This is to introduce a teacher from South Dakota. Like that other one. You know. Susan Gross. That is a good sign! And she mentioned the name of her school, which is cool.
Ben,
I am looking forward to reading the blog as an official member! I began using TPRS in the fall of 2009 after deciding to read up on it and see what all the fuss was about. I had been out of the teaching profession for over ten years and just came back in the fall of 2008 (French teachers are not in high demand in western South Dakota.) The whole philosophy makes so much sense to me and it is such a relief to have made this change in my way of teaching. I have been able to attend a few sessions with people such as Susie, Blaine and Carol Gaab, and have read your books. I’m just a beginner, but when I decided to make this change, I just jumped in feet first. I teach in the local Catholic high school and, since I am the only French teacher, I am pretty free to use whatever materials and teaching strategies I feel work best.
I think I began reading your blog shortly before you withdrew it! I subscribed to it as an RSS feed. I was surprised and pleased when your blog returned and I have now continued to read it on my Google reader list. Although not all aspects of the blog are accessible, the new posts are still available as an RSS feed without re-subscribing. I didn’t know if you were aware of this. [ed. – I am looking into this as we speak and will get back to you, Jo]
I am happy to continue reading and possibly join in the discussion at some point.
Jo Benn
Saint Thomas More H.S.
Rapid City, South Dakota