Yes, I earned certification in 2009 and have, until recently, taught since then; additionally the maternal side of my family is LOADED with all kinds of professionals in the field of education, so there's a genetic disposition, as well. My favorite thing about teaching is the students, without question. I love to see their faces light up when they make connections, understand something that had confused them forever, or realize that they can experience a whole new world with this awesome ability...
(was this song written about ENGLISH??? yes, I'm a little dramatic, but it popped into my head SO...)
For me, it comes down to what everything always comes down to for me: Love.
I love the English language. I love the versatility, the power because it's spoken in so many places around the world, the adaptability, the WORDS (so many!!!), and the subtleties and implied meaning that color its magnificent superiority for contextualized, individual expression.
The downside is that there is a common belief that English represents the white, white, West. This belief is strong, even though English is one of the official languages in many countries that are not majority white and decidedly not in Europe or North America!
Of course, colonial history plays a role. I do not downplay or ignore the adverse impacts of past (and present) indoctrination efforts based on myths of cultural superiority, but I'm talking about potential. I'm talking about opportunities. I'm talking about ownership. I'm talking about empowerment. The English language empowers.
Not only does speaking English as a second language look good on a college application, but it allows a person to build relationships with people from around the world, it opens the door to a vast library of new information, and it's flexible enough to be contextualized; maintaining the integrity of the culture in which its used. Pronunciation is rarely an issue; native speakers have different accents and dialects, idiomatic expressions and implied meanings. Most of all, the English language is a living, growing, and evolving entity that is forever changing to meet the needs of the millions of users around the world. English is truly an international language.
It's rather obvious, then, that I love the English language.
But I'm not an English teacher. I don't have a set syllabus that I use for classes. My lesson plans aren't in ready-reference binders on a book shelf. I have to look up grammar rules faster than my students. I can't really remember what a dangling participle is and I surely can't diagram a sentence. But I know the power of the language and I know how to use it effectively.
So, starting today. I'm not calling myself an English teacher anymore. From now on, I am an
English Language Enrichment Advisor
(...or E.L.E.A., for a nice, "POP-y" sound bite)
Many people around the world begin learning English at a very young age by professionally trained teachers who teach grammar rules and all the foundational matters necessary to begin a life of speaking English. What they sometimes miss is the empowerment. The joy. The whole new world that becomes accessible to them through their new English skills. I've decided that's going to be my job.
I know English grammar. I can correct sentences, explain concepts and steer a student in the right direction, but more importantly, I can share the keys to the library; implied meaning, literature (!), introduce critical thinking skills and academic writing concepts, as well as to build confidence in speaking and expression.
English is less representative of a country or perceived ethnicity, but more about expression, relationships and even innovation. It is truly a global language for everybody.
And I want to share the love.
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