Fantastic Teachers And Where To Find Them

HA. HA. .... No, I'm not calling myself fantastic. However, I am indeed one of a kind.

Taiwan......... everyone knows some English, a lot of people study it, some people pretends they're good at it, few people are excellent at it, and a handful of people are willing to teach people to be free from it (use it). Which one are you?

What do you think is the best place to learn English, U.S.A, U.K., Canada, Australia....? It's funny how the answers often differ between "the cheaper one" and "the most expensive one with the cool accent (you know it)". Com'on! Have you ever been or known a friend that had "studied" in a language school? Just be honest, tell me the price and whether it's worth the money or not. Here with FTL, we strongly.. (okay it's just me), believe that the only way to learn is to live it. Language is alive... IT'S ALIVE!!! Use it or lose it, just like your muscles... I'm sorry but it's true.

According to unofficial statistics(mine), in this country, learners of English are separated into three categories, people who study, people who learn and people who are natural. A teacher can teach you how to study English. He/She will made many handouts with charts and rules for you to memorize whereas a good teacher will help you to incorporate it into your lives, always give you new ideas and challenge your thinking. The later is someone you should follow because there you're not studying, you're learning. What's the difference? The former is temporary while the later is permanent; the former aims for quick in&out while the later requires more time but it lasts.

If you ask about where to find these endangered beasts, you will not get a great answer because I've been searching for people who are good at English and are willing to help others ALL MY LIFE, seriously. The society consumes teachers. Fewer and fewer people want to teach because we're not getting the respect we deserve and sometimes I understand why... there are bad teachers too. We know! Honestly, teaching isn't a job; it's more like service but it sure isn't charity. You will not believe how many people out there have asked us to do something for free namely translation, slogan making, language class, babysitting... It kills us, especially the last one. Respect professionals! If you wouldn't go into a cafe and ask for free coffee, why would you come to me and ask for free class! It really blows minds.

I know, I know... You're here to see how to really find good teachers and I'm here to tell you more clearly:

1. someone who has passion

2. someone who keeps learning

3. someone who sees your problems

4. someone who cares about your life

5. someone who has a flexible lesson plan

6. someone who has a strong belief/principle

7. someone who has a clear career plan in education

8. someone who is consistent about what he/she says

9. someone who tells you more than just what you learn

10. someone who loves dogs

Okay, that last one is a joke but you get the point. If anyone who can meet perhaps just 3 of these, he/she seems promising as a teacher. There you have it. Learn with people who can help you learn and not study. Take everything from them until you become better and when that happens, look back and pull one up so the world is a little better because we existed.

#education