Tim Marsh has been teaching English since 1985 and has taught over 3,500 students, with ages ranging from six to 65. He is therefore well placed to describe teaching English as a “difficult and demanding” job, as well as to share the five lessons he’s learned during his impressive time in his career…
“The Spanish expect paid professionals to know everything about their expertise but there are few teachers of the English language who do know everything. We should prepare lessons adequately when teaching aspects we’re not entirely confident about.
Many CELTA tutors say that if you are asked a question that you cannot answer confidently, you shouldn’t panic but instead inform the student that you will check and give them the detailed answer at the following lesson. This may be useful when you first start out, but it shouldn’t happen frequently, as your honesty will not always be appreciated!”
“Teaching English is very rewarding and can be full of surprises. As a result, it’s not a good idea to try to follow a rigid teaching plan. Write a plan that’s flexible enough to allow for a good dose of spontaneity to enter into proceedings. I can honestly say that not one single day is the same as another.
If a Spaniard is not in the mood for working on a particular skill, as will happen from time to time, then be prepared to change that lesson at the drop of a hat. It’s always a good idea to keep four or five ‘favourite’ lessons filed within easy reach for just such occasions – preferably skills lessons that can be easily adapted to the theme that you are currently working on.
Whatever you had planned for this week can always be done next week. The customer is always right and, when living in Spain, big lunches, high temperatures, Barcelona against Real Madrid and the after-match party can bring about very unexpected lessons!”
“The Spanish are extremely friendly people who love to talk and are happy to share – sometimes in great detail – the problems in their working and even private lives. In an effort to establish friendly relationships, they often create an intimacy: what is referred to in Spanish as ‘confianza’.
This is much the same kind of trust and confidence that we have with our doctors or lawyers, so, unless you’re careful, you can find yourself doubling as teacher and therapist, which will alter the dynamic of the classroom.
A teacher of English teaches English. Stick to what you know, stick to what you’re being paid to do and create a professional framework in which to do your best as a teacher and not as a therapist.”
“The busiest time of the year is often during the summer, when language schools begin to fill up as state-school exam results come in. Parents enroll their children on intensive or exam revision courses so that they can take their resits in September.
English courses are often expensive and parents will expect a guarantee that their child will pass the school English exam at the end of the summer. Never offer a guarantee! There are usually a number of reasons why the child has failed in the first place and it is better to lose a client than to make promises you can’t keep.”
“Many years ago, the famous soprano Rita Hunter was asked what she considered to be the most important requirement when singing opera. She answered, “A good pair of shoes.” She went on to say that when she was appearing in a Wagner opera that started at 5.30 pm and didn’t finish until 11 pm, the most important thing to look after was her feet.
I’ve always tried to avoid institutions that insist on a uniform or on wearing a shirt and tie. Students often feel uncomfortable in a classroom where the teacher is formally dressed. I have always found the working environment much more relaxed when dressed in a similar way to my students. This and the fact that in Spain the temperature can hit the 30s in June and stay there into September mean that I dress casually, often in shorts. And I always wear a good pair of shoes.”
Read our blog posts 'Career moves for enthusiastic teachers' and 'The importance of teachers' professional development'.
In a previous blog, we shared somestrange English phrases that might have left you with some questions. The English language is full of peculiar phrases that can even confuse fluent speakers. In today's post, we'll take a look at a few more such phrases to help you expand your repertoire.
English is the second most widely spoken language – it is estimated that nearly two billion people worldwide can speak English at a useful level. That means they can hold a conversation with other English-speaking people.
A report by the attests the importance of the English language to the world, and says thatsecond-language English speakers far outnumber fluent English speakers. It also recognizes how being able to speak English can give individuals a competitive edge over others. If you're asking the question, "Why should I learn English?", read on to find out more...
Not everything can be taught in the classroom – that’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 English words, slang terms and figures of speech for you to sprinkle into your English conversations. Not sure how to use them? Don’t worry, we’ve included definitions and examples of how to use them in a sentence.
A song or tune that, once you’ve heard it, is stuck in your head.
Use it: “That new Taylor Swift song is such an earworm!”
Spending your holiday in your hometown rather than traveling abroad. Often spent relaxing around the house or doing activities in the local area.
Use it: “I’m having a staycation this summer, as I’m trying to save money.”
An episode or series created exclusively for online viewing. This can be part of a web series or used to promote a television series.
Use it: “There’s a new Breaking Bad webisode online, have you seen it?”
Funding a project or business venture by asking a large number of people (typically online) to invest a small amount of money – usually via websites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo.
Use it: “We raised enough money to launch our business using crowdfunding.”
Glamorous camping! Avoiding any rough conditions with luxurious facilities and accommodation, such as a yurt or cabin.
Use it: “We’re going to be glamping at Glastonbury this year.”
Something or someone that closely resembles something else, often used to describe someone who looks very similar to a celebrity.
Use it: “Have you seen the Prince William and Kate Middleton lookalikes over there?”
This word has a more political significance, in terms of gaining land or ownership. However, its modern usage is commonly in the workplace: The act of passing over control or responsibility to another person while you are off work on holiday or leaving a job.
Use it: “I’ll send my notes in a handover email so you can continue the project while I’m away.”
When something is a little uninspiring or dull. Also a word you could use to describe your lack of interest or indifference. It’s basically a verbal shrug.
Use it: “The film was a bit meh.”
Watching multiple episodes of a TV show, one after another, in a single sitting. Usually, with a DVD box set or using online streaming.
Use it: “I’m planning to binge-watch the entire series of Game of Thrones this weekend!”
When someone 'spills the tea' they are telling you all the latest news or gossip.
Use it: “Please spill the tea about last week's party!"
