TESOL Voyages - 120 Hour ESL Certificate in teaching American English

The excitement in the faces of every student in every class is something I could never have imagined. Each student is prepared to learn and arrives on time with their respective work materials in hand. Month after month my students absorbed the curriculum as quickly as I could present it. For a new teacher like myself, the effort put forth by my students each day was the most remarkable thing. My students have truly inspired me to become the best teacher I can be.

I was a commercial painting contractor for most of my adult life. A wholly respectable occupation which I will always enjoy. When I began volunteer coaching I quickly realized my ability to build confidence in even the most disinterested kid was second to none. My students were progressing at a remarkable rate and other coaches and parents began to take notice. One of those parents was an elementary school teacher and asked me if I had ever considered a career in teaching. He complimented me on my ability to engage large groups of kids, but then explained the difference between coaching and teaching. Students being coached have a genuine interest in their respective sport and of course will be doing their best to improve, while teachers often must find a way to make a class fun and engaging to those students disinterested with the subject matter. It made me think. I really love to teach. I love watching students gain confidence and realize successes, however small. I contacted Jerry Stark at TESOL Voyages and arranged a meeting. I completed the course and received my certification and immediately began seeking employment in Shenzhen. I was flooded with offers from many recruiters as well as other reputable schools and found my current job with the help of my relatives in Hong Kong. Everyday I wake up happy because at age 53 I am doing what I love with kids who appreciate my efforts and work hard to become better English speakers. My accommodations are suitable and my salary quite fair. My life has changed drastically and my friends at home in the U.S. are equally amazed and proud of my efforts thus far. I have become an educator.