Episode 62: Developod Episode 62 - Embracing a non-linear (messy) ELT CPD Journey with Laura Patsko

About this episode

Helen & Laura Patsko discuss embracing a non-linear career path in ELT and the impact of technology on professional development.

In this episode, Helen & Laura Patsko discuss her ELT journey, describing her career as a mix of diverse elements, like salad or spaghetti. She began in advertising, transitioned to ELT after influential conversations, and completed her CELTA and DELTA in Prague. Laura then worked in teacher training and for Cambridge University Press before going freelance. She emphasizes the evolving acceptance of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) and the impact of technology, particularly messaging apps, on remote professional development. Laura advocates for embracing the “mess” of non-linear "squiggly" career paths following personal interests and values over a rigid career trajectory, if that is right for you. You can find Laura on LinkedIN. Laura’s Portfolio: https://blackbirdlxd.com/?page_id=494 The “Continuing Professional Development through mobile messaging apps” project Laura did in 2023 with BC Argentina: https://americas.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/0412_cpd_report_eng.pdf Laura mentions: Sandy Millain’s Take your Time DELTA: https://www.takeyourtimedelta.com/ NILE’s distance teacher training: https://www.nile-elt.com/catalog?pagename=NILE-Online To find the complete…

People in this episode

Host: Helen

Guest: Laura Patsko

Topics covered

• ELT journey
• non-linear career paths
• English as a Lingua Franca
• technology in professional development

Keywords

• CPD
• messy career
• freelance
• teacher training

Mentioned in this episode

Products: CELTA, DELTA, Cambridge University Press

Books & works: Developod Episode 62, Continuing Professional Development, Take your Time

Places: Prague

More episodes of DEVELOPOD - The IATEFL TDSIG Podcast

• Episode 69: Developod Episode 69 - Discussing growth from Teacher to Trainer with Matthew Ellman · March 30, 2026 · 31 min
• Episode 68: Developod Episode 68 - Becoming a freelance ELT Pronunciation Specialist with Emma Walker · February 23, 2026 · 32 min
• Episode 67: Developod Episode 67 - Keeping the ELT passion alive & adding visual sparkle with Emily Bryson · January 26, 2026 · 33 min
• Episode 66: Developod Episode 66 - Looking back on 40 years of Teacher Development with Adrian Underhill · December 29, 2025 · 49 min
• Episode 65: Developod Episode 65 - Embracing colleagues & learners as a supportive Mentor/Communicator with Dr Harry Kuchah Kuchah · November 24, 2025 · 34 min
• Episode 64: Developod Episode 64 - Being an open teacher-learner with Ana Paula Biazon Rocha · October 27, 2025 · 34 min