Job Discussion Forums

solidsnake2012 · Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 9 Location: Beautifu Earth

Soon, I will start teaching ESL for the first time, except for some private tutoring sessions. My question is: should I start with teaching children and then work my way up to teaching adults?
Thank you

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Where are you going to be teaching (what country)?

The job markets vary depending on region.

Teaching children and teaching adults are two totally different jobs in most ways. It's not really like a ladder starting young and working up to older students.

What training have you got?

solidsnake2012 · Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 9 Location: Beautifu Earth

I will probably be teaching in Egypt or Sudan.
I am a recent university graduate with no prior training, but I plan on getting a CELTA in the near future. My father has been an ESL teacher since the mid-1980s so I am learning from him for the time being.
The thing is, I won't get nervous teaching children, but teaching adults is a different subject. Laughing

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Taking the CELTA will help a lot overall.

If you prefer children, why not?

But the skills required to teach children don't necessarily translate into the adult market - it's quite different.

CELTA will focus on adults, so you'll have a chance to try it out and then you can decide better. Good luck!

solidsnake2012 · Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 9 Location: Beautifu Earth

Thank you a lot for your help Very Happy

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

'twas very little Embarassed

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 7:03 pm Post subject:

The nerves that come from teaching adults soon dissipate. So, I wouldn't worry too much about that, nor let that put you off.

The skills needed for the kiddies are indeed very different, but if that is what you are comfy with, then go for it. Always be in demand if you can handle the toddler-to-teen segment.

All I'd say is, most teachers usually focus on one or the other. Usually because they can't stand one class type. Just know which person you are, and stick to that. Unless you are one of the gifted, versatile few who can do everything!

Best of luck to you.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 7:05 pm Post subject:

solidsnake2012 · Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 9 Location: Beautifu Earth

solidsnake2012 · Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 9 Location: Beautifu Earth

EFLeducator · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:07 pm Post subject: Re: Children or adults

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 6:52 am Post subject:

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 6:53 am Post subject:

...and a free round of vodka for anyone who correctly guesses which class type EFLeducator prefers! : )

Qaaolchoura · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 10:25 am Post subject: