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I Am a Teacher

On Monday a new schoolyear starts. The main change for me will be that I will be teaching Econs to Sec4 students in English for the first time.

It is quite challenging, and I feel excited about it. But at the same time it is triggering some fears inside me. I don't fear the chance that some day I cannot find some word, and I stay dumb, looking like a fool in front of the class. What makes me afraid is how I may react.

Will I just take it as one of the mistakes all humans, even teachers, make now and then, or think I am not capable of teaching in English and I should have never taken the responsibility? I am afraid the latter may happen.

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samanthasmokes · 36-40, F

On the first day of class, let your students know:

1) English is a second language
2) You absolutely love the subject you are teaching
3) You will do everything you can to make the subject something useful for them in their lives
4) In your passion for the subject you at times will have a spot of trouble finding the right words to clearly convey a concept ... and that you gladly welcome their help. Give them examples, funny anecdotes, of times where things backfired for you while you were learning English.

And stay relaxed. Smile. Learn their names.

A professor who is intelligent yet humble, and warm and sincere and passionate about helping students learn ... will have the students rooting for him.

Go for it!

Cierzo · M

@samanthasmokes That is good advice.
I will tell them that it is my first time teaching in Econs, but it is their first time learning Econs too. Therefore neither students not me must be very hard with small hindrances that may arise.