JUST A PIECE OF ADVICE!

MYRA LUZ C. DE LUNA

One of the most rewarding and fulfilling job is being a language teacher because this job has the power to transform live of the learners. I want to share some advice and words of encouragement to new language teachers like you. As you step on a journey of teaching, you must overcome challenges and embrace opportunities that will come your way. Don’t be afraid and keep your head up as you begin with your first step. First, I want you to know and understand that teaching language is not just about grammar and vocabulary. It is way more than that. Fostering love for language and igniting a passion for communication are some of the lessons in language. Your role is not only to educate but also to foster confidence and inquisitiveness in students. As their guide, you empower them to unlock their potential and become lifelong learners who embrace global perspectives. Your passion and commitment will ignite within them a drive to actively participate and engage with the world around them. You have to be patient with yourself and your students because you are both work in progress. Learning language can be hard and challenging for your learners as they are not used to it. Not all your learners have the same ability to learn so if you happen to meet learners who are struggling, be patient with them. Not all learners progress at the same time. There are learners who get the lesson very quickly but there are also those who struggle to keep. To create an optimal learning environment, ensure that students feel secure and inspired. Foster a supportive atmosphere where they are unafraid to err and embrace challenges. Recognize and commend their growth, regardless of its magnitude. Make students understand that language is not just about rote learning, but a means of connecting and expressing oneself. Create a classroom environment where students can freely share their thoughts without fear of judgment. Give them chances to use language meaningfully through activities like conversations, group discussions, creative writing, and other real-life applications. Make your leaners understand that language isn’t just about memorization instead it is about communication and expression. What kind of classroom environment are you having if your learners are to afraid to speak their minds and express themselves because of fear to be laughed at. Let your learners use the language meaningfully. There are many authentic ways where they can use the language like conversations, debates, creative writing, and others. You can also help them to engage with native speakers, watch foreign films or read literature. Let them immerse with the language so that they can develop a deeper understanding of things. Prepare you lesson in such a way that you can incorporate various teaching methods and activities that will cater different learning styles and abilities. Provide differentiated tasks like games, roleplays, song and dance and others that will make the learning experience fun, interactive and exciting. Don’t be afraid of embracing innovation at it will surely captivate your learner’s attention. Your impact on your learners’ lives cannot be measured. Your students will surely soar high with your encouragement, guidance, and support. Be careful of the words you utter and feedback you provide as those can make or break them. You need to prioritize building a trusting relationship with your learners. You have to know them individually, make a note of their strengths and weaknesses and understand their background and interests. You have to be genuine and approachable. Learners who feel that they belong to the group may develop a sense of satisfaction. I want you to seek out opportunities for professional development and collaboration. It is okay to ask seasoned teachers. It is very important that you attend workshops so that you can be informed about the latest trends in education. Connect with colleagues, share resources, and exchange best practices. I commend your unwavering commitment and passion for language education. You have embarked on a fulfilling journey, where you can make a profound impact on your students' lives. Although you may encounter challenges along the way, your dedication and enthusiasm will undoubtedly guide you towards achieving your objectives.

-oOoTHE AUTHOR IS TEACHER III AT PUTLOD-SAN JOSE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL