Related Posts
Is an MBA really worth it for a career pivot?
More Posts
Who hasn't cursed their email? Totes guilty here.
5/4 Thread (General):
No words needed 😂👎🤮
How to apply for on-site opportunities
Me after a long day at work
Additional Posts in English as a Second Language
Hb b. TXfiJxffffz
New to Fishbowl?
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
I would join an ELL PLN (professional learning network) like the #ELLchat. And #ELLchat_bkclub , #boostingacheivement. I would also get on Twitter and follow @TanELLClassroom and @MsSalvaC just to name a few. There are many great resources out there. It is so important to stay connected with other ELL educators because the job can begin to feel like an island. That being said, I love my job and my staff and my kiddos. I drive one hour one way every day just to be with them. They are an inspiration
I’ve been an ESL teacher for 17 years. While it’s very stressful, it’s the most rewarding job in the world! The biggest advice I have for you is to set boundaries and try to leave your work at school. I’m not sure how your district is, but mine is a small, rural farming community with few resources for our growing population of Honduran families. Because of the lack of resources, I’m put into the roles of translator, social worker, counselor, nurse, principal, and of course teacher. Even the county police call me often to translate and assist on calls. My families call me at all hours because they have nobody else to call who can help them with basic things because they don’t know English. Administrators call me all the time because they have no idea what to do in some cases. I seriously work 24/7. If I could go back, I’d have set boundaries and would never have agreed to take that first police call or a district phone so I’m always on call. Those families have become my own families though at this point, so I can’t go back. Make sure you don’t let the job swallow you up and it’s really hard to do that because you care !
I had a student transfer into my class from the Dominican of the Congo this year. She only spoke Lingala (which I had never heard of). Obviously you know all of the tricks on TPR, games, visuals, etc., but the biggest help to me was the other students in the class. When I gave up some of my control and added in more time for socializing, I really noticed her beginning to blossom. Kids are so adaptable, I had to remind myself I didn’t have to be responsible for her to be fluent by the end of the year, it would come to her with time.
You'll be surprised by how quickly ESL students learn, especially in elementary school. I'd get to know and show their cultures, languages, and it's good to know how much schooling they've had in their first language. It all factors in and they are so happy when you show an interest in their culture. Try to find diverse books they can relate them and give them opportunities to teach the class about their cultures (if they want to) so they can be the "expert" in something. They can be like little ambassadors. as others said, try to join some support groups of other ESL teachers. There are plenty on Facebook if you just search ESL teacher. Good luck
How do you like teaching ESL?