The purpose of education is not only to teach new information but to plant a seed of inspiration. Curiosity to learn about the world is not limited to academic space. Whether or not students continue in formal academic settings, they can always have the curiosity to learn about the world. My main goal as an English language instructor is to create an engaging and healthy learning environment that fosters creativity and meaningful communication. I curate my classroom spaces to utilize a communicative language teaching approach. 

 

When teaching a foreign language or ESL courses, it is important to implement multiple/several teaching methods to keep students engaged. This not only helps them retain information but also supports the application of their learning. I like to incorporate different teaching methods for different levels of learners and different types of learners. As a language learner and teacher, communicative skills are my main priority. Learning correct grammar and academic language is just as important as learning how to communicate effectively.

 

There has been uncertainty within the realm of teaching throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but this has also been a time for educators to reflect on how to incorporate technological tools into the classroom. I have had the opportunity to run seven different online asynchronous courses, including TESOL, Business English, and English as a Medium of Instruction. I am a firm believer in a narrative approach for online asynchronous courses, as this provides the most interaction between the instructor and the learner. This enables a student-centered approach, even while online, boosting learner morale and learners' self-efficacy. 

 

Planning is an essential part of being a language educator, and planning goes hand in hand with assessment. Planning an activity hinges upon planning what that activity is meant to assess. While communicative language teaching focuses on meaningful communication, there are many ways to assess students. In my time co-directing a community ESL program, I have taught student teachers to create their evaluations as they create their learning objectives. It is important to understand how to assess student behavior based on the goals that have been set. 

 

As an educator, I know not all students share my level of curiosity and excitement for the subject, but I do expect them to show respect and willingness to learn. Students should be a part of the class, held accountable as learners, and engaged in the process. I expect my students to be alert and attentive and show they are willing to participate in the classroom as I aim to create an environment they want to be involved in. My students use their new language skills to communicate in the classroom every day and build their new communicative skills from the ground up. As we build the relationship between teacher and student, it is their responsibility to communicate their needs and wants, and it is my responsibility to be open, receptive, and supportive.

I am fascinated by language learning, and I am impassioned by helping other achieve their goals. Language holds power; it is one of the most important tools someone can learn and use/utilize. I want and aim to be the inspiration for people to dive into the language and see how powerful it truly is. Teaching English is not only rewarding from seeing the student’s progress, but it is rewarding knowing that I am helping someone open more opportunities than they may have ever thought they had. My first class of ESL students made me realize my emphasis on the communicative approach and the importance of catering to and planning for student needs. My first group of online students made me realize the importance of creating a teacher presence in online spaces. Teaching is about being flexible enough to show that students' interests come first. How I teach is always subject to change as I learn and grow, but the core values that forged the foundation of my teaching will always be who I am as an educator.