Who is a language teacher

As "experts of subject area language," teachers can help students develop awareness for the language that pertains to the subject they are studying. Last year, I asked a student to choose an article to read on any topic of his choice.

He chose an article about a Formula 1 driver. As we read the article, I had to stop several times and ask him to explain what different terms like "pole position," "pit wall," "MP," and "TG" meant. Having little background knowledge in car races, it was up to my student to help me understand the new Formula 1 language I was encountering.

Unlike my lesson in Formula 1, the roles in our classrooms are typically the other way around as we are delivering the concepts and content to students. But when we do, are we considering the language they need to understand the concepts? Do the students have the background knowledge to pick up this language quickly, or do we need to teach it more explicitly? Language is embedded in the concepts, contexts and big ideas across all subject areas. Further, in many cases, key terms and concepts transfer easily from one subject to another.

However, there are instances when the same word in one subject may mean something completely different in another. Take the word "tone" for example. What does it mean in music? How about art? The salary for secondary school teachers is as follows:. Language teachers are usually expected to be either native speakers of the language they are teaching or hold a university degree in it.

Native speakers should have a good level of secondary school education and preferably a degree also. There are professional courses for the continuing development of language teachers, such as the following:. Language teachers work mostly from a classroom, or in the case of private students, in their place of work or at home.

Secondary schools operate from 9 am to 4 pm for a five day week, 39 weeks of the year with the rest as holiday. Marking is additional to these hours and also eats into the designated holiday. Because of the amount of marking required, secondary school teaching actually has quite long hours.

Language teachers working in a private school or college, or for a language agency have extremely variable hours. Teachers in this situation are free to make up their own schedule as and when classes are available for them to teach. For example they may choose to teach private classes during the day to business customers at their place of work. Alternatively they may opt to teach evening classes at a language school or institute, or a mixture of the two options.

Weekend work is also an option. Teaching a group of adults can be demanding although it is generally not as stressful as teaching a group of children. Besides this, long hours, marking and preparation make language teaching a demanding job. The joy of seeing students progress and helping them to achieve their goals makes it an extremely rewarding job, however, and well suited to those who enjoy personal interaction in their careers. The freedom of a flexible routine also appeals to those with multiple commitments.

Language teachers should have a solid knowledge of their speciality language and culture. Time spent working or studying overseas will look good on a CV.

Look into exchange programmes and immersion courses overseas. Any teaching or supervisory work is also beneficial, as is working with groups of people, either adults or children. Private language agencies and schools are by far the biggest employers of language teachers.

Check your local listings for schools in your area and contact them directly. Language teachers often go on to become teacher trainers who instruct other professionals in teaching theory and practice. Supervisory or managerial roles are also open to language teachers with some years of experience.

For a long time now; I have been working as a language teacher since and as a language teacher for foreign languages since There are plenty of characteristics that a teacher must possess to be a good language teacher; along with proficiency in a language, extraordinary reading, speaking and listening skills the teacher must, of course, demonstrate good use of vocabulary and command over the words.

Do you want to know what are the characteristics of a good teacher? If yes, then go on to confirm the following traits along with checking his or her expertise in French. Learning the language of France is just like learning any other new language but a bit earlier acquaintance through movies, multimedia aids, video tutorials, semi-easy reads can be highly advantageous for students in addition to having a good French teacher with the knowledge of the language. This guide is not only for students but also for teachers who aspire to become a good language teacher.

Check out whether the teacher can offer personalized teaching to every class depending upon the specific needs of the class. You cannot teach students of a distinct age with the same teaching style and matter. The best method of teaching students under age 6 plays way method however; the need of students beyond 6 years is different. Therefore, the teacher must be able to connect with the student and execute personalized as well as customized teaching. A teacher able to establish emotional as well as mental connect with the students is best to go for.

Learning a language may not be as tough as learning mathematics, but it is also not easy. Most of the students often leave the courses in midterm due to the complexity involved in the language.

But a hopeful and encouraging teacher can promote students to learn French and attain proficiency. A teacher needs to be passionate about the language along with being able to infuse passion in the students as well.