Value your peers in face-to-face CPD

Earlier this year, I was offered a position as a full time pronunciation materials writer for Kaplan International English. It was a dream come true, not only do I get to be creative and develop my writing skills for digital, but it's all about pronunciation! It was an opportunity that I couldn't refuse, although, I did think, "What's the catch?" But there wasn't one; they were really impressed by the pronunciation lessons I had written for Kaplan's print materials, and wanted me to join their team for a new digital project.
  So, at beginning of March, I started working remotely. We hold meetings on skype and my team members are a call or email away if I need them. Everyone on the team are all uber enthusiastic and want to create the best product we can. I have to say, I feel my days are so peaceful and productive as I have very few interruptions. My health has improved as I'm not running around or as stressed. The pressure of a deadline gives me a buzz, but doesn't really stress me out. It's been a very positive experience up until now, and hopefully it will continue that way.
  Recently, however, I realised how much I missed the face to face discussions, idea swapping and general banter that goes on between teachers. I took part in a forum for teachers who wanted to start writing and having their articles published in ELT magazines and journals. The meeting was set up by ELT Ireland and brought a group of like minded teachers together. I was on a high after the forum and it made me realise the value of face to face discussions with peers.

  There are so many CPD opportunities, forums, webinars and twitter chats available online. Don't get me wrong, these are fantastic and give teachers all over the world the chance to exchange ideas and do research that they don't have in their teaching location. But sometimes, simply nothing beats having a good chinwag face to face.
  I love my job and thanks to ELT Ireland,  I have the best of both worlds; I work remotely in my little world of pronunciation and then I have the chance to bounce ideas off my peers at meeting every month when ELT Ireland hold an event.