Lesley Tidmarsh
Welcome
These pages offer a little bit of a mixed salad these days, as my life is in flux. I recently returned from China with my family and am currently finding my feet as we try to settle back into life in Scotland. I haven't let go of my Chinese identity and our time there still informs a great deal of my teaching and art. This creativity keeps me in touch with myself and with the world around me.
For up-to-date news of my work and creative projects, take a minute to visit my blog. Guest writers always welcome. Just drop me an email.
For up-to-date news of my work and creative projects, take a minute to visit my blog. Guest writers always welcome. Just drop me an email.
My Chinese Identity
I was given my Chinese name, Lin Si Li, by my first Chinese teacher, in Xi'an.
Lin means forest or woodland, si means think/thinking of and li means beautiful.
These ancient forms of the Chinese characters are written differently from modern, simplified versions.
Lin means forest or woodland, si means think/thinking of and li means beautiful.
These ancient forms of the Chinese characters are written differently from modern, simplified versions.
Values and Beliefs
I value life and exploring life to its full capacity. I also value education and life-long learning.
I believe in creating opportunities for learning, sharing and communicating.
I strive to inspire those around me to fulfil their dreams.
I strive to make a postive difference in the world.
I believe in creating opportunities for learning, sharing and communicating.
I strive to inspire those around me to fulfil their dreams.
I strive to make a postive difference in the world.
Key Qualifications
I graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a First Class MA Honours in Sociology. I went on to complete my PhD in 2000 and later obtained my Certificate of English Language Teaching Abroad (CELTA), with distinction, from Cambridge University. I incorporate a number of other skills into my work, including film-making, creative writing, book-binding and desktop publishing. I am currently studying towards my Diploma in ESOL with TESOL Training Scotland.
Experience in Education
I have taught a number of subjects at further and higher education level in the UK, as well as running creative workshops for children and adults in communities, schools and prisons. I have also worked as an English teacher in the UK, Romania and Sri Lanka. I have recently returned from China where I spent five years as an international volunteer for VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas), in China's Yunnan Province, where I taught English and developed an educational development programme.
Current Work
I am currently working for the Workers' Educational Association of Scotland as well as participating in a number of teaching and training projects, from delivering drop-in English classes to producing short training films. I have recently trained a group of German secondary school teachers in Edinburgh and run book-binding workshops in our local prison. The rest of my time is spent on creative activities, including book art, printmaking and sewing. As well as hosting creative workshops at home, I can bring a workshop to your own home, school or work place. Click here for more information.
Friendship Award Winner
In 2007 I was honored to be one of ten 'foreign experts' to receive the Yunnan Friendship Award from the provincial government. I was the only woman and only British recipient that year. In 2009 I was nominated by Simao Teachers' College for the National Friendship Award for my contribution to educational development. I received this award from the State Council for China in October 2009. My medal and certificate were presented by Vice-Premier Zhang Dejiang in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Premier Wen Jiabao met with us and the other award winners before we attended the State Banquet in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
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