Teaching conversational English has become almost a profession, it feels like. I do not have a degree in ESL (English as a Second Language) or EFL (English as a Foreign Language) or any other English-y subject! But, I am a native English speaker and I did score well on the English and Reading portions of the ACT! So, I'm qualified!
I started a new English group today, and the logistics of organizing it has been a little frustrating. Oh well, I press on! I only had 3 show up for today's first lesson, and it's a shame because I think the first lesson is always the most fun! I'm sure that others will come once word gets around. (That seems to be the way news travels).
Here is my current English teaching schedule for those who are curious....
Mondays: 4:00-5:00, private lesson with one of my students. We read her Economics
textbook, which is in English, and discuss new words or ideas. I often find myself
remembering my college
5:00-6:30, Intermediate/Advanced group. I usually have about 7 young women
show up. They are great girls! And I often have the opportunity to share with them
and invite them to events.
Tuesdays: 3:30-4:30 private lesson with Economics girl
4:30-6:00 High Beginners/ Low Intermediate class. They often drive me CrAzY,
but i love them! I've got people ranging from 10 years old-60 years old in that group.
(And at least 2 mentally ill!)
6:30-8:00 My new beginner's class at the college!
Wednesdays: Village day! In addition to visiting people, sharing, and ch. planting, I teach two
hours of English as an after school activity for kids.I wish I could bottle up their
smiles. They are also pretty wild, but I love them, too! (Where's the course on
Foreign Classroom Management when you need it?!)
Thursdays: 3:30-4:30 You guessed it, Economics girl! (But sometimes she doesn't come)
4:30-6:00 High Beginners/Low Intermed. group again.
Fridays: 5:00-6:30 Intermediate/Advanced group again.
Saturdays: 2:00-3:30 New beginner's group at the college
Sunday: NO ENGLISH CLASS!
All that to say this: Remember me as I'm teaching. My goal is not just to teach English, but for it to be a way to build relationships and bridges so I can share more important things with them. And although, teaching English is not necessarily my only goal, I do want to teach with excellence.
P.S.
After writing about my language triumphs, I have a confession to make relating to my English teaching. One Armenian word I just CANNOT seem to say is the word for "conversational".....as in "conversational English". Of course!
3 comments:
You're a great teacher. I enjoyed sitting in on an English class with you guys when I was in Armenia. You do a great job!
You go, girl. You're a rock star.
I know you are a wonderful teacher because I watched you at Tulakogee, and I like the way you talk about your students . You love them no matter what. Also, a good teacher plans, but she is also flexible. I like seeing the pics. Makes it all seem very real.
Well, I could possibly see you going on with Armenian people, being an ESL teacher..... and only God knows what it will be.
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