Over the past few decades there has been a renewal of interest in the language learner as the central figure in the language learning classroom.  As a language educator, I think it is important to view language students as primarily language learners, not as primarily students.   My goals as an educator are to better understand the individual characteristics of my learners and how they come to acquire a second language inside and outside of the classroom.

As an ESL educator, I strive to acquire the skills to be able to choose among a multitude of options as presented in the professional literature and as I observe them used by my peers.  I feel that my role should be multi-faceted, yet always subject to the needs of my students.  It is my responsibility to make sure that I am thoughtful and informed concerning diversity among my learners.  I try to maximize my understanding of the processes and techniques used in my classroom as they apply to second language acquisition in a communicative atmosphere.  I am constantly striving to find the best way to present and apply material in a constructive, supportive, and active learning environment.

Personal interaction with my students is an important aspect of my teaching.  It is important for me to learn and use students’ names early in my courses and to learn their interests, educational goals, and schedules.  I believe that my demonstrated respect for each student increases his or her desire to be an active participant in learning.

I focus on exhibiting my own genuine enthusiasm to motivate students and increase their level of interest in the subject matter.  I urge students to join me in creating a class environment that encourages all students to participate.  Whenever possible students arrange their desks in a circle rather than in rows.  One of my main goals is maintaining a classroom atmosphere that is conducive to learning and encourages discussion.  At the beginning of a course, I give a description of class participation that recognizes the importance of active listening, participation in small and large group discussions, and showing respect for fellow classmates.

I enjoy finding a variety of ways to present material in my lesson plans in order to stimulate thought and dialogue.  To maintain student interest and take different learning styles into account, I incorporate a variety of activities in the classroom.  Students discover language through realia and props, magazine and newspaper articles, and popular songs.  In my courses I incorporate small and large group work, independent work, and peer and self evaluations.  I use audio-visual equipment, the World Wide Web, and on-line discussions.  I utilize e-mail extensively to communicate with my students.

I am dedicated to continuing to develop as an effective teacher.  For me teaching is a learning experience. As I grow as a teacher, I learn to be flexible with my methodology and approach.  I continually struggle to understand the process and product of my students’ language learning.  I learn that every student is an individual as I try to identify factors that may influence their learning.  I learn to communicate my ideas, enthusiasm, and dedication to a learner-centered view of language teaching.  I learn every day that teaching is an incredible learning experience.