Teaching High School English
Teaching high school English is 100% my dream job. I love all of my students so much. I want to inspire them to stay learning, absorb as much info as they can.
As you can see, I’ve created a very comfortable environment in my classroom. I aim to have student led learning in my class. There is always some hands on for my kiddos to do.
My students are always trying to come in my classroom. They will try to skip other classes just to sit and do classwork in my classroom. Of course, this is something I have to tell them they’re not allowed to do. This however, highlights the importance of building relationships with your students and doing all you can to make them feel welcome.
The second picture is a student who came to after school tutorials to work on their assignment. It always makes my heart feel very full when I have a student reach out for help and have a willingness to learn.
***students faces are covered for privacy, but permission to post was given by parents and students :)***
#teacher #teacherlife #students #Lemon8Diary #embracevulnerability #shareyourthoughts #storytime #highschoolteacher
It warms my heart to see how many of you resonate with the joy of teaching English! Beyond the daily classroom interactions, there's so much more to this fulfilling career. For anyone dreaming of shaping young minds through literature and language, there are fantastic pathways to consider, and understanding them can truly ignite your passion. Many educators, like me, follow a traditional route, earning a degree in English education and gaining state certification. This path often prepares you specifically for the curriculum and standards of public high schools. But the world of English teaching is vast and incredibly varied! If you're exploring options beyond the traditional K-12 setting, or even just looking to enhance your skills and broaden your horizons, you might come across specialized certifications like TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). While a TEFL certificate isn't typically required for teaching in U.S. public high schools, it can be an absolute game-changer if you're considering teaching English abroad, online, or to non-native speakers in adult education programs. I've heard amazing stories from friends who pursued a TEFL org certificate or a premier TEFL certificate, opening doors to incredible experiences in different countries and cultures. These certifications often equip you with specific methodologies for teaching English to learners whose first language isn't English, which can be invaluable. It’s all about finding the right path to channel your passion and make a global impact! Within the classroom, keeping students engaged and excited about English is paramount. I've found that starting the day with creative bellringer instructions can set a dynamic, interactive tone. Instead of merely a warm-up, think about a quick "DRAG • DROP" activity using literary terms or a thought-provoking question that directly ties into our current unit. We also use interactive online tools that allow for immediate feedback and collaboration. My ultimate goal is always to make learning feel less like a chore and more like an exciting adventure of discovery. Building on the idea of hands-on learning, I love incorporating debates, Socratic seminars, and collaborative projects. For instance, we recently tackled a compelling worksheet titled "No, Gaming Is Not A Waste of Time," which sparked an incredibly lively discussion and debate. Students had to meticulously find strong text evidence to support their claims and then develop compelling counterarguments, learning to articulate their positions clearly and respectfully. It’s in moments like these, where their critical thinking and communication skills truly shine, that remind me why I love what I do. Creating a comfortable, visually stimulating learning environment, complete with warm string lights and a welcoming atmosphere (even with an American flag proudly displayed!), helps students feel safe and encouraged to express these diverse ideas. Ultimately, whether you're just starting your journey to become an English teacher, or you’re a seasoned pro looking for new ways to inspire, the core mission remains the same: fostering a genuine love for learning and critical thinking. Continuous professional development, whether through formal degrees, specialized workshops, or even exploring certifications like TEFL for specific skill sets, helps us grow and bring fresh, innovative perspectives to our students. It’s a career of constant discovery, for both teacher and student, and everyday brings new opportunities to connect and make a difference.
