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April 21, 2005
Wow! You guys really are reading this!
Hello everyone!
I was thrilled to see all of the responses to our survey about this blog and the newsletter. Thank you for all of your kind comments--I'll be getting to all of them soon and post them for everyone to see.
One comment that stuck out to me was this (I'm sorry; I didn't get a name because it wasn't signed.)
"A serious suggestion that I consider to be of great importance in ESL around the world would be to bring the ethical responsibilities of the educational professional to the attention of prospective teachers. Your presentation in particular is going to appeal to the hedonist in us all, so a reminder of the professional commitment necessary to prevent the EFL / ESL industry (from) becoming more exploitative might be appropriate. This applies more and more the further job opportunities get away from our strict and stressful home countries ... There is often no idea of standards of English or professional responsibility once away from Europe and America. The poor peoples of the world need good, honest English teachers who care about the progress of students and their communities as much as their own income and lifestyle."
I couldn't have said it better myself.
There is no doubt that the lifestyle that many of us lead is straight out of a fairy tale book. We get to leave behind all of the normal stresses that come with working in a traditional environment (granted, we pick up a few others along the way), and live a life full of adventures, new sights, tastes and smells. At least for me, I feel as if I'm constantly learning something new and simply can't imagine a "normal" lifestyle.
But this is serious business.
As stated in the comment above, our students rely on us to be true professionals and do our best to ensure that they learn English. If you think about it, many of their dreams revolve around knowing English.
In other words, we can't let the "lifestyle" become more important than the mission.
For all of you who are thinking about becoming a teacher, it's important that you truly consider this: is your goal to become a great teacher, or simply see the world?
And for all of you veterans: Do you still have the passion that it takes to be a great teacher?
It's food for thought, huh?
I got a lot of comments and questions about Greece and also about becoming an ESL teacher at a more, uh-hum, older age. I have a lot to say about both issues in the near future, so keep checking back. Anyone out there teaching in Greece now? We'd love to hear from you! Are there any older teachers who would like to throw in their two-cents?
Until next time,
Michele
Posted by msimmons at April 21, 2005 12:38 PM
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Comments
Thanks for your interesting newsletter. I am an ESL instructor who has traveled the world, and teaches in Hawaii. After reading your comments, I am interested in knowing how to apply for jobs in Greece.
Thanks,
Tom
Posted by: Tom at May 8, 2005 02:41 AM
Hi Michelle,
Through your blog, I learned many fresh ideas on how to let my students talk. Thank you so much for helping us grow and (glow!)as ESL teachers.
..and I love your question: Is your goal to become a great teacher, or simply see the world?
This question proves to be an eye-opener. And if our answer is to be a great teacher, that's a fantastic news for our ESL or EFL students.
Can I add a tidbit? I feel that all of us ESL teachers are bound to give the best to our students. Yet, some of us are still groping in the dark. Please let me share with you a quoation from William Arthur Ward. He said: βThe mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.β
Thanks once again Michelle.
Siena (Filipina)
ESL Teacher in China
Posted by: siena at May 25, 2005 12:24 PM
Hi Michelle
Very interesting newsletter. Your name is the same as someone I knew in high school.. Are you from the caribbean- if you don't mind answering? I haven't seen nor heard from this girl since we graduated in 1986. I would be happy if you could email me with your response. Thanks.
Winnifred
Posted by: Winnifred Reid at June 10, 2005 01:35 PM
Thanks for your interesting newsletter. I am an ESL instructor who has teached for ten years in mexico.(queretaro)
After reading your comments, I am interested in knowing how to apply for jobs in Vancouver or Alberta.
thak you for your wonderful page!!! iΒ΄m so happy to be able to read it , and to know about it .
I learned many fresh ideas on how to let my students learn & talk.
Thank you so much for helping us grow as ESL teachers.
thak you again!!!!!!!! , AMERICA DE B.
Posted by: america de b at June 18, 2005 09:21 PM
