Become an ESL teacher.
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Tutor Training is held at the
Gulf Coast Baptist Association Building,
11201 Old Hwy 49, Gulfport, MS 36503.
Tutor Training Schedule
Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024 from 9:00-12:00
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 from 9:00-12:00
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 from 9:00-12:00
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 from 9:00-12:00
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 from 9:00-12:00
We use an intense training structure which combines interactive classroom learning with independent self-study to equip our tutors to teach with confidence. |
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FAQ's
Do I have to agree to your statement of faith?
What are the ESL students and the classes like?
The students are adults of all ages who struggle to live as adults in a community where they don't understand the language. They struggle to understand and be understood. All are over-comers. All are seeking a way to a better life. Most likely they will speak Spanish as a first language and be from various Spanish speaking countries. Some will be new beginners, Others will have some English and still others will have quite a bit of English. They are grouped into classes according to their skill level.
We meet once a week through out the year with short breaks from time to time. We have an opening time when we all meet together and work on skills common to all students - generally hearing and pronouncing English sounds. Then we divide into classes based on skill level from beginner to advanced.
We meet once a week through out the year with short breaks from time to time. We have an opening time when we all meet together and work on skills common to all students - generally hearing and pronouncing English sounds. Then we divide into classes based on skill level from beginner to advanced.
what if i don't have any teaching experience?
Professional teaching experience is not a requirement. A commitment to preparation and a focus on student success is. Being prepared to teach English, meeting your student where they are, showing kindness and patience are required. All teachers, regardless of background, are required to successfully complete the tutor training course.
How will I know how to meet my students' needs?
Your training will prepare you to meet your students' needs in a general way. You will shadow a teacher while you are training. Before you meet with your class you will be guided in developing a lesson plan which will meet the goals of your students. And you will learn as you continue self-study and participate in just-in-time training each week before class.
what if i don't know any spanish?
It is not necessary to know Spanish to teach English to Spanish speakers. It is helpful to know the similarities and differences of Spanish sounds, words and grammar as compared to English in order to anticipate what needs to be taught and what is already known but it is not necessary to be able to speak Spanish.
Are there any special skills necessary to teach english as a learned language?
It is very helpful to have phonemic awareness, the ability to hear and identify individual speech sounds. Most everyone has this skill. They just don't know it. It is the ability to hear individual speech sounds. Phonemic awareness is a skill that can be learned and developed.
It is also helpful to have a grasp of basic English word construction and grammar, but it is not necessary to be an English language expert by any means. You will grow in your knowledge as you study and teach.
It is also helpful to have a grasp of basic English word construction and grammar, but it is not necessary to be an English language expert by any means. You will grow in your knowledge as you study and teach.
What happens if I begin teaching and run into problems I don't have answers for?
Tell your students you don't know but you will find out. Then ask Donna or one of the other teachers. We are here to help each other. You will teaching along side of other teachers.
What kind of support is provide after training?
We have regular monthly Round Table meetings for additional training and sharing in addition to on-going, individualized support from the director.
How much time will teaching take outside of class time?
At first it is longer, but the goal is 1 hour of preparation time per hour of class time. On-going study to improve teaching skills is important as well as preparation for each class. The time needed will vary widely.
I'd love to volunteer but I have a few trips planned. How does this work?
While it is expected that you will have things that come up from time to time, it is expected that missed classes will be kept to a minimum. Commitment to our students is a key factor to our success.
hOW WILL I BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH MY STUDENTS IF THEY DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH?
It is difficult but a smile communicates more than words can. Use simple, common greetings and speak slowly. Google translate will be your best friend at times.
What materials will I use?
The materials vary widely based on the skill needs and goals of our students. You will be given materials to use and you may make some of your own. For example, if your students want to learn vocabulary for their job, you may make vocabulary cards with words specific to their work. In general, minimal materials are used. We are primarily teaching conversation.
Do I have to have an email address?
Yes. You need an email which you check regularly. Much of our communication is done through email. We also use text as a medium of communication. Student-teacher communication is done through text outside of class.
Do I have to have internet at home?
While it is highly preferred that you have internet access at home and some familiarity with technology, it is not essential. You will have to watch some videos or take some courses on-line, but that could be done at a library. In addition, more and more of the student materials are online or have online components.
When does the next tutor training begin?
The next tutor training begins August 27, 2024, from 9:00-12:00. It consists of 5 three hour sessions held every other week for a total of 15 hours of course work plus approximately 3 hours homework with each session. The training is designed to introduce you to the various aspects of working with adult low-level readers and give you the skills needed to help your student improve his/her reading ability. Each session focuses on different skills needed for helping adults learn to read better.
What do you mean by "interactive classroom learning and guided self-study"?
CLASSROOM: Each 3 hour training session is a face-to-face, hands-on class where you as a teacher-trainee will not only learn about various aspects of working with adult language learners and the skills necessary but will participate in activities designed to stimulate and aid learning. It will be a joint training with the literacy tutors.
GUIDED SELF-STUDY: You will also complete self-study assignments (homework) to prepare you for class discussions and to reinforce classroom instruction. These assignments are a combination of short reading-writing exercises and/or short online courses and videos with the option for extended reading.
GUIDED SELF-STUDY: You will also complete self-study assignments (homework) to prepare you for class discussions and to reinforce classroom instruction. These assignments are a combination of short reading-writing exercises and/or short online courses and videos with the option for extended reading.
Is there a fee for the basic training?
Yes, it is a one-time $35 fee which covers all basic materials as well as all on-going training.
I'm in! What do i do next?
Contact Donna Daulton at (228) 256-3610 or email her at [email protected]. Then print and fill out the Tutor/Teacher Application and Registration form found here along with the Statement of Faith found here. Mail these to the address on the registration form along with your training fee.
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