Activity 1. My development as a teacher

My development as a teacher has gone through different stages. In my early practice, I did not have any formal training to be an English teacher. I had studied the language, but I did not possess the skills that can be taught at school or in teaching courses. I started building these up by reading the teachers’ books I used and observing the way a class is developed. I could notice different techniques and strategies that are implemented in an English class. I gradually started feeling more comfortable by combining these and the experiences that I had in my classes.

I tried to take the best advantage of any learning opportunity. Many teaching seminars were offered where little teaching training was provided. I took everything that could help me develop my teaching skills. Additionally, I took the Cambridge University exams (KET, PET, FCE, CAE), which are evidence of an English language user. I also took the Cambridge TKT Modules 1, 2, 3 exams, which are evidence (in theory) of the skills an English teacher should possess. I say 'in theory' because they are exams that anyone with a B1 level of English can get. There are books which provide theory and practice tests. The teaching practice is not assessed in the classroom. When I took them, I did not buy any books, I just answered one practice test, and that was it. I had been working for some years by then.

In my fourth teaching school year, I began training students for the different Cambridge exams (Young learners and KET, PET, FCE, CAE). I opened an English school which was open for 4 years where I kept working with the students’ Cambridge exams training. Currently, I work not only as an English teacher, but as a literature, science, and art history teacher as well (these classes are taught English). I have been provided with the opportunity to expand my teaching skills beyond teaching English as a second language. Studying this BA has enormously reinforced what I have done for years, and broadened my view towards further academic development, such as a Masters degree. I believe that a teacher should never stop learning.

I feel that something that can be improved is my research skills. This BA has given me the opportunity to try this area, but I think I need to practice more in order to be more comfortable when carrying it out. I believe I will have another chance to work on this when I take my ‘Experiencia Receptional’.

Thank you for reading. I look forward to reading your blogs and comments.