Job Discussion Forums

[nerdgirl178]

I would like to teach abroad but I have dyslexia...is this possible??? Thank you.

[wildchild]

I think that you can do it.

But, perhaps a writing or reading class will be out of the question.

Try focusing on conversation or speakin/listening classes. Less writing and reading will be involved, however, there will be some. So, just be up front with the students and inform them of your condition. Tell them that they will need to sound out new words for themselves. Such a request might be better received by more advanced students who already know how to sound words out.

Good luck! You can do it.

[saint57]

It's hard to say considering you haven't given us much information.

Did you finish university?
Do you have a TESOL certificate?
Do you have any experience as a teacher?

If you have all three, then why not?

[SueH]

In principle, yes, but you'll have to be confident in your own coping strategies.

I was once a teacher in a UK Further Education college where we had a very much disliked dyslexic boss. One day she sent round an open letter to staff which was completely incomprehensible. Bear in mind that as ESL and English teachers we were quite used to mangled language. The consensus of the criticism was that she might be dyslexic, but that was no reason to send round such a letter. She should have got someone to check the letter before sending it out.

The classroom presents different challenges, and you may have to prepare more than the next teacher. Just be honest with yourself.
Good luck.

[dmb]

Should the OP be honest from the start?


Would it be better for the OP to have a friend proofread the application first(Henry, wrong thread), send it off, interview, accept job, etc then when students/owners think the OP is fantastic admit it.

or

in the application say from the start that dyslexia is an issue.

I ask this because as a recruiter if I saw an application that said Dyslexia on it.... I'd run a mile. My ignorance and my loss possibly But in my defence I know my market

[nerdgirl178]

yes i finished university. studied art history. i am very smart and dedicated but jobs involving paperwork is not for me...i always wanted to teach so i hope i can become a teacher abroad. i want to take the celta exam maybe this year. so i hope i can manage with my LD

[Glenski]

If Tom Cruise can cope with dyslexia when reading scripts, you should be able to deal with teaching. But, I would imagine it would take a great deal of effort (on both people's parts).

Other successful people with dyslexia.

Whoopi Goldberg
Jay Leno
Da Vinci
Picasso
and more
http://www.dyslexia.com/qafame.htm
http://www.dyslexia-test.com/famous.html (sadly, no teachers in these lists)

[John Hall]

Most of the English teaching done in countries that do not have English as the first language involves teaching primarily English conversation. If your type of dyslexia affects your writing only, then you should have no trouble with listening-speaking or "conversation" classes.

[spiral78]

John, I think you're speaking primarily for Asia.
I can say that, in Europe, the lack of skill in writing would be tough even in one-on-one classes that focus primarily on conversation - many/most students want to see items written out, for spelling or collocation or grammatical construction....

Not to discourage the OP at all, because I think there are situations where someone with LD, but who is energetic, determined, and professional can certainly succeed in the field.

But I have to object to a blanket statement that "most of the English teaching done in countries that have English as a first language involves teaching primarily English conversation." Not true, in my experience.

[John Hall]

Point taken. I admit that I have only taught in Canada, Japan, and Costa Rica. I probably shouldn't be talking about the world in general.