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sara.ede
Joined: 28 Sep 2004
Posts: 100
Location: Boston
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 Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 11:48 pm Post subject: must I teach kids? |
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Recently received offer to teach in Merida Venezuela and though most things sound AMAZING I'm a little apprehensive about the fact that I'll be teaching kids (Ages 4-9) part of the time. I have a BA and a TESOL certificate but only 6 weeks of teaching experience in a summer camp for kids in China. For newbies in Latin America is it hard to find work teaching high school and older without experience? Should I suck it up and teach kids part-time to get experience or try flying down and finding something on the more adult end? Any advise is appreciated!
Sara |
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Guy Courchesne
Joined: 10 Mar 2003
Posts: 9650
Location: Mexico City
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| Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 12:58 am Post subject: stick it out |
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It's usually easier for newbies to find a position teaching adults than kids...I'm surprised you found the reverse. I would say try it...once you are in Venezuela, you'll find many more opportunties that you can't find online.
Assuming you don't have an exclusive contract, you could always leave the position with kids and look at other offers. Hate to do that to kids...change a teacher mid-stream, but if you must, you can do it. |
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Ben Round de Bloc
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
Posts: 1946
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| Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 4:59 pm Post subject: |
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| I suppose it depends on one's definition of "kids." In the city where I am, it's pretty hard to find enough working hours at most language schools without accepting some kids' classes to teach . . . if one is thinking 13-year-olds and younger as kids. It's often easier to find children's classes to teach than classes for adults. |
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moonraven
Joined: 24 Mar 2004
Posts: 3094
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| Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 6:55 pm Post subject: |
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| I can tell you that a kids' group in a language school and a kids' group in elementary school are very different. If the kids are in an elementary school and are of an age range due to English level, I think with your lack of experience of class management of children you should pass. If it's a language school there are fewer class management issues, and usually groups are smaller (fewer than 15). |
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Ben Round de Bloc
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
Posts: 1946
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| Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 7:36 pm Post subject: |
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| moonraven wrote: |
| I can tell you that a kids' group in a language school and a kids' group in elementary school are very different. |
From what I've observed, that's the truth.
The last time I taught in a language school, I had all adult classes except for one children's class. It was a great group to teach. Of course, there were only 7 students, 11 to 13 years old -- well behaved, motivated to improve their English skills, willing and eager to try new activities, outgoing, bright, etc.
Few elementary schools in this city offer English classes. Most start in secundaria or sometimes prepa. Any teacher who'd take on those classes really should have experience in classroom management . . . and maybe a regular supply of Valium. The classes often have 40 to 60 students in them. Many students are in English classes only because it's required. There's often a wide range of skill levels mixed together in one class. Many times the school administrators are completely clueless about teaching foreign languages and aren't very supportive of the program. Of course, not all schools in this city are like that, but from what I gather, it's pretty much the norm. |
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