Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Both my parents were immigrants; I am first generation American. My father used to tell me a story about when he and his brother emigrated from Germany to the U.S. When they got to America, their uncle met them at the boat and said to them in German: “You will never speak German again, and if anyone askes where you’re from, you tell them you are from Cleveland, Ohio.” My father never spoke German again. Both he and my mother had to learn English as young adults like many of you. But I thought it was sad that my father never spoke his native language and left his native culture behind. I’ve always believed that while it is important to learn English and the US culture, it’s also important to keep your native language and culture
What do you like most about teaching ESL students?
I enjoy teaching ESL because it is fulfilling for me to see my students reach their dreams by learning English. My students learn English to communicate with others around them whether it is to make friendships, help their children in school, get a better job and advance in their career, or to earn academic or occupational degrees. I work hard for my students because they work hard in English class.
What would your ESL students say about you?
My students say I am very patient and explain English in a good way for them. They tell me the way I present the material to them helps them learn and advance. I try to add humor where I can because laugher is a universal language. Sometimes, it’s also a good way to ease the tension and frustration. I often tell my students that there are no bad questions. In addition, I thank them for making mistakes in class because it’s an opportunity for me to reinforce a grammar lesson or a writing concept for the entire class.
What is your most memorable teaching experience?
My most memorable teaching experience was on Monday, May 22, 2000. That was the first day of my first ESL class ever. I was scared and nervous, but the students were great. We talked a lot during the first class about what they wanted to learn, and I was able to create the class to meet their expectations. About a year ago, one of those students contacted me after 20 years. He wanted to observe my ESL class because he had gone to college, earned a bachelors and a masters degree in ESL. Now he was becoming an ESL teacher after being one of my students, and he wanted to observe my class to see an example…that’s very cool to me.
What additional information would you like to share?
I have seen my ESL students do amazing work. With the current pandemic situation, my students have had even more demands on their time. They are trying to learn English while also trying to learn the languages of technology: Zoom, WebEx, CANVAS, Amazon, myfoodcity.com…it’s a crazy time for all of us, but my students are tough. It’s very inspiring!