Job Discussion Forums

[johnslat]

Dear Von Dut,

" . . . in every class you will have 20% that are really interested and are eager to learn and try, 20% that don't care and will do nothing regardless of what you do, and 60% that are on the fence."

The bad news:

In my over thirty years of experience teaching, I've found that the percentage of those really interested is closer to 10%.

The good news:

I've also found the percentage of the "hopeless" to be around 10%.

More good news: So, that leaves the "on the fencers" at 80%.

Of course, that's a "rule of thumb" and situations can alter that (even radically.) I'm currently teaching ESL at Santa Fe Community College.
Every student (all adults) is there because he/she wants to be. Consequently, the percentage of "really interested" is quite high; I'd say it's regularly about 90 to 95% - sometimes even higher.

Regards,
John

[SaratheSlytherin]

Good evening (or whatever the time is where you are),

I'm the OP of this thread and I just wanted to say thank you to all the people that answered my post. I am really thankful and the answers are very good. I want to apologize for taking a long time to write back. I've just been so busy!

I definitely want to teach EFL abroad. I have a plan, but I am doing more research and I have a lot to learn about this field and I'm keeping my mind open to the different options out there.

Someone asked me about my career plans!

It's really hard to make a decision, but I am fairly certain that I want to return to Mexico, where I studied abroad as an undergrad. A lot of people have tried to talk me out of it, but I'm longing to return to Mexico. I have done some research, and I am considering teaching in Asia for a year. I'm still new to this field, so be gentle with me if I'm wrong, but I have met a series of people on these boards, and in real life, who have taught in Korea and told me that it's possible to save a substantial amount of money. I realize that NO teaching job is gonna pay six figures, but I hear from a lot of people who have taught over there and managed to save. I've decided it might be wise to save some $$$, and then go back to Mexico. Furthermore, I've always wanted to see Asia. I'm not sure if this is a great plan, and nothing's written in stone, but I've put a lot of research and thought into this and this is what I have tentatively mapped out.

I did my TEFL course in Spain and I am absolutely in love with Spain. Everyone and his or her dog knows it's difficult for US citizens to get work over there, but I haven't given up and if anyone does know about opportunities for North Americans, I'm always grateful.


I have to go now, but I'll try to write more soon. Just wanted to say thanks. The advice here is brilliant, and it means a lot to me that you guys took the time to write this.

Saludos,

Sara the Slytherin

[BocaNY]

Thanks guy for your advice and help. I will def try out the advices that were offered.

I have observed other teachers and have asked them for help but unfort. they just it takes time to learn and very few other tips.

Once again thanks.