As I settle in to compose this piece, I can’t help but think back on the amazing experience I’ve had teaching English. It’s amazing to think that I’ve been a teacher for more than 40 years—I started back in 1979. I’ve had the honor of getting to know a great number of students from diverse backgrounds and experiences over the years, each with their own special tales to tell. For me, being an English teacher has been a lifelong passion rather than just a job.
The diversity of my students is one of the aspects of teaching that never ceases to astound me. I’ve worked with individuals of all ages and ability levels, from young children to adults, from novices to proficient learners. A fresh set of enthusiastic individuals prepares to start their journey toward English language proficiency each year.
However, as time has gone on, I’ve observed a big shift: the age difference between myself and my students seems to be becoming more every year. For instance, I am turning seventy this year, and my youngest students are only seven. The disparity in age is astounding — precisely, ten times.
I’ll confess that at first it was a little intimidating. How could I establish a connection with pupils who were so much younger than me? Would I even be considered a credible teacher by them? My own health started to deteriorate, and I started to question if I was still cut out for the demanding world of teaching.
But then I realized that my first motivation for becoming a teacher was my love of the English language and my desire to spread that love to others. So, with a strong sense of purpose and will, I pushed forward.
Of course, there are unique obstacles associated with teaching young children. Both patience and coming up with original ideas to hold their interest and make learning enjoyable are essential. However, I’ve found that kids are quite open to learning new things, and they have a great zest for learning. I am reminded of why I love teaching so much when I see the joy on their faces when they understand a new term or concept.
Of course, there are benefits to teaching older pupils as well. For either personal or professional purposes, a great number of them approach me with a sincere desire to enhance their English language proficiency. While some are studying for tests, others just wish to improve their interpersonal communication skills. Whatever their reason for doing so, I’m proud that I can even somewhat contribute to their success.
But the hardest thing about becoming older and still being a teacher is probably how much it affects my health. I’ve had to learn to listen to my body and pace myself appropriately as I’ve gotten older because teaching can be a physically and mentally taxing profession. The days of long teaching sessions are long gone, and I now make it a point to prioritize self-care and take regular breaks.
Notwithstanding the difficulties, I wouldn’t trade my work for anything. My life’s work has been teaching, and I am appreciative of every second I have had in the classroom. Even while I might not have as much energy as I once did, I do have experience, wisdom, and a lifetime of memories, all of which are far more significant.
I know that there will be more difficulties to conquer and challenges to face as I look to the future. But I’ll be there, willing to share my expertise and experience, as long as there are pupils who are ready to learn. In the end, what matters most to me and my pupils is our common passion of learning and the tie that unites us all, not how old we are.
So let’s toast to another year of teaching English, which I hope is full of joy, knowledge, and limitless opportunities. Who knows? Along the process, I might even pick up a few tips from my classmates. It implies that you can always learn something new at any age.
Over the course of my forty-plus year career as a teacher, I have faced several unexpected turns, most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic. For me, the transition to online instruction represented a big adjustment. At first, all of my students came from my hometown. But when I started posting about my activities on Facebook and YouTube, my classes started to get noticed outside of my local area. My reach was unexpectedly expanded to include a wide range of online students from other towns, something I had never anticipated.
Although this growth created new possibilities, it also brought difficulties. I occasionally felt worn out from the added workload that came with overseeing a larger student body. Careful preparation and adaption were needed to strike a balance between in-person and online instruction. Even yet, the fulfillment of connecting with students outside of my immediate neighborhood kept me going.
Upon reflection on this journey, I’ve come to understand that teaching is about more than merely dispensing information, whether it’s in person or virtually. It’s about encouraging relationships, sparking interest, and enabling people to realize their greatest potential. I was compelled by the COVID-19 epidemic to embrace innovation and change, which led me to further develop my teaching methods.
Going forward, I’m still determined to use resilience and tenacity to successfully navigate the always shifting educational landscape. The joys of witnessing my pupils’ growth and success will outweigh any difficulties that may arise in the future. I’m always being reminded as I adjust and develop that real fulfillment stems from the difference we make in other people’s lives.
I am also appreciative of the chance to spread my love of teaching to students both locally and internationally. The path of learning is unbounded, whether it be via online learning environments or conventional classroom settings. I take the lessons I’ve learned and the experiences I’ve built with me as I begin the next chapter of my teaching career because I know that the power of education knows no bounds to space or time.I have hope for the future of education and all of the opportunities it presents.
As I proceed to navigate the always changing field of education, I am steadfast in my commitment to creating a supportive and welcoming learning atmosphere where children are encouraged to experiment, learn, and develop. Every year that goes by, I am reminded that the real meaning of teaching is not the age gap between me and my pupils, but rather our mutual passion of learning and the transforming potential it possesses.
So let’s toast to another year of teaching English! I hope it’s full of joy, wisdom, and unending possibilities for development. I am appreciative of the opportunity to mold young minds and use education to create a better, more connected future as I begin this new chapter in my life. Who knows? It’s possible that while I’m teaching, I’ll pick up a few tips from my students, demonstrating once more that you can never be too old to enjoy lifelong learning.
