Why did you decide to teach abroad with Teach and Learn in Georgia?
Todd: I spent about half of my life in the US, and the other half working and teaching abroad. Primarily, I taught math and languages abroad and in the states, as I am fluent in several languages. A few years ago, I was in Azerbaijan, but I noticed that all Georgians I met seemed very happy. The TLG program was unique in that it offered family placement and language and teaching; it seemed like a new sort of cultural experience. I was happy to see that TLG received sponsorship by the Georgian government and Ministry of Education. So I definitely went.
What made this teach abroad experience unique and special?
Todd: I would have to say it was the people of Sakhartvelo. I was raised in Tennessee, and experienced a rough childhood, so when I graduated from university, I left and never went back. I moved to so many places, but I must say this: Sakhartvelo people are the nicest, and I’ll say it again, the nicest people in the world. For example, I worked almost 8 years in China (PRC) and though my Mandarin was proficient, I was always labeled as a “Lao-Wei-Wei-Guo-Ren,” or foreigner.
My host family really became my own family. We lived not too far from the school, so “Mama” (yes I call her that) and I walked to school everyday to teach. The children were sweet, well-mannered, and so eager to learn. At first, when I would walk down the hall of the little schoolhouse, the kids would back up straight against the wall as if I were some general in the military. After a while, I absolutely did not want that and eventually the students and I became equals and respectful of one another.
How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, academically, etc.)
Todd: I am pretty happy with my resumé as is, but I do attach my teaching in Georgia to my credentials. Additionally, I had never taught elementary school, and I certainly found it very rewarding because I was able to see my students improve their English.
As I am a graduate with honors from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, I emphasized techniques, such as pronunciation. This methodology would have the kids laughing at times, especially when they saw new English words and then they later came to master them. It was a fun and positive experience. Every kid in the school ultimately wanted to be in my class, which was very dear and unexpected; I was flattered, humbly. Lastly, I have to say that having a host family there changed my whole experience. To this day, I still call them my family without hesitation or doubt.
What is one piece of advice you would offer something considering teaching abroad in Georgia?
Todd: The candidates should be fluent or proficient in at least one other language. Georgian people – at least the older generation (i.e. parents) already speak two languages: Kartuli and Russian (not to mention other regional dialects of the Transcaucasian area). Get certified in ESL teaching beforehand. Although, it is crucial to be fluent in another language (alongside a teaching certification). I've spoken with presidents, directors, administrators all over the world and they came to agree with the wisdom of this advice. With this, I’ve seen that native speakers of a language are not automatically good at teaching the language. Those who are certified teachers will be much better at language teaching; experience is also essential.