Job Discussion Forums

jimi1999uk · Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 63

Well actually pre pre-course as I haven't been accepted yet to my chosen Trinity cert.

I'm terrified and plagued by self-doubt.

-Is this really a good idea?
-Me? A teacher, c'mon.
-I don't have the brains for it. I'm going to embarrass myself.
-My spelling is not 100%. I'm going to spell something wrong in class... (I caught a few mistakes before I posted this)

You get the idea. The thing is I really want to be a teacher, feel I have a good personality for it (as commented on by others) and have a slightly obsessive streak in me that would help with my post-course learning but I'm in real danger of sabotaging myself if I keep this mindset. Or who knows. Maybe i'm right.

I don't know what i'm expecting in regards to replies but it was either post on Dave's or contact the Samaritans and I have no credit in my phone.

nyc2323 · Joined: 22 Nov 2009 Posts: 38

I just finished a CELTA course a few weeks ago. Don't stress too much...it's tough and imtensive, but as long as you do your work and learn from your mistakes, you'll be fine.

I had a guy in my group who was the worst speller I've ever met in my entire life, and he passed, although i would just suggest checking all your spelling when you're doing your lesson plans in order to prevent embarassment.

good luck!

jimi1999uk · Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 63

Worst speller you've EVER met. Wow. I'm not that bad. I normally write something down and think "mmmmm, that doesn't quite look right" give it a few tries before I hit a dictionary. It would really annoy me to give wrong information to somebody, i'd prefer to make a fool of myself pointing out my mistake rather than give something I knew was wrong a free pass.

If I was to get accepted (again i'm hoping I will be and if not i'll apply again a few months down the line after some improvements) I'd leat/sleep/breathe the course. I've saved money to get a flat next to the centre rather than commute ~hour each way. It's probably normal, public speaking ranks up there with death as the greatest fears so i've heard.

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

I've made spelling mistakes before Very Happy

in front of a *real* class Shocked

. I suspect all of us have (and those who haven't are probably lying!). All teachers will make mistakes - good teachers will take them with humour and learn from them, even if it means admitting it to your class! Wink

The only bad teachers I've ever known are the ones who always insisted that they were right, no matter what Rolling Eyes

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I also make spelling errors sometimes. I find it because Im not used to actually writing, I spend more time typing words nowadays!

It isnt really a problem, and I dont usually fill the board with too much writing anyway!

Keep your chin up Jimmy...you will be fine!

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I hope you're not torturing yourself too much, but I do think that your doubts are healthy, or... healthy-ish. They show that you're willing to put in the effort. To me, that's a much better sign than someone going in expecting it to be a breeze, not reflecting on potential problems, etc.

I was terrified of public speaking before I started teaching. I spent two years with Toastmasters to build up my nerves--wonderful organization! I know you don't have two years to spare, but my point is that you're certainly not alone in questioning yourself & whether you can do this.

Good luck!
d

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Practice writing with a spell-checker.
Do crossword puzzles.

Even if you make a mistake in class, don't sweat or fret. Just tell students that everyone makes mistakes. Friend of mine teaches, and he is a poor speller, but he gets around it by telling students to learn how to use their dictionaries if they think he has misspelled something!

As for whether you are cut out to be an EFL teacher, that's all up to you. Get your feet wet by tutoring first. Don't believe what friends may tell you about your character; they've probably never seen you in a classroom, right?

Ask around to see what teachers are like in Ecuador or Buenos Aires or wherever. What do they have to do daily, weekly, monthly, hourly?

Ask yourself what kind of EFL teacher do you want to be -- conversation school, business English, mainstream school, university, pre-school, etc. Then learn what it takes to do that kind of teaching. THEN, perhaps you will know a bit about whether you are really suited!

jimi1999uk · Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 63

Thanks people. Glad to see everyone is human after all (well most you, Nick i'm not sure). Makes me feel a lot better about my speleling Smile

As a wise man once said, Ronnie Coleman steroid enhanced bodybuilder that he is. "Ain't nuthin to it but to do it!"

And "Yeaaah Buuudddyy!" but i don't see how the second one helps me Smile

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

I am an excellent speller (4th place in the National Spelling Bee), but when I'm in front of the class writing something on the blackboard, it's difficult sometimes to actually see what I'm writing (block letters, very large so the whole class can read it) and I've misspelled simple words. The students seem to enjoy being able to correct the teacher. I never give them the "I knew that", I thank the student for pointing out my error, the student's face lights up and very often they get a round of applause from the class.

beetlil · Joined: 20 Dec 2008 Posts: 53 Location: Hanoi

I would rather have a student like you who seems to care than some of the 'jocks' i've seen come out of esl courses. Attitude is far more important than your ability to spell. If you plan well and make sure you know what you're going to teach, you'll be fine and passing the course will seem challenging but a nice challenge:)

Good luck