Gerhard Erasmus

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Gerhard Erasmus started blogging for Pavilion ELT in December 2019. He moved over to blog for the new look Modern English Teacher in January 2022 where he will continue to write about teaching and management issues, ways to teach pronunciation and other teaching/teacher training techniques. Gerhard has been involved in ELT management since 2006 as senior teacher, academic manager, and director of studies. He is currently based in Taiwan where he is Director of Studies and Course Director at a language school and teacher training centre. He is also a Trinity Certificate TESOL, TYLEC, and Trinity Diploma TESOL tutor. Alongside all of this, Gerhard is Coordinator of IATEFL LAMSIG (Leadership and Management Special Interest Group) and draws lots of his inspiration from the connections he has built with managers and leaders in ELT from across the globe. His management interests involve learning and development of managers, specifically those starting their careers as teachers, and it is also the focus of his current Educational Doctorate studies.

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The customer isn’t always right

Is the customer always right? And what does this mean for schools and managers? Here, Gerhard Erasmus explores why the customer actually isn’t always right, and instead puts the focus on being a student-centred organisation.

TPRS and how we use storytelling

The idea that comprehensible input is a key component of language acquisition is almost universally accepted by language teachers. Here, Gerhard Erasmus looks at how to use storytelling as a basis for comprehensible input, alongside examples of how he uses it in his school.

The man who planted trees

We often wonder if what we do has any effect. Sometimes we get positive feedback, but often we don’t. Here, Gerhard Erasmus looks at the story ‘The man who planted trees’ and draws out some useful lessons for teachers.

IATEFL 2024: Two months on

Immediately after IATEFL each year, the internet is full of reflections on IATEFL. However, this year Gerhard Erasmus decided to wait two months before reflecting, so that he could think about the effect that IATEFL has had on his school and his practice.

Teacher recruitment and retention – A reflection on the LAMSIG PCE

One of the highlights of the year for those who can attend is the annual IATEFL conference. Here, Gerhard Erasmus reflects on the LAMSIG PCE. The theme of the day was teacher recruitment and retention with Andy Hockley and Silvana Richardson.

The climate crisis – What can educators and school leaders do?

Educators and school leaders have a responsibility to work towards a bright future for their students. That future will not exist without a sustainable planet. But what can we actually do? Gerhard Erasmus explores a few practical ideas to get you started thinking about the climate crisis and implementing sustainability actions.

Is a CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL really still necessary – Part 2

The CELTA and the Trinity CertTESOL have often been considered the ‘gold standard’ in ELT teaching. But is that still the case? In the second of two blogs, Gerhard Erasmus looks at them from an organisation’s point of view, and highlights some of the responsibilities we have towards newly qualified teachers.

Is a CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL really still necessary – Part 1

It has long been said that the CELTA and the Trinity CertTESOL are the ‘gold standards’ in ELT teaching. But is that still the case? In the first of two blogs, Gerhard Erasmus considers whether these qualifications still hold value for teachers, whilst Part 2 will explore whether they still hold value for organisations.

Global Voices: A short story describing a South African teacher’s unique experience

The author shares his experiences of teaching and training

I am just one person – Said 7 billion people

We often feel disempowered because it feels like as individuals, we can have very little impact. Here, Gerhard Erasmus challenges that thinking with his own personal reflections, and gives practical suggestions of how educators can get involved within their local communities.

Poems, poetry, poetic and poets – Project

The world has sadly lost two excellent poets in the last few weeks. Here, Gerhard Erasmus looks at how poetry can help with language expression, explores how to help students write poetry, and ends with a poem as a memory of one of the lost poets.

If I wanted it done my way, I would have done it myself

There is nothing wrong with being a perfectionist, but sometimes, it can hinder the development of those around you. Here, Gerhard Erasmus looks at why, and suggests that instead of striving for perfection, we should consider the role of reflection in improving and developing.

How to win friends and influence teachers

It can be very easy to disconnect from the teachers you manage when the pressure is on. Gerhard Erasmus looks at how to utilise relationship building skills to get the best out of your staff through relationship building.

Finding your ‘why’

There are many heartwarming and motivational stories about the effects teachers can have on their learners. But, what happens if you don’t have a special story to tell? What effect can you have then? Read on to find out how you are still making a massive difference, and in doing so, how you can find your ‘why.’

Where to start when there is so much information

Professional development is a key aspect of teacher learning, but with the vast number of online resources, articles, books, blogs, magazines, webinars, and courses; it is almost impossible to know where to start and how to continue without being overwhelmed. So, how can you structure your learning to overcome this? Read on to find out.
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