When considering becoming a teacher, there are many factors to consider. Among these are how well you know the subject, how well you build rapport with students, and how well you understand cultural differences. Here are some traits that make a good English teacher. These traits will help you improve your classroom performance and ensure your student’s success.
Teaching a second language
Teaching English as a second language (TESL) is a rewarding career option that enables you to learn about other cultures and share them with others. This career field requires a specific set of skills and qualifications. To get a job in this field, you must have a bachelor’s degree or at least 120 hours of TEFL certification. You can complete your certification online or at a college. Once you have your certificate, you can begin applying for teaching positions.
First, it is essential to keep in mind that students’ learning progress varies. For instance, students who are native English speakers will find it easier to learn new words and phrases. It is, therefore, necessary to monitor the student’s progress to identify any problems they may encounter. Additionally, it is essential to talk to students in the class and ask them if they need help. This will help facilitate learning and create teaching moments for students and teachers.
After earning your Bachelor’s degree, you can prepare for graduate school by obtaining a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). The MA in TESL is a 36-credit-hour program that includes courses in Teaching English as a Second Language, Bicultural-Bilingual Studies, and Teaching English as a Second Language. The program also requires students to complete a three-credit-hour teaching practicum to gain hands-on experience in the classroom.
There are many career opportunities in ESL. The most lucrative positions are in academia, where you can work with native English speakers in various settings. These positions usually require extensive experience in teaching ESL and may require additional qualifications. Sometimes, you might need to obtain a DELTA or master’s degree. You should always check the job description carefully to determine if this is required.
Characteristics of a good English teacher
A good English as a second language teacher has a strong passion for the subject and a commitment to their students. They should also be dedicated and patient, as this will make it easier to build rapport with students. The teacher should be able to convey high expectations and be flexible to different learning styles. Students want a teacher who is approachable and caring about their futures.
Interdependence: An effective English teacher must be aware of the developmental stages of their students. This includes understanding how students learn grammar and how their cognitive abilities change through time. A good teacher will know that students will have different needs in different stages to tailor the activities to meet these needs.
Intellectual Curiosity: A good ESL teacher should be curious about different cultures. This means that they will never settle for “good enough.” Instead, they’ll continue researching and learning new ways of teaching English. In addition, they will have an interest in learning about other cultures and languages. This is an excellent trait for a teacher – it makes the teaching experience more exciting and rewarding.
Practical communication skills: A good English as a second language teacher will use language knowledge to build rapport with their students. In addition, they will use ongoing assessments to help their students become fluent in English. In addition, they should have an effective communication style, be patient, and be willing to work hard.
Positive energy – A practical English as a second language teacher will create a positive environment for students and make them look forward to class. A good teacher is flexible, able to adapt, and remains calm and focused despite the difficulties they may face. A positive attitude will engage students more in their lessons and reduce the likelihood of mistakes.
Recognizing cultural differences
Recognizing cultural differences is vital to becoming an effective Englishasasecond language teacher. This includes understanding cultural differences in language and the non-verbal communication methods used by students from different cultures. This will help you better understand your students’ cultural context and decrease the risk of offending students or misinterpreting non-verbal cues.
Teaching English to students of different cultures can be challenging, but recognizing cultural differences in the classroom can help students feel safe and appreciated in an environment where students come from diverse backgrounds. By fostering an inclusive environment and encouraging students to practice pronunciation and affirmation of others’ beliefs, teachers can help students learn English fluently and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.
Teaching English in multicultural settings requires understanding different cultures and how they perceive symbols. For example, in one classroom, a math teacher asked students to create pictures to represent math concepts in their portfolios. One student created an image of a swastika. When the teacher saw it, she was incensed and ripped the drawing in half before the rest of the class.
Moreover, English educators must be aware of the assessment forms used in other educational settings. Educators should provide examples of practical assessments and give students early feedback when they demonstrate learning. In addition, teachers should receive professional development that helps them understand how to teach diverse student cohorts. Academic staff who travel or teach transnationally should undergo location-specific training.
Quality professional training opportunities for Englishasasecond language teachers
Quality professional training opportunities are critical if you are interested in teaching English as a second language. Training opportunities should be ongoing and offer different learning formats, such as short workshops or online classes. The course should also provide hands-on teaching experience. Moreover, participants should have the right level of English proficiency.
Teachers who want to improve their skills and instruction quality can benefit from QTEL Summer Institutes. These institutes help educators build learning cultures, design instructional materials for English language learners, and align curriculum and content standards. Other QTEL programs involve collaborative and one-on classroom coaching, which helps participants improve their practice in the classroom.
