The evolution of a teacher

I have been teaching English as a Second Language for a while now, and I've noticed that throughout this time, I have changed a lot of my teaching styles.

When I first started teaching, I thought that I would teach things, then the students would repeat. Repeating many times would drive them to remember things. That turned out to be a disaster because they would remember them, but didn't know how to use them.

Then, I would try games and crap like that to make things enjoyable for the students. After a while, I (and the students) would even forget what the heck the game or activity was about (Was it about a verb tense? A grammatical point? Vocabulary?).

Oh, and then their is pair-work. My goodness, when I was in Japan, the JTE always loved pair work! But...problems can happen with pair work (students maybe hate each other, maybe you have two students who are overly quiet, so they wouldn' say anything. Or they were too noisy, so they would never focus on the topic, etc.)

Then, I was a grammar nut! Always focusing on grammar and immediately stopping the student in mid-sentence when they made a mistake. That could be detrimental to the student because if I always stop them in mid sentence, they would lose confidence and feel depressed, etc.

Oh, and how can I forget this...in Japan, it felt like the talk time was 80/20! (80% of the time, I was talking. 20% of the time, the student was talking) All I gotta say is...OUCH!!

I've learned so much from my experiences as a teacher. Nowadays, I never focus on any one topic or style I mentioned above. I don't do constant repetition, because that would be boring, but I would quiz them about important points, using different situations so they could use those points in more than one situation. I make sure the games have a purpose. I still do the pair work stuff, but instead of letting the students go and converse freely, I walk around the room, listening to conversations, correcting if needed (especially being careful that some of their mistakes don't 'fossilize' and become part of their permanent thought process). I teach grammar in all possible ways (writing, showing the grammar rules, having them analyze the rules like a mathematical formula, etc.) AND...try really hard to make sure that the talk time is 20/80 (20% me, 80% them) - sometimes that is a hard one to do!! Usually it is 45/55...

Everyday I learn my craft, and I also am constantly evolving as a teacher. I think that is what makes us better teachers. It is this that makes me feel very happy that I chose this profession.

Busy work situations...

Wow...I haven't blogged in a while! I guess it was because I never had time ('worked' 11 hours a day, and if you include commute, that number becomes 12 hours a day!), and I was always so stressed that weekends were my only time to relax (and not think about anything else).

I learned something interesting at work. I have noticed that staff members definitely have to do more work because of the decreased number of staff members (I'm not counting teachers...we have enough for the time being). If you work as part of the staff expect more than the typical 8 hour work day. I noticed that the Center Director (and myself, sometimes) work over the regular 8 hour work day, or are working on weekends (done that so many times already). I don't know if this is just the case with my company or other IEPs in general. Oh well, if anyone else is working in an IEP, is this the same in your situation???

Really want to teach?

Hmm...I have dedicated today's topic to those who really want to teach. From my own experience, and the experiences of many others, those who say, "Well...I am an native speaker, so teaching my native language is easy" I have some news for you. IT ISN'T EASY! Especially if you teach college aged students, you better know your stuff or else they will see right through you! Try to read up on all the related 'teaching ESL' books you can find. Also, maybe buy a grammar book to make sure you actually understand the reasons why English grammar is, as the students say, so complicated. If you have the chance, sit in an actual class to see how difficult (or easy?) teaching ESL really is. I think even if you teach younger aged students, you still need to catch up on all the teaching formats, etc. If you have more experienced teachers in your school, use them as a resource! They've been there, and done that. They might have a lot of quick lesson ideas for you.

After reading this...now...do you really want to teach?

Fun stuff about IEP teachers!

Haven't written in a while! I basically have no time because I work 12-13 hour days because of 2 jobs. Anyways, that's the life of an IEP teacher! Anyways, thought all of you guys might get a laugh out of this...

You can tell if you are (or were) an IEP teacher if...

- You are able to make a lesson about a grammatical point in 5 minutes or less.

- you only need to glance a chapter in a book and you can make a 1 hour lesson about that topic.

- Already have a list of games or activities to use when your lesson just totally doesn't catch the student's attention.

- Can easily make a fun activity that is related to the topic.

- Can teach an entire book in 1 month.

- You laugh when a student says to you, "Hi teacher! How are you?" And then, immediately you say, "I am fine. And you?"

- You already have a set lesson plan for a book. When the Academic Manager gives you a student level, all you need to do is replace the dates on your lesson plan and voila!! Finished lesson plan!!

- You always catch yourself saying this sentence: "Okay everyone! Please pair up with the person next to you and do exercise...."

- You know that you make less than a 'regular' public school teacher.

- You get compliments from 'real' ESL professors (those that work in a college or university) for having such an active, lively, and enjoyable class.

- You get ridiculed by those same ESL professors because you have no idea about the theoretical research some guy or gal with a PhD developed (even though you actively use this 'PhD's' research idea anyways).

- You get paid $17.00 or less an hour while a 'regular' professor gets paid more than $20.00 per hour and they get full benefits and retirement pay!

And...the number one way you can tell if you are an IEP teacher is......
(I'll leave it to any teacher to give me the number one reason! You guys probably already know what I will say from looking at the first part of this blog (about my work schedule!!)) ^u^

Haven't been on the blog in a while, but...

Realized that I haven't blogged in a while! Doing this mainly because I'm trying to get another job, and trying not to post anything "too" crazy!

But...I am quite surprised! The swine flu epidemic (or whatever they call it nowadays) will affect my industry! In fact it already has!! Just noticed one student from Mexico who was supposed to start next month couldn't get an F-1 visa because the U.S. Embassy is closed from the Swine Flu epidemic! And...another student from Japan cancelled their studies in the U.S. because their company doesn't want their employees to travel anywhere close to the area of the outbreak ("even though" Nevada is FAR from Mexico City, the epicenter of the epidemic). I'm concerned because this is just the beginning. This epidemic has just started, and like most 'viruses,' eventually it will mutate and we will see an even more lethal form of the virus (yes, I saw the movie "Outbreak").

At my work, we will begin putting alcohol wipes and antibacterial cleansing liquids in all the classrooms. I guess I better buy some disposable masks too??

Anyways, this epidemic, just like SARS back in the early 2000s, and 9/11, will affect IEPs more, for sure!

Which comes to what I have noticed in the industry. If an IEP is 'just' and IEP, something like this could kill the company. In order for an IEP to survive, it must 'diversify.' I see that in my current job, and I also noticed this in other related companies. Teach English, but also do other things. For example, an IEP's "company" I know of also does language teaching in other languages besides English. Other companies may have schools all over the world to diversify. Other companies also provide homestay programs to supplement their income. More companies also teach another subject such as computer science or programming. I personally think that is great idea! Because you are not restricted to teaching English only in your immediate location(s). I will remember what I have learned from this experience!!!

Are IEP and ESL teachers affected by the recession?

Wow...I haven't written for a while. This is because life at work (managing at an IEP) has gotten a bit more tiresome. Now...I have to do manage the homestay stuff, assist in the management of the school, teach a brand new class (an advanced class and a low level listening and speaking class), and other stuff. So, can I say that IEPs have been affected by the recession? I would say...heck ya!!! When the managers (The Center Director AND myself) have to teach classes, that is a sign that upper management is trying to find a way to reduce the number of teachers and staff to stay profitable. In a way, I understand this, so I don't complain too much about it. Interestingly, my school is doing okay...better than other schools. But it takes a drain on all of us working at the school!

One thing that I could say I have benefited from doing all these things at the same time is this....I have become a better multi-tasker!! I am beginning to realize that this is the kind of lives we are living in this millenia. We have to multi-task. I do that while I am teaching (juggling all the different levels and not mixing it up). I do that while I am managing. I do that while I am sleeping. Ugh....

Another thing I have learned while working at an IEP is...you have to be 'very' flexible. I don't know if I would have survived this long at my job if I weren't flexible with the demands of the industry. If you work in an IEP, don't expect to be as rich as a lawyer or doctor or engineer. Actually, IEP teachers are like blue collar workers, at least in the U.S., I think. When I was in Japan, I felt more like a white collar worker, with a lot of prestige. Now, I feel like just a worker on an assembly line...the assembly line of teaching English. Double ugh....

Teaching Embedded Question Sentences/Embedded Question Questions...

Hmm....today I gave my ESL IV students at the community college where I work a quiz. They had to master "Embedded Question Sentences" and "Embedded Question Questions." One of the ways that I teach grammar is let the students think of English grammar as a math formula.

You need to know the basic formula (Standard sentence structure: Subject - Verb - [Object].){Example: Fred is home},

understand the question formula (Question word - Verb - Subject - [Object]?)
{Example: Where is Fred?}.

And then understand the Embedded Question Sentence formula (Sentence starter such as: "I don't know" - Question word - Subject - Verb - [Object].)
{Example: I don't know where Fred is.}

Now, for the most part, the students got this concept. But when it comes to the Embedded Question Question, now the students get confused.

They are aware of the standard question format (Question word - Verb - Subject - [Object]?), but the Embedded Question Question, does not follow the standard question format!

Students are using the question format
(Do you know where is Fred?),

when they should be using the Embedded question question format
(Do you know where Fred is?)

If someone can explain this in a better way, please let me know!!!

ESL Acronyms

Just thought I'd share some of the really cool acronyms in the ESL field. Don't worry...they seem to always change!!! (got this off of http://www.teaching-esl-to-adults.com/esl-acronyms.html)


EFL
English as a Foreign Language
This is used when a non-native English speaker is studying English in a non-English speaking country.

ESL
English as a Second Language
Used when a non-native-English speaker is studying English in an English-speaking country. See Differences between EFL and ESL.

ESOL
English for Speakers of Other Languages
This term is more recent and is intended to be a more inclusive term (includes ESL and EFL).

TEFL
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
A TEFL teacher will be one who teaches English to speakers of other languages in non-native-English-speaking countries.

TESL
Teaching English as a Second Language
A TESL teacher teaches English to speakers of other languages in an English-speaking country.

TESOL
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc.
A more inclusive term for teaching EFL and ESL. The second definition is the name of a teachers’ association.

TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language

TOEIC
Test of English for International Communication

CALL
Computer Assisted Language Learning

CELTA
Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults
Also called Cambridge CELTA. CELTA course locations are all over the world. Compare to CTESOL.

CELTYL
Certificate in English Language Teaching to Young Learners

CTESOL
Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Compare to CELTA.

DELTA
Diploma in English Language Training to Adults

EAP
English for Academic Purposes

ELL
English Language Learner

ELT
English Language Training or English Language Teaching

ESP
English for Specific Purposes or English for Special Purposes

FLT
Foreign Language Teaching

ICELT
In-service Certificate in English Language Teaching
For non-native English teachers already teaching English.

IEP
Intensive English Program

IPA
International Phonetic Alphabet or International Phonetic Association

L1
Language 1
Refers to the student’s first, or native language.

L2
Language 2
Refers to the new language that the student is learning.

LEP
Limited English Proficient or Limited English Proficiency

LES
Limited English Speaker

NNS
Non-Native Speaker

NS
Native Speaker

SLA
Second Language Acquisition

TPR
Total Physical Response

VESL
Vocational English as a Second Language

The ranking of education types

Working in the field for so long, I grown to understand each teaching format, and their ranks. For those interested in teaching ESL, it is important to know which field you'd be interested in. So let me quickly talk about each particular field that I have had experience in:

Community Centers:
Think...working without benefits. Here, the students are really interested in learning, but you pretty much get paid, "under the table" (Or at least I did when I was in Japan). It might look good in a resume, depending on how long you worked at this kind of job, and what your future goals are. You pretty much just need a Bachelors degree to do this work.

Intensive English Programs:
Now, there are A LOT of IEPs all over the world! So you'd think that this field would be the way to go. Sorry to say this, but....unless your IEP is 'directly' associated with a college or university, you're pretty much close to the bottom of the totem pole. With the varied work schedules and the threat of losing your job because of student disinterest in you, it 'could' be a temp job for you. Or it could not...really if you have an outgoing personality, are willing to change pedagogy to help the students understand the material better, and don't cause trouble, you could stay here for a long time! To really succeed in an IEP, you have to always think about increasing your worth! You pretty much need, at a minimum, a Bachelors degree to do this work.

As for the students, this is extremely varied! You will have students who really want to learn! Those are the students that are awesome. Then you'll have students who are just using their F-1 visa to come to the U.S., and don't give a rat's a$$ about studying! Either way, you have to teach them and please them.

Public schools:
I had the opportunity to teach at 3 different high schools in Japan. Now the students are also varied, but one thing that was great was....I got paid a rather high salary (in regards to ALTs teaching in Japan), worked for the government (the Prefectural Education board controlled the senior high schools in the prefecture, so there was major control over the curriculum...that could be good or bad?), and received subsidized housing (now some prefectures gave their teachers free housing, but not in my case... ;_; ). Nice place to work, but if I wanted to continue to do that in the U.S., I would have to get credentials through the state department of Education...and....hmm....working for public schools in the United States??? I would have to think about that.

Universities:
Now, universities are great places to teach ESL. You get the prestige of working at a 4 year university, you also get to have your own office (if you are full time faculty), and you could be really cool! You would need, at a minumum, a Masters degree or higher to work here. You would also need to work really hard to get tenure. In addition, expect to write scholarly papers ever so often. Also, most private IEPs are cashing in by arranging contracts with universities to teach ESL instead of the universities themselves doing this. It would save the university money by letting an outside contractor teach ESL, so most universities are now going through this avenue. Or...they are opening their own "IEPs" that is separate from the university. Surprisingly, as one of my former supervisors told me, teaching at a four-year university is not the creme-a-la-creme. The best of the best. The numero uno...

Community Colleges:
My former supervisor said that working in a community college is the way to go! Here, you are the best of the best! The numero uno. The reason for this is because you will usually have more students (community college is cheaper than a 4 year university, or even an IEP (IEPs are usually the most expensive for students)). And the students get quality education. I have been working at a community college for over 2 years now, and I have to agree with what my former supervisor said. You really are more active as an instructor at a community college than any other place. Students are also varied, but a larger majority of students really are committed to learning English (because they have different reasons for studying English. Some want to improve their English for work, school, citizenship, etc.). You get a wide variety of students which will also improve your teaching style! Here you can also concentrate on teaching!

So, I hope that you understand more about the different teaching mediums and make an educated decision as to what field you would like to teach.

If you're an IEP teacher, expect (in most cases) no control

I've taught in several mediums. I have taught at high schools in Japan. I have taught at conversation-only schools. I have taught in community centers in Japan. I've taught in test prep schools. I've taught in (and still teach. Now I also manage) Intensive English Programs. And I'm currently teaching at the community college level.

I have to say, working as an IEP teacher...you really don't have much control! I've noticed that you have to perform at your A-game level ability with these students. Because if they are not satisfied with your teaching, they can talk to your supervisor, and...guess what...bye bye! Now, don't get me wrong, this can happen in most other teaching situations also. But the only difference is that if you teach at an IEP, it seems to be quicker. At least at the community college level, you have an entire semester to get better. At an IEP, a 'semester' is basically 1 month, so if you screw up in one month...bye bye! Also, they may not 'fire' you, but they will reduce your class load, which means that if you have bills to pay and only have one class to teach...you will 'voluntarily' fire yourself!

Or...if you are as smart as I was back then....you'd take the 1 class, and supplement by finding another job that could supplement your pay. Then, when they forgive you and give you more classes, you are back in the groove! I've had experiences similar to this before, and it has made me smarter.

"How did it make me smarter?" Well, I learned my lessons and did whatever I could to improve my teaching pedagogy! I tried to implement all the styles of learning that I studied in my second language acquisition class. And I grew from my experience! So...for all of those IEP teachers struggling out there, remember....when times become grey, and you are about to give up...improve yourself and you will see sunny skies once again!

First day of blogging!

Wow....this is the first time I have done this blog thing! I've written stuff on Myspace and Facebook, but never done this on an actual blog site! Hope everything is okay??

Anyways, I wanted to find a way to post my experiences in the field of English as a Second Language (ESL). I have had more than 10 years experience (from the time I was an 'interchanger' at an IEP (Intensive English Program) in Hawaii to my current profession - a Teacher/Manager and a Community College Instructor). Throughout these 10 years, my eyes have really helped me understand the field I am in, understand that my field is one of the lowest paid teaching fields in the whole spectrum of teaching, and helped me to understand the students that attend IEPs. I could have been a Medical Doctor, Psychologist, Counselor, FBI special agent, Naval Officer, etc. But instead I chose the career of an ESL professor! Wow...maybe I was crazy???? I've come to terms with my career decision, so I guess now I am happy with my choice. But let me tell you, if the opportunity to do something else comes around, I might change careers! Maybe...