English Toolbox Tips

For our last contest, we asked you to give us a rough percentage of how much time you spend teaching General English vs. Business English. The tenth response we received was from Janice B. in Baku, Azerbaijan, who put the mix at around 70% General and 30% Business (Janice wins five free credits!). Averaging the other responses we received, it appears that the breakdown is about 85/15 in favor of General English. Not a scientific survey, but probably pretty close to the norm!

For our next contest, we'd like to know if you are planning to get additional training as an English teacher. For example, are you considering getting a CELTA certificate from an accredited teacher training school, or even a graduate degree in linguistics from an online or bricks-and-mortar university? Or do you think it's totally unnecessary? The best answer will get the sender five free English Toolbox credits, even if s/he does not currently subscribe. Send your contributions to info@englishtoolbox.com by 31 March.

American EFL teacher Bill Kapoun died this week a few days after suffering severe burns when his Seoul apartment caught fire. Because of his part-time status in Korea, he had no insurance, and his family had to pay significant medical bills upon their arrival in Seoul. To help offset the costs of Bill's medical care, the return of his body to the USA, and his funeral, please visit this site:

http://www.billkapoun.com

All of us at English Toolbox extend our deepest sympathies to the Kapoun family.

Thanks to the many people who wrote to wish us a happy first birthday, and congrats to those who participated in our free credits promotion. The response was far better than we expected, and we appreciated the kind letters telling us how much English Toolbox has helped with lesson planning (and how much of a time-saver it is!). We look forward to a second year with all of you!

For our last contest, we asked how you spend your free time in your host country. Jerry P. in China told us, "I go where the locals congregate, because I am always on the lookout for new private students! So I spend lots of time in coffee shops, shopping malls and nightclubs: I have picked up quite a few new clients just by having my face visible and familiar." Very enterprising of you, Jerry -- you win five free credits!

For our next contest, give us a rough percentage of how much time you spend teaching general English (e.g., grammar) versus Business English (e.g, meetings, presentations). Since this is not a question that lends itself to a "best" answer, we will instead print the tenth reply we receive and will give the sender five free English Toolbox credits, even if s/he does not currently subscribe. Send your contributions to info@englishtoolbox.com by 15 March.