The Big Easy: My First Impression

On the road again!

I'm in New Orleans this week attending my annual Teachers' Conference. It's something to visit a city for the first time that has rebuilt itself so amazingly after being hit by such a destructive hurricane as Katrina. I got unlucky at the airport upon landing & lost my luggage, but our really informative and cheerful shuttle driver, Charles, made up for it all by giving us an awesome tour of the city while driving everyone to their respective hotels.

Charles has taken it upon himself to share with tourists his city's struggles with natural disasters as it's people fought and recovered from Katrina over the years. He takes pride in being a fighter but admits that there is a lot of fear for what may still come. The Big Easy's struggle goes hand in hand with it's music, food, and culture and it's important to understand how it all comes together like complex Cajun flavors.

I got reminded of what's going on in Japan right now as Charles pointed out places in and around New Orleans that were flooded, destroyed and rebuilt. Mother Nature takes her own course and we are to just follow. Charles lightened up, however, as we approached downtown and it was difficult to keep up with him as he named all his favorite restaurants and the various fried, cheese covered, grilled, and sauce smothered authentic southern dishes they serve. I couldn't get Shash out of my mind then and how much he loves Jambalaya and everything Cajun. What can a vegetarian know besides the heaven that uncovers in a real southern pecan pie?

All you've heard about Southern hospitality seems all true so far. After listening to Charles, I have a new appreciation for this city & it's people besides what I'm really here for - meeting lots of committed teachers and taking in some good jazz.

presenting... LearnEd

On the day of Lady Shakti (woman power), I'd like to present to you all my new education company "LearnEd," India & USA. LearnEd represents all my education related activities in India and beyond. 

Areas of Work

With what I have learned from my research, observations, and teaching experience during my time in India, I will be slowly commencing work in the following areas as a start in the Indian market while looking for collaborative activities between educators in the US and India.

• teaching English to college students and young professionals
• teaching professional development and motivation programs for college students and young professionals
• teacher training and development for college level instructors at colleges, institutes and unis
• in-service professional teacher development services for colleges, institutes and unis

Guiding Principles/Philosophy 

(a quick list for more context, esp. for those not in my field)

• teach by introducing new international trends and information in the area taught
• teach with examples and creative exercises to create a unique learning experience for students
• train to motivate and equip teachers with different/creative ways to present information to students
• foster creative and critical thinking in youth through well thought out, well sequenced, and reflective learning activities
• train to raise a new consciousness in higher-ed instructors about how learning happens and how it can be nurtured to see maximum results in students' progress

LearnEd was chosen with input from Shash, my dear husband, and some close friends. It seems to encompass all my education related activities now and in the future -

• learn·ed Adjective   /ˈlərnid/
  Synonyms:

  • adjective: erudite, scholarly, lettered, educated, wise, literate
  • (of a person) Having much knowledge acquired by study
  • Showing, requiring, or characterized by learning; scholarly
    • an article in a learned journal

Learn+Ed=the education of learning or learning consciously about learning 

A "learned" person is one who has acquired wisdom from conscious and experiential learning

Thanks for all your good wishes, blessings, and support. I'm now working on the company logo, website, and other related projects. More updates soon. The real work begins now!