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TESOL NEWSLETTER
June - July 2010
FROM JAMES STAKENBURG
February - May Extensive course
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As always, if you want to come and check out a class, you are very welcome to observe classes at Rennert at any time. Just drop me a line.
Have a wonderful summer wherever you are.
James Stakenburg
Head of
Teacher Training - Rennert
WL-SIT TESOL Teacher Trainer
tesol@rennert.com
212-867 8700
If you are no longer interested in receiving this newsletter, please unsubscribe at the bottom of this email.
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TESOL Jobs
It
officially the world's happiest country (see article below). It's not far
form the US, but a world
away. With beautiful beaches, active volcanoes, pristine cloud forests,
and people wanting to learn English. A great place to consider teaching
in.
Costa Rica
The Inside Scoop (word-of-mouth advice from someone who's been there):
Mary
has lived in Costa Rica for many years
There are plenty of jobs in Costa Rica but you have to be willing to not earn much
money! Most of the people I know that are looking for a job here find one
with in a month. Expect to earn $5 to $10 an hour tutoring or
teaching at a local academy, and $10 to $15 an hour giving lessons to business
professionals, doctors or hotel employees.
The visa
situation is changing here in Costa Rica and I am not sure right
now how it stands. It used to be that almost all the teachers I knew lived here
on a tourist visa and left the country every three months to renew it. Many
still do but some schools are requiring working papers and the process of
getting those isn't so clear. I recommend checking with the school you want to
work for and see what they suggest.
Please note: While every endeavor is made to ensure
this information is accurate, Rennert is not responsible for incorrect
information.
Teaching English in Costa Rica
When, Where, and How to
Land a Job
By Laura Dulin
I have lived and taught English in Costa Rica for almost three years.
Costa Rica is lush, tropical
country known for its hospitable people. In Costa Rica you can experience
their own unique version of traditional Latino culture, dance to salsa music,
and escape to tropical beaches.
For most Costa Ricans, speaking English is a way to get hired or move up the
ladder in their jobs or careers. This means that many people need to know
English, and there are many ESL jobs available.
If you are considering teaching English in Costa Rica, here are a few tips that
might help you along the way:
Search For the Job While in Costa Rica
First of all, there are not many schools that will hire you from overseas.
However, many will hire you on the spot if you walk into their office, speak
English ... (click here to continue)
Schools that are known to hire AmericansThis information is made available to graduates of the SIT TESOL Certificate course.
Course alumni are also provided with job opportunities
that arise from time to time, as well as a database of ESL
schools in the New
York area. |
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TESOL Teaching Ideas
Here are some ideas to file away for when you start teaching. Teaching young learners is a huge growth industry throughout the world and especially if you travel abroad, it is quite likely that you will end up teaching children at some point. Here are some wonderful ideas of fun activities you can do with your class.
10 Listening/Speaking Lessons using
Simple ideas for enhancing your lessons
CurtReese
University of Texas at Austin
Presented at TESOL 2010, Boston, USA
1. Downloading Youtube Videos
·
Install Real Player on your computer
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Play with real player, there is a button on the top for you to
download
· Use
an extension program to convert the videos if necessary
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Don't be click phobic, be click fearless
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Create your own private channel for student work
2. TOEFL Practice
Goal: To practice integrated TOEFL task
1. Find a reading (newspaper)
2. Find a related listening but hopefully with a
different purpose
3. students read the reading while taking notes
4. students listen to the video while taking notes
5. with a partner, student summarize each story and
discuss the differences
6. Focus on differences, not your opinion
7. teacher may provide vocabulary
Listening: Click here.
Reading: Daily
Texan, 6/10/2009, p3
Vocabulary
An uproar - a
large, negative reaction
To dance to China's tune- to do what China wants
To drag their feet - to find ways not to obey the law or to obey it very
slowly
Another turn of the screw - a way to make more restrictions
What are the differences?
Click here for 8 more lesson ideas using Youtube. |
Grammar Seminars for ESL
Professionals
The next grammar seminar is
new. It is a way to get a taste of teaching.
Learn how to better plan a
grammar lesson
(with or without a textbook)
You will be introduced to the steps of a grammar lesson and will learn how
to teach grammar communicatively and effectively.
The seminars are
two-day courses
9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday/ Sunday
Total cost $200.
Seminars are conducted by
Noga, the Academic Director at Rennert.
The next scheduled dates are July 17 & 18
tesol@rennert.com
or call (212) 867 8700
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What People Have Said About the Course
It's the most intense thing you will every
do. Not at all for the faint-hearted,
but well worth it!
Liza, January 2010
Everything was so new to me and so well
structured and taught in such a clear and easy way, that I can't think of
anything I didn't like. It has been a
wonderful and fulfilling experience. It went beyond my expectations. You should
definitely do it!!
Beatriz, January 2010
It's a great program to get the certification.
Hye, January 2010
This course is intense but very comprehensive and
well thought out. This course will absolutely equip you with the skills you
need to become the teacher you want to be. The course is exceptional.
Julia, January 2010 |
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Explore Rennert on Facebook
Rennert's TESOL program has a Facebook page and sign up as a fan. You can see course photos, join discussions, find out details of upcoming events at Rennert, and meet new friends. |
Costa Rica
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Free Professional Development
Workshops at Rennert
All WL-SIT TESOL Certificate Alumni in New York can attend Rennert's free in-house professional development workshops for for the rest of their career.
Professional Development sessions are held each month. The topics for June are to be set soon and SIT @ Rennert alumni will be emailed with thr course details.:
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Observing ESL
Classes at Rennert
It's very common for people to wonder exactly what happens in an ESL classroom.
"How can you teach English without also speaking the students' language?"
"How is a communicative language class similar to, or different from, my own language learning experiences?"
"Will I enjoy teaching as much as I think I will?"
To take some of the mystery out of this, we welcome those interested in becoming teachers to come and observe classes at Rennert. Participants on the course as well as alumni of the course also have standing invitations to observe classes any time. This is a really great opportunity for new or experienced teachers to gather extra ideas and techniques. And if you are thinking about becoming an ESL teacher but aren't quite sure if it's the right thing for you, this is a great chance to see what it's all about.
If you are interested in coming in and watching a class, just give me a call or send me an email.
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Why ESOL teachers are needed.
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FAQ about the SIT TESOL Certificate Course
Q: Why take a Certificate course rather than a
Master's program?
A: A Master's program is great exposure to the many theories that
underpin modern language teaching methodology.
Having a master's Degree can open doors at higher education institutions
such as Community Colleges and universities.
However, the vast majority (about 95%) of ESL teachers currently teaching adults
in private institutions only have a TESOL Certificate. There is a very good reason for this.
After finishing a TESOL Certificate course, you will be armed
with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to immediately step in front
of a class and start to teach English.
After finishing a Master's program, you will know all about the theory
behind the methodology, but you won't have the practical skills to actually
teach. Many people who complete a
Master's Degree then take the TESOL certificate so that they gain the skills
they need to feel comfortable to teach their students. In a word, the TESOL Certificate program is
extremely practical.
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