Tell us a little bit about yourself and what has inspired you to be a teacher?
I am a physical therapist living in Derwood Maryland and attending Mill Creek Parish, which started an ESOL program last year. As a physical therapist, I enjoy educating students and patients and thought these skills might carry over to teaching ESOL. I was hoping my volunteering in the program would help to serve a need in our community.
What are the biggest challenges you face as an ESOL teacher?
One of the challenges I face as a teacher is only knowing one language. Although you do not need to be bilingual, and are to only speak in English, it would be easier if I could understand the questions from students in their native language. We eventually figure it out, though.
What has teaching remotely during a global pandemic taught you?
Teaching remotely has forced me to find and use more virtual resources that can be shared through the computer screen. It has also shown me how, for students with very little or no English skills, virtual instruction may be more challenging. It limits a teacher’s ability to communicate non-verbally as well as your ability to see a student’s non-verbal communication and to look over their shoulder to see how they are comprehending an assignment.
What advice would you give to a new ESOL teacher or volunteer?
I am still a relatively new teacher myself. My advice would be to relax and go with the flow of the class. Things do not always go as planned but usually work out in the end.
What has been your favorite pastimes during COVID-19?
My favorite past-time during COVID-19 has been walking outside for exercise. After a day at work under PPE, I am longing to be out in the fresh air.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
I find the relationships with students most rewarding. I am always amazed at a student’s story and their journey to this country.
What is something you learned about your students during this remote teaching period?
When COVID first began, we continued our classes informally over zoom. Our numbers decreased compared to the in-person classes. Those students who were most committed continued to attend the zoom sessions. Those student who are familiar with technology and had some English proficiency found zoom easier than those who little to no English skills.
