My first time teaching came as sort of a surprise to be quite honest. I didn't realize I was in fact a teacher until after the fact.
Let me explain...
I grew up in Canada, a nation quite well known for its open boarders, welcoming attitude to new immigrants, and celebration of diversity. I also attended Catholic schools, and although I am no longer a practicing Catholic, I appreciated the charitable aspect the Catholic school system displayed in welcoming children of refugees from other nations, children who often spoke little or no English.
I've never been prejudiced or judgmental and I was always curious about these new kids from foreign lands. This enabled me to bridge language barriers and befriend many of these guys while many of my classmates spurned them outright. I liked to "trade" words and sayings, it interested me and it was fun. I also liked going to their houses and meeting their families, and lets not forget about the food! I tried so many new delicious foods, and I was always welcomed warmly.
Anyway, I suppose the teacher tasked with providing the ESL classes that these kids attended when the rest of us were doing elective classes such as music or art, noticed my affinity for these kids and one day she asked me if I would help her with the ESL students. The next thing you know I'm doing workbook lessons, practicing pronunciation, helping with reading and writing to a couple of guys who were up until then just my pals. Now I was their teacher too. I continued to assist ESL classes at that school for three years.
Honestly though, I didn't even think twice about it. In my mind I was not a teacher, just a helping friend, but years later, going over life experiences, thinking over my C.V. it occurred to me... I am a teacher, like it or not.
Lol. I like it. I now teach ESL to kids online, something I never would have imagined doing if but for that teacher recruiting me to volunteer.
