Meet Sarah: Teacher profile of the month
We go behind the scenes with Sarah from The Language Academy teaching team.
Read her interview below to find out what inspired her to become a teacher, which language she wants to learn next + much more!
Name: Sarah
Hometown: Born in England, grew up in the Middle East, studied in England and France – then moved to Australia 20 years ago; these days she would say Gold Coast.
Currently teaching: English – for the last 20 years.
➱ LIFE AS A LANGUAGE TEACHER
🅠 Who or what inspired you to start teaching?
Ⓐ “Being an international student myself in France is where it started, and knowing how it felt to be in a foreign country. Some of the teachers weren’t sympathetic and most students weren’t accommodating.
All of the exchange students built their own community. I also wanted to travel. It’s funny you know – I feel much more comfortable being among different people and cultures than my own.”
🅠 Have you studied anything other than linguistics?
Ⓐ “Law – I did my Master’s in a mix of applied linguistics and communication subjects at University of Queensland.”
🅠 What is your favourite thing about teaching English?
Ⓐ “Helping people to express themselves and make connections. Everyone has their own reasons for learning – if they can express themselves, then that makes them happy. Students can feel helpless when they can’t express themselves as easily as they could in their own language.
I try my best to help them to overcome that and build up their confidence, and not feel embarrassed. I also try and make it as personalised as I can, so I find out what they need, and I help them get it.”
🅠 What do you find is the most challenging thing about teaching?
Ⓐ “When students don’t want to learn, or trying to spark their imagination. It’s about finding something that will spark the imagination of the whole class so that we can all learn together.”
🅠 What is your teaching motto or philosophy?
Ⓐ “It’s more of a metaphor than a motto: Teaching is like leading an exploratory expedition – my students are the explorers and I am the guide, giving them the tools they need to help them on their journey.”
🅠 Describe a successful lesson. Tell us why it would be successful.
Ⓐ “Students leave with the ability to do something, whatever that might be for them individually. To go shopping, or to express their feelings for someone they love.
I lived and worked on the NGO Peace Boat in Japan for four months travelling the world as an English teacher – the best part was that we would learn something in class, then they would hop off the boat and apply that knowledge practically at the market or speaking with locals.
I would also say a successful lesson would be if my students leave feeling happy. I always try to end on positive note with them feeling confident.”
🅠 What is the next language that you want to learn, and why?
Ⓐ “I’d like to learn Spanish – I love the music and the culture, especially South American culture. I’ve always been interested in Spanish dancing and my daughter is the same; it’s in our blood. My grandfather was called Alfonso! (Sarah laughs).”
➱ UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
🅠 Do you have any hidden talents?
Ⓐ “I guess I’d say I’m an empath – but I wouldn’t say any particular hidden talents.”
🅠 What is your favourite food?
Ⓐ “Japanese food.”
🅠 How would you describe yourself in three words?
Ⓐ “Caring, sharing, curious.”
🅠 If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
Ⓐ “A horse or a dolphin. I’d probably say dolphin – when I was a teenager I wanted to be a dolphin trainer, have always loved the ocean and travelling. They represent fun, adventure and freedom.”
🅠 Describe your perfect day. What would it look like?
Ⓐ “Close to nature with my family and my dog, Iggy Pup.”
➱ LAST BUT NOT LEAST…
🅠 What is one thing you want your students to remember about you?
Ⓐ “That I really care about them, and I am constantly proud of my students. I’d like them to remember me as someone who helped them find their way in the in the world.
🗣️ If you want to learn English or one of the many other languages we offer here at The Language Academy, call us on (07) 5578 6838 to find out the next enrolment round for March. Get in quick – spaces are limited.