Teaching English

Estela Lopez | English Teacher | Oxford Institute

Teaching English

Estela Lopez
English Teacher | Oxford Institute

[ 41 years & 3 months Experience ]

What is Teaching English?

A Career in Teaching English is very intriguing. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find information about What Teaching English actually is. Most pages on the internet just talk about How to get into Teaching English. It is best to learn about Teaching English from a real professional, this is akin to getting it from the horse's mouth.

With 41 years & 3 months of professional experience, English Teacher Estela Lopez understands Teaching English. English Teacher Estela Lopez defines Teaching English as:

Teaching English is a great challenge, because teaching, whatever the subject one has to teach students, is a permanent challenge. Even more so, English is doubly a challenge because you have to teach children not only to talk but to think in a different language. To teach English, and the cultures of the countries where it is spoken, is to open the minds of children, who perhaps through the language, realize the possibilities they have to know other ways of thinking, other ways of living. In short is to teach them that communication is not only in Spanish but there are other human groups, other human cultures, that have a different language and is good to learn them. And since English is a universal language, not one, but the universal language, the challenge becomes more exciting.

How English Teacher Estela Lopez got into Teaching English?

I studied English because it seemed to me that it was a career that was going to have a lot of job opportunities, and I was not mistaken, and to take advantage of the year i lived with Americans when i went abroad with a student scholarship, which gave me a good level of English to begin with. I studied in the UNT, in the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, and while studying English, that was what would allow me to live, I studied philosophy that was what I was passionate about. I graduated as a teacher in English and i got my degree in philosophy in 1974 and 1977 respectively. By paternal suggestion I decided to set up an English academy with which I was able to build my own company, still running today with branches in the south of my province. In addition to teaching English in my academy, i taught English in a private secondary institution and in the UNSTA. Also, along with English, i taught many other things like anthropology, epistemology, logic and psychology, but in fact most of my working hours were dedicated to English. I made several trips to the United States with students from my academy, seeking to have them inmerge in the language, which is necessary to speak it.

English Teacher Estela Lopez's Talk on Teaching English

The Journey of a English Teacher: Estela López's Passion for Teaching and Cultural Exchange Estela López's journey as an English teacher embodies the unique challenges and rewards associated with language education. Through her rich experiences and insights, she reveals the transformative power of teaching English not only as a subject but as a bridge between cultures. In this article, we will delve into Estela's professional background, the requirements of her field, the skills she has cultivated, and the daily realities she faces, providing a holistic view of being an English teacher. What Is Teaching English? Teaching English is a multifaceted profession that goes beyond imparting language skills. It involves the integration of cultural understanding, effective pedagogical strategies, and a strong grasp of the language itself. Estela López, who has dedicated decades to her craft, views teaching English as a significant challenge and opportunity. She emphasizes that teaching a language requires more than just an understanding of grammar and vocabulary—it requires the ability to help students think in English, interact with diverse cultures, and develop their oral communication skills. As English continues to be a universal language, the role of an English teacher becomes increasingly pivotal in fostering global communication and understanding. Education English as a Language Estela pursued her studies in English at the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, providing her with a solid foundation in the language itself. Her academic journey began with an innate passion for English, which she supplemented with practical experiences that enhanced her understanding. It was through this education that she learned not only the mechanics of the language but also its nuances, preparing her to effectively teach English to her students. English Culture Understanding English culture is crucial for any English teacher, as language is deeply intertwined with cultural identity. Estela highlights the importance of teaching students about the cultural contexts in which English is spoken, as it opens their minds to different ways of living and thinking. This cultural immersion aids students in appreciating the language beyond mere words, allowing them to connect more deeply with the content and context of their studies. Pedagogy of the Language A strong command of pedagogy is essential in Estela's teaching approach. She emphasizes the necessity of applying effective teaching methods to cater to various learning styles. Her academic background taught her how to structure lessons in ways that engage students, ensuring that they not only learn English but also enjoy the process. This adaptability is vital to meet the diverse needs of her students. Teaching Methods Estela employs a range of instructional methods to facilitate language learning. From interactive dialogues to multimedia resources, her teaching strategy is dynamic and responsive to her students’ interests. She strongly believes in creating a classroom environment where students are encouraged to speak, interact, and immerse themselves in the language, ensuring that they develop oral proficiency. Psychology Acquiring a background in psychology has further equipped Estela with insights into motivating students. She recognizes that different age groups possess varying levels of enthusiasm and interest in learning English. Understanding these psychological dimensions allows her to tailor her teaching techniques to better engage her students, making the learning experience more impactful. Skills Good Ear A crucial skill for any language teacher, as Estela points out, is having a good ear for phonetics and intonation. This ability is essential in not only analyzing students' pronunciation but also in effectively demonstrating correct speech patterns. It is through her keen awareness of sound that Estela helps students refine their speaking abilities. Good Phonetics Estela firmly believes that a solid understanding of phonetics is imperative for teaching English. She emphasizes that she must ensure her students can replicate the sounds of English accurately. Her expertise in this area forms a foundation for effective communication skills. Communication Effective communication extends beyond language proficiency; it includes the art of conveying complex concepts in an understandable manner. Estela's ability to articulate thoughts clearly is a fundamental aspect of her teaching. She shares that building rapport with students fosters an environment conducive to learning, where students are more willing to express themselves. Creativity Creativity plays a pivotal role in Estela's career as an English teacher. She highlights the need to innovate and adapt her teaching strategies to resonate with her students, using music, films, and interactive games to make learning engaging and enjoyable. This creative approach not only keeps students interested but also enhances their comprehension of the language. Patience Teaching a language can be fraught with challenges, and patience is a critical attribute that Estela embodies in her profession. She understands that language acquisition is a gradual process, and she often finds herself encouraging students through their struggles. Her patience helps create a nurturing environment that allows students to learn at their own pace. Motivation Motivating students is a significant component of Estela's teaching philosophy. She consistently seeks methods to inspire her students, instilling in them the importance of English as a tool for communication and cultural understanding. Her dedication to motivating her students helps them appreciate the value of the language beyond mere academic necessity. Immersion in the language Estela advocates for the immersion method, where students are encouraged to interact in English as much as possible. Her approach includes creating an English-speaking environment in her classroom, where students are compelled to practice their language skills effectively. She believes this method enhances their retention and comprehension of the language. Positives Opens Your Mind One of the most rewarding aspects of being an English teacher, Estela notes, is the opportunity to broaden students' horizons. By exposing them to new cultures and ideas through the English language, she helps cultivate global citizens who understand and appreciate diversity. This openness to different perspectives enriches both the teacher and the students. Job Opportunity Estela shares that being an English teacher presents plentiful job opportunities, particularly in a globalized world where English proficiency is increasingly valuable. The demand for English teachers both locally and internationally creates various pathways for professionals in the field, each fostering personal and professional growth. Being Bilingual Teaching English also allows educators like Estela to become bilingual and fluently navigate two languages. This skill not only enhances their teaching capabilities but also opens further avenues for communication and cultural exchange, enriching their life experiences and professional opportunities. Understanding Another Culture Through her experiences, Estela emphasizes that teaching English enables deeper insights into other cultures. By integrating cultural lessons into her curriculum, she fosters an environment where students can appreciate the global context of the English language, thereby promoting empathy and cross-cultural understanding. Challenges Achieving Orality One major challenge Estela encounters in teaching English is achieving oral proficiency among her students. She points out that many students struggle with speaking despite having a strong grasp of written English. Bridging this gap requires innovative teaching methods that prioritize speaking practice from the outset. Interpretation Estela acknowledges the difficulties students face with interpretation when learning English. Understanding spoken language, especially in a foreign context, requires sharp listening skills and comprehension. This challenge necessitates focused teaching strategies that help students effectively interpret language cues. Knowing how to Transmit The ability to effectively transmit knowledge poses a challenge for many teachers, including Estela. She understands that mastery of a subject does not always translate to teaching it effectively. Therefore, refining her teaching techniques to communicate complex ideas simply is essential for her students' understanding. Generate Interest Generating sustained interest in learning English can be challenging due to the myriad distractions students face today. Estela employs various strategies, including using current events and pop culture, to keep her lessons relevant and engaging, ensuring that students remain focused and interested in their learning. Teaching Teaching English involves continuous adaptation to new educational paradigms, and Estela often experiences the challenges that come with evolving teaching methods. Keeping up with educational technology and changing student interests requires ongoing professional development and flexibility in her teaching approach. A Day Of A lot of Work Estela’s typical day is filled with a diverse range of activities dedicated to fostering language education. Starting early in the morning, she balances teaching different age groups and proficiency levels, exemplifying her commitment to accommodating her students' unique needs. While teaching is her main focus, she is also involved in organizing educational trips and enhancing resources for less equipped schools. In summary, Estela López's journey as an English teacher encapsulates the essence of language education today. Through her experiences, she highlights the challenges and rewards of fostering inclusivity and communication in the classroom. Teaching English is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about opening doors to a world beyond one’s own.

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How to get into

Teaching English?

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Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Teaching English, what education and skills you need to succeed in Teaching English, and what positives and challenges you will face in Teaching English.

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Links for this Talk

English Teacher Estela Lopez's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/estelalopez

LifePage Career Talk on Teaching English

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/teaching-english-1

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20170521-0010

(Teaching English, Estela Lopez, Oxford Institute, Teaching English, Teaching, English, Universal Language, Teaching Culture)

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