« Educational Technology and Mobile Learning | Main | Some Grammar Rules That Aren't »
February 18, 2012
You Expect A Master Teacher To Be Young?
One of the frustrations common among many teachers is, just when they feel that they have become masters of their craft...
...those who make hiring decisions have made what seems to be arbitrary age distinctions when it comes to hiring teachers.
Yes, many schools, and certainly students automatically think of a younger person when they imagine their “ideal” teacher. It’s the job of an older applicant to make them see otherwise. And it should be the job of the hiring staff to hire the best teacher - not just the teacher that might work out.
One of the things most schools don't want to talk about is the trouble young teachers can get into. Think about it; who is more likely to have problems with alcohol or drugs or get involved with an inappropriate relationship - a young teacher or a more mature teacher?
When it comes to serious learning - and the experience that fleshes out what might seem like confusing or arbitrary rules of grammar - you can't beat a mature teacher.
In North America and Europe (at least) there is no reason why a teacher should "retire" at the age of 60 (as many schools presume).
I may be biased, but it seems to me that older teachers have vastly better stories and, usually, teaching strategies, than younger ones.
Technologies will come and go, but a good teacher will make an impression forever.
In short, don’t let your age be a reason not to pursue a career, or hire someone, as an ESL instructor. Schools are hungry for good dedicated teachers, and in my mind, an older candidate who has a true calling and depth of experience would be an asset to any school!
My best to you as you make your way through this constantly shifting "industry" of working with students.
We are all learning.
Morf
Posted by mmorf at February 18, 2012 09:52 PM
