Broken English with a Side of Humility

There are many things I love more than anything in this world, one of them being a good slap of realization.

As I sit at my kitchen table eating pot-stickers from Fareway (Asian food gods please don't smite me), I can't help but to reflect on everything that has happened this past week. Let me first start with saying that I have so much respect for my cooperating teacher (we'll call her CT).

I can't even describe how well she works with these students. Her expectations are high, but the way she teaches makes it possible for her students to meet her standards. She's constantly figuring out different ways to help her students succeed in a way that works best for them. Something all teachers should aspire to do. But the thing I like best about watching her is how she interacts with the students. CT treats them like real people, not just students but real people. That might sound weird...let me explain. Instead of talking at students she talks with them. She allows time for simple, personal discussion. By doing so her students can relate to her, which leads to trust and comfort. A safe and comfortable environment is a necessity when working with ELL's (English Language Learners). Honestly, I hope I can have as a good of a relationship with my future students as she does with her's. Being an ESL teacher is more than just a classroom job. You're constantly playing mediator between classroom teachers, parents, administrators, and other students. You're the parent. You're the encourager, the punisher (is that a word? well it is now...), and on top of that you still have to teach.

I must say though, listening to Spanglish all day does have a certain charm to it ;).

Another thing that kind of hit me hard this week was the reality that when I'm a teacher, I can't put my needs first. I know that sounds kind of vain, but bear with me. As a college student, at least in my case, it can sometimes be hard to not get a little self-absorbed. I need to get MY homework done, I need to find MY future job, I need to go to MY classes, I need to have money for MY food, I want to make time for MY friends and ME. Are you sensing a reoccurring theme here? I am. Earlier this week when I was observing in the classroom I started thinking about how tired I was and how I wished I had gone to bed at a more reasonable hour. Then I stopped, looked up, and saw CT sitting there teaching four NC's (new comers). Though her eyes looked a little sleepy she still had an encouraging attitude toward her students. With each broken English word they spoke and each correct answer they gave she kept pushing them a long. It was then that I realized my attitude needed to change. Education is about the students. If we can't help our students succeed then we aren't doing our job. No matter if it means lack of sleep or staying at school long after the final bell rings. Being a teacher means more than just receiving tenure, benefits, and money. Whether a student passes or fails may or may not be your fault...but no pressure.

Your teachers (at least most of them) care more about you than you might think.

Lessons Learned this Week
-So many.

Goals for Next Week
-Start teaching small lessons.
-Be patient.
-Be encouraging.
-Speak slowly and enunciate.