I'm still in high school, but I'm interested in becoming an English teacher. My other interests include philosophy, literature, humanities, and language (I love looking up words and seeing their meanings). What are some things I can do to prepare, or, what courses should I take in college? Is it beneficial to teach abroad for some time? I realized that there are many queries in teaching English in Japan...why is that? Thank you for your help.
2007-02-25 14:54:41 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Becoming an English teacher is a very good thing. You might consider taking English literature courses or whatever is relating to this subject in your country ( in my country if anyone needs to become an English teacher students study English language and literature at the university). But to become a professional teacher I suggest that you could also take courses on teaching techniques.
2007-02-25 23:32:59 · answer #1 · answered by Nana 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
College courses to take: as many literature classes as you can fit in, including foreign literature classes; creative writing courses; sub-specialty courses such as the Bible as literature and always include one on Shakespeare's creations; word origin classes OR at the very least two courses of Latin, if offered; syntax and grammar courses are invaluable. Do NOT teach abroad until you have an excellent background in English as a FOREIGN language; English is an extremely complex language.
2007-02-25 15:04:47 · answer #2 · answered by Terry G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just like many high schools have foreign exchange programs for students, many Japanese companies offer teaching position in Japan for English students. I have a coworker who did that for 2 years. It was all expense paid, and they only wanted 1st and 2nd year teachers. On top of that, she said they were paid a salary that was more than she is currently making in the district we teach in. Keep in mind her food and rent and airlines tickets, etc, where all paid for by the company. If this is something you might like to do, be sure to research the company hiring for the teachers. Just like any thing else, there are scams out there.
As for English teacher prep classes, the more you take in the field the better.
2007-02-25 15:01:54 · answer #3 · answered by tchrnmommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Be prepared to be vastly underpaid, not a little mind you were talking qualify for food stamps poor.
2. If its a public school in most citys your students will hate you and work at not learning anything.
3. You will need a masters degree and a credential so you will have 40 thousand dollars in student loans. The catch is you will barely make enough to live so you the jokes on you.
4. If you teach in a public school in most citys the parents wont return your calls and will ignore the problems their children cause.
5. The Administration wont support you and will hang you out to dry when they even get a hint of a problem.
6. You will be required to take continuing education courses at your own expense but wont be paid anymore when you complete them.
7. You will get a raise every year that will be around 100 to 300 dollars A YEAR, it will equal about 2 dollars a day.
8. You will have no support from fellow teachers who are to buisy trying to survive and retire.
9. You will need therapy and medical attention on yearly basis for stress.
10. You will be expected to teach what your books and the administration tell you to even if its not true.
11. You might not be asked back for your 3rd year and will fail to get tenyear on the job thus will need to go to a new school and start all over again on working to get tenyear.
12. If you teach in public school in the South West your classes will be filled with Illegal aliens, few speak English. magically you will be expected to teach them as well.
If you can prepare yourself for all these things then you are a better person and teacher than most of us, good luck. Id suggest not doing it though and save all that money on mental health care.
2007-02-25 15:24:01 · answer #4 · answered by BIG-IRON 3 · 1⤊ 4⤋
To become a teacher is not a very difficult thing to do. But first of all you should be able to understand your students, and also be able to touch their hearts. For this you need to study Psychology. Then you need to study TESOL. the course is Teaching English to Students of Other Languages.This course increases your awareness in teaching. It teaches you how to analyse your Student's Needs. It makes you more creative in presenting your lesson. It also teaches you how to plan your lesson. So go for it. Good Luck!
2007-02-26 01:28:02 · answer #5 · answered by sanctuary 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend that you get a degree in English rather than in English Education. You can have a better understanding of the subject matter with an English degree. Take education classes as electives, as it will help speed up the process of getting a teaching license.
2007-02-25 14:58:56 · answer #6 · answered by elizabeth_ashley44 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi. If you want to know about the course, here is a BLOG of a CELTA Trainee that shares experience regarding the course. Subscribe and you will get all the info you need on the diary basis of the CELTA course. Have fun & Good Luck!
http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=653171
2007-02-27 09:01:36 · answer #7 · answered by Sweet Desire 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋