Job Discussion Forums

[Aliciaftw]

Hi everyone! I�m a long time lurker here at these forums, but I�ve never posted before now, as I have no experience to contribute. I�m an 18 year old who will be starting University Fall 2010, and I was hoping I might be able to get some advice from the people here. No one in my family has gone to college, so I feel pretty lost when I try to plan my goals. If anyone could take the time to help me, I really would be thankful.

So, quick back-story. Since I was little I�ve always been extremely interested in different cultures and languages. My family has never had the money to travel, but it�s something I�m serious about. (I�m a typical Sagittarius!) About a year or so ago I had the idea that I could teach English abroad. Now, let me say that I don�t look at teaching English as a way to take an extended vacation. I truly think that language is most important in understanding another culture, and maybe if everyone understood where other people were coming from we�d have a lot less fighting in this world. I�d love to teach others about my own culture and language, and hopefully I would be able to learn a great deal from them as well.

However, I don�t know if just wanting to be able to do this is enough. I�ve read that basically anyone can get hired in some places, but I do not want to be a mediocre teacher. I really want to do good! I do know that every time I learn something I enjoy explaining and reteaching it to my sister and mother, but I don�t know if this is some sign of a potential teacher, or just something everyone does. Also, the thought of 50 pairs of eyes on me during a single class does overwhelm me. Is this normal? Does everyone feel that way beforehand or is this a way to know I�m not cut out for this career?

I�m hoping to get my BA in Foreign Languages, with plenty of classes on different cultures sprinkled in. I thought that taking different language courses in University might make me better at teaching one. Sometime during University I would get my TEFL Certificate, or the equivalent. Afterwards, I thought I might get some experience abroad teaching for a few years, before coming back to the USA for my MA in TESOL. I would go straight for my MA after my BA, but I�ve read here on the forums that a person is really meant to have a few years of experience.

So to recap my questions:
1. Is there a certain type of person who is meant to be a teacher? Can anyone learn to be a good teacher?
2. Do you get used to speaking in front of so many people? I�ve always been nervous up in front of people, but is it something people can overcome with practice?
3. BA in Foreign Languages.. Bad or good idea for a future career in teaching English?

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

Hi!

[naturegirl321]

1. I think lots of people can be teachers, some for a short time, some for a long. To be a good teacher, you have to keep up with training.

2. Yes, but you get used to it.\

3. People have BAs in just about everything and teach English. If you want to make a career out of it, get one in TEFL or Applied Linguisitcs. If you-re looking at teaching at intl schools, get a BA in the subject you want to teach and teacher certification.

Ditto the info about different careers, I-ve heard the average is 5 or 6 in a lifetime. As for TEFLing, I personally after 6 years am getting burn out. I-m going to try to leave Peru and see if I can do it for a couple more years, but I would like to change careers by the time I_m 35

[denise]

You really sound like you've given this some thought! I was very impressed reading your post--it showed that you really do want to do this well (which I think is a big factor in doing it well!)

I've met several teachers who label themselves as introverts outside of the classroom (me, too). You don't necessarily need to be gregarious to be a good teacher--it's really more important to listen than to talk anyway.

I've been doing this for 10 years now, and I still feel a little tingle on the first day of classes every term. I'm not saying that it will take you 10 years to get used to it, so don't be alarmed. In my first teaching job, I think I was nervous for a few weeks, and for the next few years I would get nervous whenever I switched jobs, but now it's more of an exciting feeling than a nervous one.

If you're not sure you're up to speaking in front of large groups, check out Toastmasters, a public speaking club. I was a member for two years just after college (while saving money for a certificate), and they helped me more than I can say. I was so nervous about public speaking that I didn't even like introducing myself in my small seminar college classes! They are wonderfully supportive and positive.

I would recommend getting some experience before getting an MA, just because I think it's important to be sure that you actually enjoy teaching and living abroad before committing yourself and your money to an advanced degree.

The only other thing I can add is that you've got to be careful about teaching your culture. Depending on where you end up, it could be very frowned upon (for example, in the Middle East, where I am now). Sure, culture and language are in many ways linked, but it's not always "appropriate" to teach it.

Good luck!

d

[Aliciaftw]

Thank you guys! All your input has really helped.