I am NOT a teacher...yet

[Teacher2B]

If I don't belong here, just be direct and tell me to get lost.
I don't know what other forum to use.
I just started out on my 4 yr degree.

I just have lots of questions, particaularly regarding ESL.

I'm looking for direction.

Anybody have time for me?

[EH]

You came to the right place, and I think you'll find many welcoming people here. But perhaps you should change your approach to posting. Try asking the specific questions you'd like answered; I suspect the responses you get will be more useful.

All the best,
-EH

[Teacher2B]

Is it true or not that the demand for ESL teachers in the public schools is great? At least here in Minnesota, and particularly in the twin cities, there are lots of kids who are straight from Mexico or have been brought up in Hmong households where English was not pushed.

Is this something that fluctuates with immigration or is there just a general high demand for ESL teachers across the board no matter where you're from?

I am just starting my degree in elem ed. and I really desire to go in the directon of ESL. Will there be a demand when I get out? Furthermore, If this is a path that makes sense to me... what should I be doing to supplement or steer my education towards that goal?

[EH]

ESL is certainly a growth industry in the US, with more and more kids from other language backgrounds needing to access the public school curriculum in English. No matter what you end up specializing in, you can't go wrong with a solid foundation in TESOL because even if you're not an ESL teacher but a regular classroom teacher you will have to teach children with limited English skills.

If you are really concerned about marketability, though, I urge you to consider special education--with a focus on special ed for ESL students, if you prefer. SPED teachers are in huge demand pretty much everywhere in the country.

You asked what you could do to prepare for a career as an ESL teacher. Try tutoring, either for free or (if you're confident you're qualified) at market rates. You don't need any special licenses or teaching certificates to tutor, and it's great experience. To find clients, put up ads in local ethnic grocery stores, or contact local internationally oriented houses of worship. Another idea is to spend your summers overseas working as an ESL teacher in Taiwan, Japan, or whatever country you can legally work in short term (In Korea I know it's hard to do that legally if you're American and not ethnically Korean... not sure about other places). The more experience you have, the more job options you have.

Good luck,
-EH

[Teacher2B]

Thanks EH,

I just need all the advice I can get. My ultimate goal is to teach in Cambodia at a reputable school. I thought about just getting a TFEL at a local college, but long-term I feel that I should have a BA under my belt. That's why I took the plunge and am in school now.

I've spoken to a couple of schools in Cambodia and they really are looking for a minimum of a BA with some teaching experience.

As far as tutoring on the side- I really would have no time for that as my schooling is FULL time and so is my job. I'd love to do it though.

Is the TESOL something that I would go after upon completion of my BA or what? On the subject of special education, is this something that is incorporated into the degree program towards the end or what? I really should be talking to my university about this but it's so nice to use this forum!

I appreciate you volunteering your time for me on these isues.

Bob

This

[claire9332003]

actually, iam in my third years in pursuing a teaching cirtificate, you see,a year younger than you!So don't be panic. Everyone starts from this point!
Well, let's come to the point. I have almost a year's experience in teaching primary school student. During this one year, i learnt not only how to teach a lesson based on each particular student group,but also how to cope with pupils of different kinds.Do remember, you must always bear your students in mind when you are preparing for the lesson ,what's their common mistakes ,and how they see the text ,etc.
And also be sure to reach out and touch everyone.No one wants to be left out in the cold, so it is no easy job to work out your own effective strategies!
But the good thing is,we are in the forum,right ? Let's do it together!

[Teacher2B]

Thanks Claire for taking time to give me your input.
Good luck with your teaching. It sounds like you have a heart for your students. I am proud of you.

Bob