The goal of teaching
The first and foremost job of an ESL Teacher is to keep the class or the student interested.
In order to be a great ESL teacher, one must not only teach, but inspire and empower.
The goal is to excite the students about learning, speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending English. Keep this advice as a tool to be used often, and you will be one step closer to that goal.
Still, in my opinion, as far as teaching ESL abroad is concerned, the saddest challenge a non-native speaker teacher of ESL will face is “prejudice” and not necessary from “children” in a group...
In most countries, many schools and many people will give preference to an ESL who is a native-speaker. Breaking this barrier can even be challenging if you possess more knowledge, experience and certificates than the nearest native-speaker available in your area… speaking from experience here!
Although not being able to speak the local language can be a blessing in disguise for an ESL teacher because you are forced to use English all the time in class, it has been proven by many studies that the best foreign language teachers are those who CAN speak the local language because it is only through this possibility that you can bring the student closer to peculiarities and regionalisms that a language has to offer and thus, to be able to compare – translate accordingly.
If you are starting this career or just looking for a way to improve it I wish you success and hope my tips and ideas will help you through.
Best Regards,
Edy Skreinig