Video timeline
00:00 Introduction
01:09 Advice #1- Keep experimenting
01:46 Advice #2 - Invest in yourself
02:25 Advice #3 - Widen your experience
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Video transcript
What if you could rewind the clock and give your younger self some teaching advice?
I was a bit of a late starter and I was 25 before I came to English language teaching- as a backpacker in Taiwan. Looking back over the 35 years since then, there are some things I’d love to tell myself. Curious to know what they are? Keep watching.
If this is the first time we’re meeting, I’m Jo Gakonga, I’ve been teaching for 35 years, and training teachers on CELTA and MA TESOL programmes for 25 of those. I’ve also got a website at ELT-Training.com where I make video based material for teachers at all stages of their careers. Check it out and don’t forget to like and subscribe if you want to see more – I make a new video every week.
So, THREE things I’d like to tell my 25 year old self. Here we go…
1. Keep Experimenting in Class- Try Something Different
We all learn by doing—and that’s something I’d encourage my younger self to embrace even more. Don’t be afraid to experiment in the classroom. Trying new activities, techniques and approaches is how you grow as a teacher. Some things will work, and some won’t, but every experience will give you new insight and ideas -and that’s what you need.
2. Invest in Yourself
Investing in your education and professional development is important. Doing qualifications like the CELTA, Delta, or an MA, understanding how grammar works and having more insight into language learning processes will deepen your knowledge but it’ll also boost your confidence in the classroom and definitely open doors to better job opportunities. So never stop learning.
3. Get as Much Experience as You Can
Finally- and this is an important one - say yes to new opportunities, even if they push you out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s taking on different levels, exam classes, or online teaching, every new experience adds to your skill set. Life is long, and your career can evolve in many ways. English language teaching offers so many paths… teacher training, management, materials writing, translation, or even starting your own business, as I’ve done. Diversify your experience and it’ll make your career richer and more fulfilling.
If you could go back and give your early teacher self some advice, what would it be? Share your thoughts... I’d love to hear from you. And don’t forget to visit ELT-Training.com for more ideas and materials to help you become the best teacher you can be. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video!
