ESL Teachers Keep Silence About THIS
Mila Kunych
Director of studies at The Green Academy Australia, mentor teacher and IELTS coach ?? helping English teachers transition into adult exam prep ??
Part 1
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Feeling unsure about your language level? You're not alone—this is a common struggle for English teachers. We can generally divide teachers into four groups:
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·???????? Non-native speakers living outside English-speaking countries
·???????? Non-native speakers living in English-speaking countries
·???????? Native speakers living outside English-speaking countries
·???????? Native speakers living in English-speaking countries
Group 1 might seem to have the toughest time keeping up their language skills. But guess what? All four groups face a similar issue: interacting with students who have much lower language levels can impact teachers' own language abilities. Frequent exposure to language errors and simplifications can influence how we speak and write ourselves.
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I've heard from native teachers working abroad who said that after teaching in places like Spain for a few years, they started to accept things like "do mistakes" and noticed a drop in their use of varied tenses. They ended up simplifying their language to be more understandable, which wasn’t easy for them.
What group do you belong to? What negative influence have you noticed on your language from your students?
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Part 2
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领英推荐
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If this problem is so common, why isn’t it talked about more? It’s partly because there’s a stigma around it in the field. Teachers often feel the need to appear perfect, much like doctors do. Students expect to see confidence from their teachers, and the idea of a hesitant or unsure teacher can be quite off-putting—imagine a surgeon looking scared before surgery.
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In some cultures, this pressure is even stronger. For example, an Iranian IELTS coach I once spoke with was shocked when I mentioned that a good coach might not know everything but would double-check and come back to an issue later. In his culture, this behaviour is unimaginable for a teacher. Another instance is when I shared my own pronunciation improvement methods openly. Some people thought it was brave of me to discuss my insecurities, which I hadn’t realized was a courageous act.
What’s the image of the teacher in your culture? Have you ever felt pressured to appear flawless in your role as a teacher?
Part 3
The toughest part is figuring out what to do and who’s responsible. With many teachers dealing with low pay and heavy workloads, tackling this issue on an individual level can be hard. Life’s challenges—like finances, health, and family—often get in the way of professional growth.
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On a positive note, the internet is a great resource. Personally, I’ve tried various ways to keep my English sharp, like running a speaking club with other teachers at C1-C2, watching English YouTube videos, attending events at America House in my city and writing and posting regularly on LinkedIn and for school.
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Even with these efforts, it often feels chaotic and never quite enough. Still, any effort is better than none.
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Most teachers keep these struggles private, discussing them only in personal chats. Hopefully, this helps you understand why you might feel like you're the only one facing these challenges.
What are the ways you maintain your English? Should teachers get support for keeping up their language skills while working for someone? What kind of help would be useful?
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#MilaKunych #DOS #ESL #TeacherChallenges #HiddenStruggles
Language & Communication Trainer for Global Professionals | Turning Nervous English Learners into Fluent, Fearless Communicators
3 个月Thank you for bringing this up!
Video & Podcast Producer ?? Record real content. Grow your education brand ?? How-to training and done-for-you production ?? Host of TESOL Pop
3 个月As users of a language (a term I picked up from Ruth Pringle that I love), we need opportunities to explore, create and fuel our curiosity for the language. This could be a book club, a writing group, or something like Toastmasters public speaking spaces that help educators reconnect with the language on a more creative level.
Creator of The Harcourt Method speech training program that produces dazzling recall, intelligence, and problem solving in any language. #Harcourt #englishspeakingtips #englishlessons
3 个月Here is an easy fix. Do you know that there is a free in-home program that produces confident speaking in any language? The Harcourt Method on LinkedIn and Youtube produces instantaneous recall of learned information, and easy application of this information to debate, discussion, and problem solving. This easy to use camera training program produces dazzling exam marks in school and high-level job performance in the workplace.? The program eliminates high speaking anxiety and panic attacks, because it uses the correct environment: the home. The home is where confident speakers have always been developed. When people can speak in a relaxed manner about important issues, that is where the real learning starts. This is Noam Chomsky’s definition of being well educated. The program was originally designed for second language, but produces the same outstanding result in the native language. Problem solving, innovative thinking and thinking outside the box are the results of confident speaking. This is a game changer for career upward mobility, producing high-levels of success, good mental health, self-esteem, and pride. Camera training uses the amazing speaking approach, crushing the learning approach. https://youtu.be/UkNYKgEtQhU
I guide educators and professionals through difficult behavior situations with a loving, child-centered approach.
3 个月When we let go of perfection, that is when the true talents come out. It takes strength to understand how our unique quirks is the most valuable thing about us. For this reason, Group meetings can be so valuable. We get the opportunity to see how we are not alone in it, and to gain insight form the great minds around us. Mila,
Founder, International TESOL College. Developer and Copyright owner of accredited TESOL and English courses.
3 个月Mila, it's so refreshing to see such honesty about the struggles that ESL teachers face. It's a topic that often gets swept under the rug but affects so many educators on a daily basis. Your courage in addressing these challenges not only opens the door for meaningful discussions but also empowers others to share their experiences. Keep shining a light on these important issues—it's voices like yours that inspire change and support within the community.