[BLOG] From Teaching Assistant to ESL Teacher: My Journey Abroad
Not sure if teaching English is for you? Read this blog post about my favourite things about being a Teacher's Assistant and find out!
Kaya
3/11/2024
Please keep in mind that the opinions posted on this blog are my own.
Everybody might have a different experience and opinions, and that's OK.
From Teaching Assistant to ESL Teacher: My Journey Abroad
Have you ever had a role that unexpectedly sparked your passion and set you on a whole new career path? For me, that role was being a Teaching Assistant (TA) abroad. What started as a casual opportunity to gain some experience quickly evolved into a profound journey that led me to become an ESL teacher. Let me share with you why I loved being a TA abroad and how it ultimately pushed me into the world of ESL teaching.
Gaining Experience and Sparking Interest
Being a TA abroad was an ideal opportunity for me to dip my toes into the world of education. It allowed me to gain valuable experience while exploring my interest in teaching. Each day brought new challenges and learning opportunities, fueling my curiosity and passion for the field.
Light on Tasks, Heavy on Learning
One of the things I loved most about being a TA was that it wasn't overloaded with tasks. Instead, it felt like I was a professional shadow, observing and learning from experienced teachers. This allowed me to focus on absorbing knowledge and developing my skills without feeling overwhelmed by administrative duties.
Diving into the Trade
Every day as a TA felt like diving into the trade of teaching and mastering English like a boss. I was immersed in the language and culture, surrounded by eager students who were eager to learn. It was a dynamic environment that challenged me to continuously improve and grow.
Unlocking Creativity
Being a TA encouraged me to think outside the box and find creative ways to engage with students. Whether it was designing interactive lessons or organizing fun activities, I had the freedom to explore my creativity and tailor my approach to suit the needs of my students.
Building Connections with Students
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a TA was building genuine connections with my students. Unlike the traditional role of a teacher, I wasn't the one solely responsible for distributing quizzes and assignments. Instead, I was able to focus on building rapport and connecting with students on a personal level, earning their trust and respect in the process.
The Path to ESL Teaching
My experience as a TA abroad was transformative in more ways than one. It not only solidified my passion for teaching but also inspired me to pursue a career in ESL education. Through my time as a TA, I discovered my love for language teaching and realized the impact I could have on students' lives by helping them master English.
In conclusion, being a TA abroad was an invaluable experience that shaped my journey into ESL teaching.
It provided me with the perfect blend of experience, learning, and creativity, ultimately paving the way for a fulfilling career in education.
If you're considering a career in teaching, don't underestimate the power of being a Teaching Assistant—it could be the first step towards discovering your true calling.
Get in touch!
Copyright Handy English 2021
”I used this with an adult ELL tutee of mine. I appreciate that the language was accessible for multiple proficiency levels, but the content wasn't obviously geared for children and still useful for older learners.”
August 7, 2023
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February 5, 2023
”Love this resource. Great for fast finishers and also those in small ESL groups. Great for all macro skills as discussion and brainstorming is a great precursor for writing submissions.”
- Gail M.
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Here's what other ESL Teachers say
Handy English: 4.8/5
”This was a wonderful resource for my students. It helped me introduce them easily to new concepts and it was quite engaging. Thanks!”
- Kiara B.
October 10, 2023
”Great resource for learning vocabulary, which supports comprehension and speaking skills.”
- Lori-Ann W.
September 29, 2023
”What a great way to get a healthy debate going. My students struggle with impulse control and they all have kept it kind and appropriate.”
- Alicia H.
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