Why did you want to be an ESL teacher?

[LeahSimms]

I had always wanted to be an English teacher. But one of my best friends was from a small town in southern Mexico, and English was a second language for her. She graduated a year before me in high school, and she went back to her hometown to teach English as a second language. After that, I decide I would follow her and teach ESL here, in my own hometown where many children are having a hard time learning it. Since I had many years of studying Spanish under my belt- and a few Latin American family members- this worked out good for me and the children.

What made you decide to teach English as a second language?

[gfell]

There have been a few reasons what prompted me to be an English teacher, but I suppose the main reason was that it gave me the opportunity to live and work abroad and experience a different culture.

I have been fascinated by Japan and Asian for a while, and teaching English seemed to be the perfect way to experience first hand another culture.

[LeahSimms]

That's a nice reason. Me, personally, I've never really felt the urge to travel or visit other places. I'm more of a homebody, although I visited my friend in Mexico once for about a month, learning from her and helping her there.

[rajat.pay]

I am not an English teacher. I only like to talk to english teacher and there experiences as i understand its very tough to teach someone another language specially when its not being spoken at there home. I like to hear out there experiences and the challenges they faced everyday at school and even outside it.

[bustour]

For me, it's for a couple of reasons. Of course, I like teaching in general and helping people, especially children, learn new things. Also, I'm really looking forward to travelling and using my teaching to both meet people and see new things.

[craftewriter25]

I never wanted to be an ESL teacher. I am an Ethnography teacher but that puts me into a small percentage that need to teach English, well actually American. Since there is a difference in syntax lately.

I want to learn certain dialects so I focus on these cultures to inundate myself with. Since my family is from Moscow and Kiev I would love to learn more than the Yiddish I grew up with. I have relatives from Steppes and that would be nice.

I also need to learn Manadarin. we have many from China over here and they speak mandarin.
Mongolian INuit Athabaskan Aleut those would be awesome as well.

I think its really will be an exchange for those with no English or little English.

julie

[vare2]

Mostly because I learnt English as a second language myself and I see the importance of good mentors. And also because I think some of the courses out there arent really useful =p

[exported_kiwi]

I became an ESL teacher because it offered me an opportunity to travel and for it to be, basically, paid for.

Once I started teaching, the reasons changed, evolved if you will. I found that I enjoyed it and had an aptitude for it so I continued and as my teaching methods evolved, I found I enjoyed it more, as did my students.

Now, for me, teaching is about seeing the smiles, the expressions of understanding on the faces of the students. It's not and should never be, about the money. It's about helping and being the best you can be for yourself and the students as well as being a great ambassador for your country.

The more ESL instructors, of quality and conscience that is, the better because then the world will be a better place, and hopefully, a far safer place for all who live in it. How? Because, if we're really conscientious about what we do, we also promote understanding between peoples and acknowledge that while differences exist, underneath it all, we're all the same.

My 2 cents,

[craftewriter25]

Since you all teach in some way shape or form, Have you ever noticed a great difference between the Kings English and American?

I am noticing many are requesting at the tutoring sites for kids who want to learn American versus "Kings English".

[Margy]

I think you mean "Queens English", not "Kings English". The head of the throne is the Queen, so until she is replaced by a King, then it will continue to be referred to as "Queens English".

There is definitely more demand for American English rather than Queens English, only because of Hollywood and the fact that the majority of books etc are in American English.

There are noticeable differences not only in the words but pronunciation. Most notably is A, I, H, K and Z.

The most important thing when teaching is to teach with clear pronunciation and avoid using slang etc. It also helps to explain to students the difference between Queens and American English.