Job Discussion Forums

csfek · Joined: 09 Aug 2006 Posts: 41 Location: USA

I am making the transition from teaching college students overseas to teaching ESL in a public high school in the US. Has anyone else changed from teaching mainly college students and adults to teaching teenagers and younger learner? Does anyone have any good advice for me? How will it be different? What can I do to prepare myself? What's the best way to enforce discipline in the classroom? I'd love to hear about other people's experiences with the same type of transition. Thanks in advance!

eslgypsy · Joined: 25 Dec 2008 Posts: 11 Location: North of 60

After teaching college English for 9 years in the Gulf and 2 years in the US, I made my way home to a French high school in Canada. At first, I honestly felt (not proud of this) like it was a step down--a job beneath me. I had always felt a bit sorry for high school teachers, even promised myself I'd never be one.

Once I got over that and decided to embrace where I was, I realized what a privilege it is to teach teenagers: at the end of each year, I can actually ask myself, "Whose life did I change this year?" I can actually say that I am doing one of the most important jobs there is.

Fast forward to today--what works is keeping them busy; doing as many hands-on activities as possible (drama activities work well); making sure they know I like them, even when they drive me crazy. Always remember that we never criticize the child; we criticize the behavior.

Good luck and congratulations. Cheers.

csfek · Joined: 09 Aug 2006 Posts: 41 Location: USA

Thank you, that was exactly what I needed to hear. Sounds like good advice as well!

Thanks again!

eslgypsy · Joined: 25 Dec 2008 Posts: 11 Location: North of 60

My pleasure.

Two more things:

do not take ANYTHING personally, and always dress professionally. Don't let them see you as a friend, even a FaceBook friend. Have fun!

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

Be prepared to work harder, become more involved in the school activities and to 'get on board' with the school's vision. Teaching college is a bit of autonomous cake walk in comparison to high school. It is where the future is created.

csfek · Joined: 09 Aug 2006 Posts: 41 Location: USA

Yeah, I've noticed that already. We're definitely expected to go the extra mile and do extra stuff. We started classes this week and it's been pretty overwhelming, but I think I'm getting a handle on it. At least my classes are small because they're mostly ESL, and so far their behavior has been mostly ok, with a few exceptions.

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

Welcome to public school! You can always get on a 5/4 program with your employer so you can take every 5th year to travel (with pay)and teach overseas for a working holiday!
I am sure you will find teaching really rewarding but exhausting at times.
Good luck and have loads of fun!

efemmera · Joined: 24 Jul 2009 Posts: 52

[quote="jdl"]You can always get on a 5/4 program with your employer so you can take every 5th year to travel (with pay)and teach overseas for a working holiday!
quote]

Which country are you referring to when you provide this info. I don't believe this is an option eveywhere. Thanks.

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

efemmera,
It is known as a "deferred leave salary" plan and many school divisions/colleges/universities, to say nothing of private industry, offer it world wide. It is usually a negotiated collective agreement item but many institutions offer it as an employee perk since it is a cost neutral budget item in many cases and a big factor in staff retention. It is extremely popular in North America. I can not report on its success in Australia, various European countries including UK, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, or Hong Kong where it has been implemented and the subject of some research. Check out OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education) for more information on the research

Check your local jurisdiction to see if your employer has such a plan...it is indeed a great perk. One of the many good reasons to work in Public Education.

Hobo Stew · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 26 Location: USA

If you are multi-lingual, look at Catholic Charities in the cities that have a lot of immigrants. In Forth Worth they help refugees settle in and teach ESL primarily for Hispanics, but require you to be fluent in Spanish as well. Miami and NYC might be good cities to start with. Of the few people I have talked to who know of the center, all speak well of it. I have read about their work in the newspaper on a few ocassions. Some of the refugees they have helped in FW were from Burma and Iraq (I think). I don't know how well they pay, but it's worth a shot.