It has been almost a week since I experienced all over again the priviledge of being invited to an event where English language is used by students... and where our role as teachers relies on that of "a trainer". Honestly talking, I have always felt quite excited about getting an invitation of such characteristics. (This is probably because of the feeling I used to get when I was a student some years ago... and we were invited pretty much like rock-stars to other English language events in the region!).

Anyway, to make the long story short, two of my fave colleagues alongside their school, managed to bring up a brand new version of the Discovery English Language Encounter, whose main objective relies on bringing students the possibility of putting into test their English language skills within a supportive, collaborative and respectful atmosphere. And even though this time the event was not that massive, the experience for my students and I, was truly exceptional.

We are so used to welcome schools within our own, but being invited is at another level. I recall the first time I was invited some years ago just like yesterday (full of great memories), but this year my eyes got quite teary, as one of my former students and current colleague / friend was there with her department of English trying to pull out this event after years in lockdown. I could not have been prouder! (This is how you have to do it colleages from the region!). We ALL have duties, we ALL lack of time, we are ALL stressed out, but when you really want to do it for YOUR students... there are no excuses (PERIOD.)

My students and I immediately felt excited about being there, we went there with a single aim: to have fun and to stretch bonds. And it is exactly what we did... We got into the room where the event was held, we got our identification cards, we took seat, we smell some beautiful lavender souvenirs, we took wanderful photos, we performed in the best way possible, we talked with people from Discovery School (including students and teachers) and the most important thing: we had fun and we ate a lot. 

It is true, the results were not the ones we expected... (although we got the 1st place in poetry) but we all looked so happy, that the competition ended up aside. This tiny, yet meaningful experience was the perfect touch for a tiring remaining period of school days... discovering what discovery could do is one of the greatest privileges to have witnessed, and I honestly couldn't be more excited to know what is next. Of course there are always things that need improvement or a brush up, but whichever path they decide to take in the near future, I am sure they already took their first big step to make things even better with the passing of the years.

Just for your consideration guys: the role of teachers is now beyond a classroom, old days are not here any longer... we need to understand how crucial it is to bring the language closer to our students, as the possibilities are now endless. 

Well done, Discovery School!