REEP World

I taught my first ESOL class tonight. When I started in this program I knew that I wanted to substitute in the outreach centers but never thought I would get my own class this fast. Well a class opened up that need a full time teacher, and I decided to take the position. Lucky for me my coordinator agreed to team teach the first few classes with me. She was there tonight to pick me up if I fell on my face (which only happened once), but I taught the bulk of the class. It turns out I am not a born teacher but know that it will get better as I go along. The lesson was tough tonight. I tried to teach the students how to describe locations, i.e. the clinic is between the grocery store and the library. I believe that most of them got it and were able to write out directions and locate places on a map by the end of the class. Tonight I taught my coordinator's lesson plan. Next Tuesday I will teach my own lesson plan, which is how to read a bus schedule. Hopefully it works out well. Knowing how to read a bus schedule is very important when one does not own a car.

I am doing this as a volunteer. I began as a teacher's assistant in the intensive program at REEP in Arlington. After two twelve week cycles- I have my own class. I teach every Tuesday night in S. Arlington for two house. I teach classes at an outreach center that are free to anyone who wants to come learn English.

These programs exist everywhere- just in case you are interested in volunteering in your own area :-)
http://www.reepworld.com/