Job Discussion Forums

[NickImpy]

This is a question for Sharon and Rachael. I have eight classes remaining to finish my BS in business management and I want to get the hell out of New Jersey immediately so i can settle in Trujillo. However, I need to get experience teaching so a good institution will pick me up for employment. I work full time, have two kids, and have my classwork to do. What sort of practical outlets can I achieve the experience I need so I don't have to wait until after I graduate to build a bigger resume?

I'm actually asking because I want to gain reputable experience so it won't be so hard when we leave the US. I know I won't earn great, but I know I can survive and that is good enough for me.

[naturegirl321]

Basically, teach. Volunteer to teach at a library, they usually have ESL classes. CONtact your local school, see if you can help there. YOu might not get paid, but you will get experience. Chekc the info below too.


The best teachers are those who keep on learning and trying new things. Here are some ideas to help you get started about learning about teaching. And even if you�re an experienced teacher, you�ll find some ideas below to help you out.

●Visit your local library and check out books on teaching.

● Ask to observe some classes at your local school, university, or language school. Take notes on the different teaching methods that you observe and then try to use them in your own classes.

● Talk to teachers. Even new teachers have some tips on discipline, activities, or things to do in class.

● Join forums to get new ideas. There are lots of people eager to share their information with others. You can take note of their ideas and add your own as well.

● Attend workshops, congresses, and conferences. Not only can you learn valuable information about teaching, but it�s also a great place to network.

● Volunteer to teach. There are many opportunities out there. And you can get valuable teaching experience and help others learn in the process.

● Try a wide variety of setting, beginners to advanced, young to old. There are different groups that appeal to different students.

● Look online for ready-made worksheets and activities. There are heaps of fun activities to do, no matter what you�re teaching.

● Ask your institute to create a resource center for teachers. You can leave material that you�ve made and borrow material that others have made.

● Enroll in a class. Lots of language institutes offer classes for teachers. It�s a great way to learn about new ideas and methods.

● Go for a higher diploma or degree. If you already have a BA, consider getting a PGDE or an MA. Not only will you learn more, but it will also open up doors for you.

● Listen to your students. Students are the best form of feedback. Take the last five minutes of class and ask your students what they liked best and least of your lesson.

● Have other teachers observe you and tell you what you think.

● Look for new opportunities to move up. Once you�ve been teaching for a while, try getting a higher position, like head teacher.

[Luna Chica]

Ok so basically you want experience, but you have almost no time? I know how it is.
Volunteering is probably your best best. I would suggest looking up immigrant groups. I am not sure about New Jersey, but the city where I come from has migrant support groups that are always looking for people to help out with English classes. They are usually completely underresourced, but you can get great stuff off the internet.
Another opportunity may be to approach a language school and ask to observe some classes and perhaps do some volunteer work ( language institutes often work later than business hours).
Does your university have a language insitute attached to it/or have a lot of international students? If there are facilities there for them you may get some leads by talking to the coordinator.
Hope this helps. As Sharon said, once you are actually teaching get ideas from other teachers, read lots of teaching books and scour the internet.
Good luck

[john_n_carolina]

also, Literacy Volunteers of America. good one to put on your resume as most (not all) are second language learners.

are you planning on buying a house?

just curious,....as i (in 9 weeks) will have 2 kids also and might change continents.

i can agree with getting out of NJ. i grew up in Glen Rock. ill never forget the memories and growing up there, but that was 1979

however, South Jersey is still pretty nice.[/u]

[NickImpy]

Jersey Devil, Blueberries, AC, Shore.

I'm from a small town named Manville in Somerset County. I haven't been to Glen Rock in a long time, nor do I remember why I was there, yet I was.