Hi Libertybelle!
When I read your post I thought "that �s really something I �d like to spend some time on.
When I see people complaining, arguing... I personaly think this is a waste of time...
But your topic is "light"!
I �m Brazilian and I teach both, English and Spanish. I used to teach Portuguese too, but not anymore.
I love both languages.. but I prefer English!
I work at a private language institute which provides us its own material because it �s a franchising. The methodology is nice, the classes are very communicative. Students participate during the whole class.
The students receive their text book, workbook, drills (a small book with drills for further practice) and also a LCP (Listening Comprehension Practice) book. They also have their CD (which runs both on the computer and cd player). With the help of the program they have installed on their CD they can do their homework on the computer (which provides them with instant correction) and then print their homework to hand it in.
So, it �s nice, in my opinion, because when they make a mistake they see the correction and can learn from it.
Teachers at regular school, specialy the public ones, aren �t respected - unfortunately. They also don �t have good salaries. The lack of discipline is a big problem they have to face in their everyday living.
In my case, I don �t face this problem. The groups are small (no more than 10 students in class). The salary is better too. It just depends on the school you work.
I have the students participation, cooperation. They like English, they like the classes. Of course, there �s no perfection anywhere. Sometimes we face problems too - like those teens that don �t want to study but their parents do... so... you can imagine the situation.
But nothing serious.
Being a teacher wasn �t my first choice.
I studied Law first. But then, I got very disappointed with the profession, so I decided to study Languages and then I felt myself at home.
I know I have to learn a lot. And I seek for my everyday learning. But I do love what I do!
Being a teacher is being part of people�s lives. I know when I teach (and learn) I give something from me while I receive from my students. And this process makes me a better person because it makes me think about the importance of communication and the importance of respect and tolerance with the differences.
I AM a teacher, from heart and soul, and I do love it!
Kisses from Brazil!
