On Monday I began one of three summer jobs -- teaching English to adult learners. I am their third teacher in a six-week session, so you can imagine their excitement when they saw me at the front of the room Monday night.
"Are you my teacher now?" one man asked.
"Yes. I am," I replied.
"Oh. Welcome. Welcome. Thank you for coming," he answered as he looked around at his fellow students.
Each of them welcomed me in a similar manner -- absolute kindness with a hint of frustration. Actually, one woman offered more frustration than kindness but even she seemed to turn around by the end of the evening.
They are a smart group, and I can't blame them for feeling tossed aside. We had a good evening together and successfully worked through the difference between always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, and never.
When we finished, they seemed surprised to hear that I'd be back for the next four weeks. And I can't tell you how nice it feels to have people thank your for teaching them as they walk out the door.
I feel a heavy pressure to not disappoint. They deserve more than just my presence each week. ELL is not my area of expertise, but I plan to match their dedication as best I can.
5 comments:
This sounds like a reciprocally satisfying arrangement. In the legal realm, you are qualified as an expert witness when you have experience. I'd say you have both experience in teaching and in being an adult. So you are definitly an expert.
What is the difference between usually and often?
I don't get the same enthusiasm when I walk into the classroom.
It's wonderful how liberally they use the phrase "thank you," isn't it??
You will be a wonderful ELL teacher.
Hmmm, I just used the word "wonderful" twice in about 15 words. A dwindling vocabulary is unfortunately a side effect of teaching ELL.
i like this job of yours. lucky them, i say.
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