What makes the right teacher? Is it the appearance? Is it a matter of age? Or whether they are native or bilingual? Is it based on how proactive they are? Is it the experience? Whether it is a male of female? How about the education theyve had? The courses theyve taken or how theyve been recycling their skills? Is it perhaps their method?
Im 57 years old; I consider myself to be attractive. Im proactive, curious, a learner. My method? I connect with students by building a space of trust. Trust can be built by finding a way to connect with people. We connect when we touch feelings and emotions. I use joy and love.
I started teaching at the age of 25, and it happened by chance. My boyfriend of that time, saw a sign for a foundation teacher training course put up somewhere. I took the training course and I loved it. The instructor, Richard Sheperd, B.A., R.S.A., Dipl. TESL, inspired me from day one; he approached his trainees with familiarity, he used drama in his sessions and invited us to use it in our short presentantions. He connected with us by using comedy, characterization. He made us laugh and by doing so he created an atmosphere of fun and trust. I was no longer under tension, but at ease. It was an intense 15 day course of pure JOY!
My point here is, when choosing a teacher I root for someone who can connect with the students. Someone who by touching any emotion can guide a student into working to their full potential.
If I were to choose a teacher I would definitely look for someone that inspired the joy in me! How about you?
