Job Discussion Forums

[Spirited13]

Hi- I just graduated from my Masters program in TESOL and I am currently seeking employment in San Francisco (where I live). Last semester I was a student teacher who worked closely with a master teacher in an ESL writing, reading, and grammar class, however I haven't had a class of my own yet. I have already turned down two very short term jobs this summer because my fear of teaching and the unknown have overcome me. I know that oce I start to teach and gain experience, my fear will diminish. I was wondering if any of you have had experience with this situation. I welcome your feedback about how to overcome fear, approach the job market, and anything else you would like to share related to this matter.

Thank you,

Spirited13

Teach Peace- Be Peace

[2 over lee]

I�m not convinced you are for real.

If you have a Master�s in TESOL ( Was there no practical element?) you must have spend a wad of cash.

I think you owe to yourself and those who supporeted you to at least try.

Nope, actually I find this hard to believe, who does a master�s in TESOL without having taught before? You almost had me.

[Spirited13]

Well, You better believe it! Why would I post something that wasn't real? I really don't have the time for such foolishness. Everyone has fears, even this New Teacher. My program didn't really focus on the practical until my last two semesters believe it or not. We got a lot of theory and I was really not sure I was in the right profession for a while. However, once I was able to be a teacher's assistant and then a student teacher, I knew that I was in the right place. Yes, it was really expensive, but it was an investment and I feel in the long run it will be rewarding. You should be more understanding considering you are a teacher or are studying to be one.

Spirited13

[MindTraveller]

Being afraid is normal. What is also normal, is being depressed after getting a degree, whether it be a BA/BS or Masters. The leap from being a student to having to be an adult and earn money is darn scary. The real life just isn't as supportive as college is.

So accept the fear, and go ahead. Even famous actors vomit before performances because of anxiety. When I was on the plane to my first EFL position in Saudi Arabia, THEN I got afraid. Perfect place. The plane wasn't going to turn around for me.

Fear is a reality. Please don't let it defeat you. You've overcome a variety of teachers, tests, requirements, etc. for your Masters, so you can teach.

The real problem is that many of us are over-prepared for an 'ideal teaching situation' and 90% of us rarely get that. THAT is probably what might be bothering you - if not, it should be.

So take care of yourself, apply for jobs, and go for it. Short-term jobs are good practice. Be glad you don't have a Masters and have to work as a waiter or secretary..... as I did.

[Ben Round de Bloc]

[2 over lee]

I know you don�t have time for, �foolishness�, but what did you do your Bachelor�s in?

How much other work experience do you have?

All Master�s of TESOL I know of require past experience, I could be wrong mind!

[stillnosheep]

Spirited,

It is quite natural and not neccessarily a bad thing.

Just as in swimming, cycling or riding a horse, at some point the theory ends and the practice must begin. Prepare well (rehearse the lesson by 'teaching' it to a couple of friends first if you wish) and get stuck in.

Concentrate on others (the students) instead of yourself and the fear disappears.

[Guest]

Are you kidding, I was scared out of my mind the first week I had to stand up in front of a class of 11 year olds! I had no Degree, No Experience and No Qualifications and I had never even given a speech in my life before.

This all took place in August last year and now I find myself loving it and also find myself on stages all over the place with a microphone in my hand - unbelievable!

Once you get over your initial fear, it is amazing how quickly you get used to it. It is a wonderful life here, do not let your fear stop you from coming.

Oprah Winfrey said "the only courage you will ever need, is the courage to follow your dreams" . I go along with that.

Best of luck

[denise]

I've just started my fourth year of full-time teaching, and I took some time out in between to get an MA. I'm not nearly as experienced as some on this board, but I'm not a newbie, either. So, from the perspective of an in-betweener, go for it! (I'd say "just do it!", but that phrase has been stolen...) I agree with the others who have said that it is perfectly natural to be afraid. We have eight-week terms here, and even though I'm in my second year (almost finished with my seventh term), I still get nervous at the beginning of each new term--first-day jitters. They die down after the first day, and they get weaker and weaker with each term. Just accept that you will be nervous at first, but then things will calm down. Good luck!

d

[Gordon]

I agree with the others in saying that it is natural to feel nervous. I have taught for 9 years and at the beginning of the school year, there is always a bit of apprehension. Now it is more about what kind of students I will be having and be stuck with for the next year than confidence on my part. With experience, you will get confident. I know I have come across challenging situations in my teaching career that if I had not had some experience in which to draw upon, would have been floored.

I imagine that with your education and lack of teaching experience, the anxiety would be increased.

I have always found that after the first day of classes, it has always gone easier and went better than I had anticipated. Then I laugh at myself for feeling the prior anxiety.

[dmb]

I've been teaching for 12 years and I still get nervous at the prospect of a new class. 99.9 % of the time it is unwarranted. I think it is a fear of the unknown.

[Spirited13]

Thank you all for your supportive words and humorous stories. I really needed to hear them. You are right, I made it through the program and teachers, so I can do this.

It turns out my local community college is now looking for Part-Time ESL instructors, so I am jumping on the opportunity. I also applied to a private school by my house. The ball is rolling.

I guess, my biggest fear, is the unknown (like some of you said) and the fact that I find grammar a little fuzzy even though I was a student teacher in it (I taught about ten times that semester). I guess that's what lesson preparation and the books are for . Your advice is appreciated and I will keep you all posted.

Happy Autumn!