretentious use of language obscured what could have been an interesting plot. I finished it, but in many respects, I wish I had not bothered. I am genuinely shocked this won the Man Booker Prize. The beautiful cover is the best thing about this novel.
‘The Silence of the Girls’ by Pat Barker
‘The Silence of the Girls’ by Pat Barker was my favourite summer read. It tells part of The Iliad from the point of view of Briseis. This was a remarkable novel that was engaging and thoughtful. In telling Briseis’s story the novel becomes a survival guide for all women. A five stars from me – a must read!
Following on with the Greek theme – Epidaurus
Following on with the Greek theme, my most recent theatrical experience was to see the production of ‘Electra & Orestes’ at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus as part of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival Programme for 2019. It was a collaborative project between the Athens & Epidaurus Festival and Comédie-Française. It was absolutely brilliant. They used the traditional, actual forest as a backdrop. A sea of mud provided the stage – as a symbol of how low Electra had fallen. The percussion of drums and cymbals created the mood, and the lighting enhanced the drama. I must confess, I also dragged my husband and my teenage children along. My 16-year-old son, sat through nearly three hours of action on a stone seat watching a play in French with Greek and English subtitles – and admitted it was ‘Alright’. High praise indeed! Even the teenagers had to admit is was an amazing experience. I know it is a long shot – but if you ever visit Athens, Epidaurus is well worth the trip. Nothing can truly compare to seeing Greek Tragedy in such a setting. Remember, if you do go, take a cushion!
The Spare Time
In my younger days I always loved sport – but had always steadfastly refused to go to the gym. One of my friends recently changed careers and trained as a Personal Trainer – and as I talked her into this, I felt obliged to become one of her victims. It has been a revelation. Teaching is so busy; I find that it is the plans for exercise that go first when there is marking and planning to be done. Having a PT means that you are booked in at a time that is convenient to you – and there is no escape! I also train so much harder when someone is standing next to you making you do things you would NEVER do left to your own devices. Go on, give it a go – you may even enjoy it!
The Teaching
Over the 25 years that I have been involved in teaching there have been some dramatic changes; especially for English teachers. We are always at the front line when it comes to implementing yet another new strategy. NATE has always provided me with a voice of reason throughout the many changes. The ideology of NATE underpins all of my teaching and approaches, it gives a heart to what could be a lonely political road. If you have not joined us yet, take the time to do so. We need as many people as possible to unite and fight for our subject. We need to reclaim it and ensure it regains the status is truly deserves.