Author Archives: Tom Godfrey

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About Tom Godfrey

I am an ELT teacher and teacher trainer. I am Director of ITI, Istanbul a training institute in Istanbul. I am also founder of Speech Bubbles theatre which performs musicals to raise money for children and education.

Introducing ITI Istanbul’s Hybrid CELTA Course

The Best of Both Worlds At ITI Istanbul, we’re excited to announce the launch of our very first Hybrid CELTA course. This course is designed to give you the flexibility of online learning. It also combines the in-person energy of … Continue reading

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From Trainer to Facilitator: Reimagining Teacher Development

I’ve run countless workshops for teachers over the years. Most of them go well—laughter, lively discussions, positive feedback. But there’s one exchange that stays with me: Me: Did you enjoy the workshop? Participant: Oh yes, it was a lot of … Continue reading

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Rethinking Teacher Development: What Are Community Forums?

What if professional development wasn’t something done to teachers—but something created by them? That’s the idea behind Community Forums. It’s a powerful, participatory model. Educators come together to share experiences, reflect deeply, and explore solutions through performance. A Different Workshop … Continue reading

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Join the Performative ELT Community for Creative Growth

Dr. Tom Godfrey emphasizes the need for transformative teacher development through performative pedagogy, which engages teachers emotionally and creatively. He advocates for participatory practices like the Community Forum, allowing teachers to share struggles and explore solutions collaboratively. The movement encourages educators to connect, access resources, and contribute to redefining teacher learning. Continue reading

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Who shaped the teacher you’ve become?

In my Teaching Artistry workshops, we explore how our teaching identity is deeply influenced by the role models in our lives. For some, it’s a parent who modeled patience, strength, or open dialogue.For others, it’s a former teacher whose passion … Continue reading

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Join the Movement: Innovative Teaching Strategies for Educators

Are you an educator passionate about transforming traditional teaching into an engaging activity ? Connect with teachers and educators interested in exploring innovative, participatory teaching approaches. Join our free community now. Time for a Rethink Are we really preparing students … Continue reading

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Embodied Pedagogy: Unlocking Teacher Growth

Learning Through Action One of the most powerful ways to explore teacher identity is through doing. In my workshops, teachers engage in participatory activities followed by reflection. This process often reveals unconscious patterns—helping educators better understand their behaviors, beliefs, and … Continue reading

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Teacher Identity: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Why Identity Matters Our identity shapes who we are—not just as educators, but as human beings. It’s a tapestry of our beliefs, behaviors, values, and emotions. To grow as teachers, we must explore the deeper question: Who am I in … Continue reading

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Embodied Teaching: Transforming Professional Development

The Art of Teaching: Embodied Approaches to Professional Development What does it mean to take an embodied approach to teaching?For me, it means being fully present—mentally, emotionally, and physically. It’s about the energy a teacher brings into the classroom and … Continue reading

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Transforming Teacher Development with Performative Pedagogy

Dr. Tom Godfrey addresses the shortcomings of traditional teacher development models in his handbook and online course. Promoting sustainable development through reflective, emotionally engaging practices, he advocates for a performative pedagogy. This approach emphasizes community forums, inspired by Forum Theatre, fostering authentic dialogue and transformation among educators for enhanced learning experiences. Continue reading

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