What have I learned about being a language teacher?

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A few months ago, I’ve been offered the possibility to try teaching languages, specifically the Romanian language. Since this is my native language, I didn't think it will be very difficult. I have not taught a language before and had no idea what I am getting myself into. But I wanted to test myself and see if I have the skills required for a tutor. One thing I have to point out is that my students and the language I am teaching are from completely different language families.

Teaching a language can be a very rewarding experience, as you get to help others communicate more effectively and navigate different cultures. However, it can also be challenging and requires a lot of preparation and dedication (which I didn’t consider much in the beginning).

Starting teaching from scratch is a lot of work. There are so many aspects of teaching that I had to discover along the way. Some of them might be put in the words below:

1. Planning lessons: Language teachers need to carefully plan each lesson to ensure that they are engaging, effective, and appropriate for the student’s level and needs.
2. Creating materials: In addition to lesson plans, it is required to create or adapt materials such as worksheets, games, and activities to support student learning.
3. Assessing progress: Language teachers need to regularly assess their student’s progress to determine if they are meeting their learning goals and adjust their teaching approach accordingly.
4. Adapting to different learning styles: Language tutors often work with students who have different learning styles and abilities, so they need to be flexible and adaptable in their teaching approach.
5. Building relationships with students: Language teachers often build close relationships with their students, as they work together over an extended period of time. It can lead to the development of close relationships and a sense of personal satisfaction as you see your student progress and achieve their goals.

Overall, teaching a language can be a very fulfilling career for those who enjoy working with people and have a passion for language and culture.

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There were some difficulties on the way, but once I started walking on the right foot I made progress and became more confident in my own skills and knowledge. Here are some potential benefits and downsides of being a tutor that I found to be more or less nice:

Benefits:

1. Flexibility: Tutoring can offer a flexible schedule, allowing you to work around other commitments or responsibilities.
2. Personalized approach: Tutors can work one-on-one with students, which allows them to personalize their approach and tailor their teaching style to meet the needs of each individual student.
3. Skill development: As a tutor, you have the opportunity to develop a range of skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which can be transferable to other areas of your life and career.
4. Career development: Tutoring can also be a pathway to other careers in education or related fields, providing valuable experience and exposure to different aspects of teaching and learning.

Downsides:

1. Time commitment: Tutoring can be time-consuming, especially if you have a full-time job or other commitments.
2. Dependence on clients: As a tutor, you may rely on a steady stream of clients to maintain your income, which can be unpredictable or unstable.
3. Emotional investment: Working with students can be emotionally challenging, especially if you develop a close relationship with them and are invested in their success.
4. Limited earning potential: Depending on your location and specialization, tutoring rates may be limited, which can impact your earning potential.
5. Need for ongoing professional development: To stay up-to-date with best practices and maintain your skills, you may need to invest time and resources in ongoing professional development.

And one last thing that is definitely necessary that you have to keep in mind while teaching a language from scratch is patience. Not that I didn’t know about that before but it is really very important to be patient with your students as they make their first steps into a whole new world of learning not just the language, but also the culture.