Teaching English

Sangeeta Sofat | HOD Commerce Department | Summer Valley School

What is Teaching English?

Teaching English is a great Career option. Almost everyone seems to be talking about How to start a Career in Teaching English, while one should first develop an understanding of What is a Career in Teaching English. While anyone can have an opinion on what Teaching English entails; only a real professional can really explain it.

HOD Commerce Department Sangeeta Sofat is an experienced professional with 24 years & 4 months in Teaching English. According to HOD Commerce Department Sangeeta Sofat, Teaching English is:

Teaching English as a Foreign Language refers to teaching the English language to students with different first languages. Teaching English can occur either within the state school system or more privately, at a language school or with a tutor.

How HOD Commerce Department Sangeeta Sofat got into Teaching English?

I have done B Com & M Com from DAV College. Post that I did a Diploma in System Management from NIIT. I got placed in a Computer Company by the name Microlipi as a Teacher. Realising my interest in teaching and reading, I decided to pursue MA in English followed by B Ed. I have been an English Teacher with Summer Valley School for 23 years.

HOD Commerce Department Sangeeta Sofat's Talk on Teaching English

The Journey of a Teacher: Sangeeta Sofat’s Passion for Shaping Young Minds Sangeeta Sofat’s journey into the world of teaching English is both inspiring and enlightening. With a strong academic background, extensive experience, and a deep passion for literature, Sangeeta reflects on the roles and responsibilities of educators in shaping the minds of students. In this article, we will explore her insights on teaching English, the educational pathways, essential skills, the joys and challenges of being an educator, and an intimate look into a typical day in her life as a committed teacher. What Is Teaching English? Teaching English encompasses the art of imparting not just the mechanics of the language but also the cultural and historical contexts that shape its literature. It requires a teacher to possess in-depth knowledge of grammar, poetry, prose, and drama while being adept in conveying these concepts to students in a relatable manner. As Sangeeta describes, teaching English is a multi-faceted engagement where a teacher molds the intellectual growth of children, guiding them through various literary eras and genres, and developing their communication skills. This profession goes beyond traditional teaching methods; it is about stimulating curiosity and encouraging a lifelong appreciation for literature. Education Literature & Mythology To effectively teach English, a profound understanding of literature and mythology is essential. Sangeeta emphasizes the need for teachers to delve into the historical contexts of various literary works, understanding authors' backgrounds, and the cultural influences that shaped their writings. This comprehensive study allows teachers to connect with students more meaningfully, as they can explain how mythology—from Hindu to Greek—plays a crucial role in understanding literature. Authors & Poets Knowledge of significant authors and poets is indispensable when teaching English. Every piece of literature comes with a story that shapes its narrative. Sangeeta notes the importance of sharing the lives of poets and authors with students, as it humanizes the texts and brings them to life. Understanding the struggles, eras, and emotions that influenced these writers enriches the learning experience and helps students draw personal connections to the literature they study. Era Sangeeta stresses the importance of teaching students about different historical periods, such as the Victorian or Elizabethan eras. Each period influenced literary styles, themes, and conventions. By covering these aspects, teachers not only deepen students' understanding of the literature but also inspire them to recognize the evolution of language and thought throughout history. Such knowledge can ignite a student's desire to pursue literature further as a career. Techniques & Classification of Poems Teaching poetry requires mastering various techniques and classifications. Sangeeta describes her approach of introducing students to different poetry forms, such as haikus and sonnets, while explaining essential literary devices. By drawing parallels to everyday life, she makes poetry relatable and enhances students’ comprehension of complex concepts. This method fosters a rich appreciation of poetry beyond the text, allowing students to experience the art form fully. Grammar Grammar forms the backbone of effective communication and is crucial in teaching English. Sangeeta strongly believes that developing grammar skills is essential for students to articulate their thoughts clearly. She highlights the breadth of grammar topics that teachers must cover, from sentence structures to report writing. Her emphasis on practical applications of grammar ensures that students not only understand the rules but also apply them in real-world scenarios. Report Writing In a world dominated by communication, the ability to write clear and concise reports is vital. Sangeeta incorporates report writing into her curriculum, including various formats like first information reports and CVs. By equipping her students with these skills, she prepares them for future professional endeavors, ensuring they can communicate effectively in diverse situations, whether in academic or real-world settings. Skills Patience & Composure Sangeeta highlights that teaching requires immense patience and composure, particularly when addressing diverse student needs. Managing a classroom with children of varying temperaments demands a calm demeanor and the ability to navigate challenges without frustration. Developing these qualities not only facilitates a peaceful learning environment but also models patience for students. Class Control Maintaining class control is another essential skill in teaching. Sangeeta shares that engaging students requires creative methods to hold their interest, particularly with teenagers. She believes that using relatable examples and interactive teaching styles allows her to foster an environment conducive to learning, thus enhancing the overall educational experience. Interest among Students Sangeeta’s ability to generate interest among her students is crucial to her teaching philosophy. To keep students engaged, she continuously seeks innovative ways to present lessons, making each class dynamic and stimulating. By adapting her methods, she ensures that her students remain excited about learning, which is vital in promoting academic growth. Organising Skills Being organized is fundamental to a teacher’s responsibilities, as highlighted by Sangeeta. From planning lessons to managing extracurricular activities, strong organizational skills help streamline teaching tasks. She emphasizes that such skills enable teachers to balance their academic and administrative duties, fostering a productive classroom environment. Enthusiasm towards Course Material Sangeeta’s enthusiasm for the course material translates into her teaching effectiveness. Her passion not only inspires her students but also invigorates her own teaching practice. By demonstrating active engagement with literature, Sangeeta encourages students to appreciate the subject matter and explore an intrinsic love for learning. Updated Knowledge In an ever-evolving world, maintaining up-to-date knowledge is critical for educators. Sangeeta encourages her peers to stay informed about new literature, teaching methods, and educational trends. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that teachers can provide relevant and current information to their students, enhancing the educational experience as a whole. Adaptability Adaptability is key in addressing the needs of diverse learners, as discussed by Sangeeta. She affirms that teachers must navigate the delicate balance between modern educational practices and traditional educational values. By adapting to the shifting dynamics of the classroom, educators can create a more effective teaching environment. Positives Satisfaction The profound satisfaction that comes with witnessing students’ growth is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching. Sangeeta finds joy in seeing her students overcome challenges and succeed, which reinforces the purpose of her profession. This intrinsic reward motivates her to continually strive for excellence in her teaching approach. Noble Profession Sangeeta recognizes teaching as a noble profession that plays a crucial role in shaping future generations. The impact of education resonates beyond the classroom, contributing to the development of informed, responsible citizens. This awareness of her influential role instills a sense of pride in Sangeeta as she navigates her teaching career. Different Roles for Students Each day, Sangeeta embodies multiple roles for her students—educator, mentor, and sometimes even a confidante. This versatility enhances her ability to connect with her students on various levels, creating a supportive learning environment. The diverse roles she plays enrich her teaching experience and foster strong teacher-student relationships. Keeps You Young Sangeeta notes that teaching keeps her feeling young and connected to the latest trends and ideas. Interacting with students exposes her to fresh perspectives and contemporary topics, contributing to her own growth alongside her pupils. This reciprocal relationship between teacher and student revitalizes her enthusiasm for lifelong learning. Special Bond The bond that forms between a teacher and students is uniquely profound. Sangeeta emphasizes that mutual respect and trust create formidable relationships that can inspire students to go above and beyond academically. This bond often mirrors familial ties, making the teaching experience deeply rewarding. Shaping The Perception Sangeeta appreciates her role in shaping the perceptions of the younger generation. Through education, she instills values, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation, contributing to society's broader development. This ability to influence students’ worldviews reinforces her commitment to her teaching vocation. Challenges Teaching Different Students Every classroom is home to diverse learners, each with unique abilities and needs. Sangeeta acknowledges the challenge of catering to this variety while keeping all students engaged. Finding the right approach to connect with each student, balancing different learning paces, and creating inclusive lesson plans demand continuous effort and innovation. Student Friendly Laws As education evolves, laws aiming to protect students have become more student-friendly. Sangeeta finds these changes can sometimes lead to challenges, as students may leverage these laws to their advantage. Striking the right balance between maintaining authority and accommodating students’ needs represents an ongoing challenge for educators. Handling Parents Engaging with parents presents its own set of challenges. Sangeeta notes that teachers must often navigate complex relationships with parents who may have differing views on education. Effective communication and establishing trust with parents are essential skills to develop as a teacher. Self-Imposed Restrictions Sangeeta observes that teachers must often impose self-restrictions to serve as role models for their students. Upholding high ethical standards and projecting an image of professionalism can be demanding but is essential for maintaining authority and earning students' respect. Resistance for New Methods Implementing innovative teaching methods can sometimes face resistance from parents or colleagues. Sangeeta emphasizes that advocating for new strategies requires persistence and solid reasoning. Teachers must be prepared to defend their approaches and demonstrate the potential benefits to the educational community. No Fixed Working Hours Teachers often experience work that extends beyond the classroom, with no fixed hours. Sangeeta explains that maintaining a work-life balance can be tough, especially in a boarding school environment. Juggling teaching responsibilities, grading, and planning alongside personal life requires strong time management skills and a commitment to self-care. A Day Of Teaching English Sangeeta begins her day early, rising around 5:30 am to prepare for another fulfilling day of teaching English. She schedules her classes with a blend of lessons and extracurricular activities, ensuring that each student has meaningful experiences throughout the school day. After school, she dedicates time to lesson preparation, showcasing her commitment to delivering the best education possible. Sangeeta’s evening routine includes her passion for pistol shooting alongside teaching grammar to another group of students, demonstrating her dedication to both personal interests and professional responsibilities. Following a day filled with guiding her students through the complexities of language and literature, she finds tranquility in relaxing with family and reflects on the payments of effort through her interactions with students. In the quiet moments of the evening, she checks over students' assignments and prepares for the next day, embodying the dedication and continuous cycle of growth that comes with the teaching profession. Concluding each day with reflection, Sangeeta recognizes the impact of her vocation as a teacher of English, shaping not just the minds, but the lives of her students. Teaching, particularly in the realm of English, is a profoundly impactful career that can shape students' futures and contribute to wider societal changes. Sangeeta Sofat’s experiences reflect the challenges and rewards inherent in education, illustrating how teachers, like herself, play an essential role in fostering learning and inspiring young minds. Should you ever consider a teaching career, the journey promises invaluable lessons that extend beyond the classroom.

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How to get into

Teaching English?

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Links for this Talk

HOD Commerce Department Sangeeta Sofat's LifePage:

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

LifePage Career Talk on Teaching English

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/teaching-english-3

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20171205-0003

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyxjjOD4oyc

(Teaching English, Sangeeta Sofat, Summer Valley School, Grammar, Literature, Teacher, HOD, Language, Tutor)

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