Both Right and Wrong

I had an inauspicious start. I was not sure teaching anyone was my ticket—particularly to children of any stripe.

At first, I was wrong. My first class was not a good experience as this large class was a noisy, difficult, and unpleasant experience. The 10-12 year old kids were all over the place. I felt woefully unprepared to teach children.

I said to myself that I’m out of here. Teaching was not for me.

But Vantage’s lead trainer Chris recommended I stick around. He explained that most first-teaching class experiences are stressful and difficult; it´s normal. Teaching success isn’t instantaneous.

My second teaching practice was much better, with a more receptive and respectful class. This was much more rewarding. Though I didn’t realize it at the time, it was me who was doing most of the changing—not the kids. So my initial ‘wrong’ was becoming a ‘right.’

Subsequent observed teaching practices were even more successful in situations where most of the class couldn’t speak or understand much English. Nonetheless, they were a pleasure to teach.

This also highlighted how much my class preparation—my confidence and my delivery—had improved throughout the course, due to the training and experience I´d received at Vantage. I learned how to engage students at the beginning of a class. This set the tone for the rest of the hour.

I learned so much about what is required to become a good teacher. And I learned a lot about myself and my capabilities when I stick things out.

Vantage also covered job services. Their Power Resume class was a revelation and is so useful in preparing job applications.

And there is one more thing I got right. I chose Vantage!