Thoughts on Teaching English as a Second Language

There is little doubt that the with the way we have entered this information age, that the global community is becoming more and more connected in ways that no one really expected. And it is also clear that the global business community has selected English as the global language of commerce. Those that are natural-born English speakers are obviously at an advantage here, but what about those whose first language is something other than English? Lucky for them, there are those out there that are teaching English as a second language.

Teaching English as a second language can be a rewarding experience. First of all, unlike a lot of other subjects that are taught in classrooms all over the country (even all over the globe), very few are as important as English. Math may be important, but algebra is really only important to a few people. Virtually everyone needs to speak English. For that reason teaching English as a second language is a valuable experience, for the teachers as well. There is definitely satisfaction in helping people who are determined and eager to learn a subject, as well as knowing that you are making a difference in this person’s life by teaching English as a second language.

I have spent years teaching English as a second language in the United States. Almost exclusively, the entire class can speak only Spanish. Many of these people have been in the country for years, even decades and want to speak English to get ahead if they can, or, at least, get ahead enough to give their children more options in the future. These people respond well and many of them are trying their best to get their citizenship. Teaching English as second language allows you to make contact with these people and it is a rewarding and patriotic experience to help people who want so badly to be citizens of this country.

But teaching English as a second language is not just for those that want to help in their communities. Teaching English as a second language is a great opportunity to travel the world. There are dozens of countries all over the world that are eager to have native English speakers come to their cities and towns and teach English to their countrymen and women. These companies offer ample salaries as well as cover many expenses, including training, travel and room and board. Of course, the real reward for teaching English as a second language in these countries is to go out and experience more of the world.

However you end up teaching English as a second language, whether it is here in your neighborhood or abroad in Europe or Asia, you can be assured that you will end up in a highly rewarding position where you can make a positive influence on people’s lives, simply by speaking the words you say every single day.