Case
Do You Have to Speak It to Teach It

When I was completing my undergraduate studies, I decided to complete the requirements for the ESOL endorsement. I really enjoyed my classes and wanted to work with the ESOL students once I began my teaching career. However, the school that I starting teaching at didn't have any ESOL students, so I never got the opportunity to apply the skills that I learned to work with such students. Though I don't speak Spanish or any other foreign language fluently, do you think I have the quills necessary to teach ESOL students.

Posted on: 11/03/15 | Views: 1651
Solution #1
Top Solution
I think if you have your certifications and degree with ESOL, then I don't think you would need to speak the specific language of your students. As long as you are qualified, then you can help them learn English. It always help to know another language, but it isn't required.

I agree. It might be helpful, but knowledge of other languages is not necessary.

You don't necessarily need to know the language to teach ESOL students.

I agree. You do not have to know the language at all. As long as you are ESOL certified, you should know how to teach these students.

I agree, if you are certified and have learned about ESOL and techniques used, you should be good. It wouldn't hurt to know some words in their language though. It'll only benefit you.

As long as you have the certification and are comfortable with the techniques you are more than qualified. The ESOL students will come from a variety of backgrounds and languages, having experience with one of those languages is an asset but not necessary.

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Solution #2
It would be certainly helpful to know the language, but the thing is, it is very rare for an ESOL teacher to know every single language of their students. Many teachers do not, I think it is perfectly fine.

I would have to agree, however, I am sure that it would be nice if one did know another language so we can understand better.

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Solution #3
I think that you are prepared enough for teaching ESOL students because you have taken the required preparation for it; however, it may be some hard at first because you have not had any student yet, but once you teach the first student you will learn much more and be more knowledgeable.
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Solution #4
You do not have to speak any other language than English to teach ESOL students. It will be extremely beneficial to you and your students if you committed yourself to learn about the cultures from which the kids you teach come from. Learn as it comes so it is not overwhelming and too much. Starting with studying maps and learning where different countries are located is a great start and one that I benefited from myself. You can do it!
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Solution #5
Speaking another language doesn't require you to be able to teacher ESOL students. Although it may be a convenience to be bilingual, it will not matter. I think as long as you have your certification and have a strong desire to teach those students, you will be able to succeed with it.
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Solution #6
Knowing the language would definitely be useful, but the most important thing is that you have the skills to help the students even without knowing their language. You can still make a big impact on them and teach them without speaking their language.
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Solution #7
As a teacher who got a dual certification to also teach esol and not having any spanish speaking skills I can definitely say that I think if you really try and paid attention in the class and have the certifications that you need you will be fine.
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Solution #8
I agree with all the previous comments, I don't think you necessarily have to know a certain language to teach it. Getting as much background information about it couldn't hurt, but with the right resources, you can be successful!
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Solution #9
It would help to know the language, but you know how to teach them and different strategies so you should be fine.
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Solution #10
No I do not think you have to speak the language due to the fact that you will get more than just Spanish origin speakers. I currently at a school where some of the students orginal languages are Russian, Japanese and Swedish.
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Solution #11
You may have the instructions and directions on how to teach ESOL, but it is also important to learn as most as you can about many different cultures to understand if a certain ESOL student were to show up. Communication between native culture and the ESOL class is the most important thing to me.
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Solution #12
I think you don't have to be fluent in the language, but you should definitely be familiar with basic words and their culture. If you are able to, I would suggest traveling to the countries that majority of your students are form so you can learn how they lived and adapt the changes between their previous home and the US.
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Solution #13
I think it is preferred but not required.
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Solution #14
I think you can teach without knowing the language fluently.
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