Have you ever had to teach a class last minute? What about with no materials? As teachers, we are taught that thorough preparation is the foundation of a successful class. However, sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we simply do not have the time to lesson plan. In this episode of Talking TESL, our Mentorship Coordinator Lisa shares a clever teaching story about the time she had to teach a full class last minute, with no materials except two paper plates.

It is not uncommon to feel intimidated by students, especially when starting off your teaching career. Whether due to the age of your students, their personalities, or even your working environment, it can be difficult to stick to your boundaries in situations where your position of authority is being challenged.

Do you have a short teaching story to share? Whether from your internships or well into your career, we want to hear! Reach out to our Podcast Coordinator at [email protected].

Many teachers have unfortunately dealt with the uncomfortable experience of being objectified by their students. Whether it's in the form of stares, comments, jokes, unwanted messages, or even touching, these instances are difficult to approach and oftentimes normalized or dismissed by colleagues. This is one of those many topics that are not talked about in university courses, but emerges in the field, leaving it up to the teacher to navigate in the way they see fit. In this episode of Talking TESL, B.Ed. student Catherine discusses how she handled a secondary student acting inappropriately towards her, and speculates on why this behaviour is so prevalent and the conversation surrounding it so lacking.

Music by Nomerodin1

It can be very challenging to be a young teacher in secondary. Students push your boundaries and question your legitimacy as an authority figure based on your appearance, and it can be difficult to know how to approach these situations. In this 15-minute episode of Talking TESL, B.Ed. student Yasmine shares one such experience while in a secondary internship. She explains her feelings and how she handled the interaction, and gives advice on how to mitigate such situations in the future.

Music by Nomerodin1 

Sometimes struggling during an internship (or even in your first year) can make you feel like you are not in the right field. B.Ed. alumnus Gonzalo talks about an experience that tested his resolve, and ponders the question whether teachers are born or made.

Have a 15-minute teaching story you would like to share? We want to hear! Send us a message via any of our social media platforms.

Music by Nomerodin1

Many students would like to teach abroad after finishing their teaching degree. However, the process of finding the right school, as well as applying, interviewing, and preparing for the new experience can be daunting and overwhelming. On top of that, teaching in a different country can feel like stepping into the unknown, linguistically and culturally. In this episode of Talking TESL, B.Ed alumna Yvette talks about her two years teaching kindergarten in Shanghai, China. She discusses applying for the job, the school culture, relationships with students and parents, money transfer issues, and other tips she wished she knew before teaching in China.

Interested in teaching in a different country? Check out our list of the 14 questions you should ask in an interview for a teaching job abroad. Find it on the TESL Resource Centre's Moodle page (available to students in the TESL program at Concordia University only).

Typically, teaching is a unionized job. Unions are wonderful support systems that advocate on behalf of workers. However, sometimes at the beginning of your teaching career, it can be difficult to understand exactly how your union is there to help you. Especially in your first year, it is often challenging to find the time to really understand the ins and outs of your union.

To answer all union-related questions, we are joined by Lori Newton, who is the president of the Montreal Teachers Association. She will be addressing questions such as: why are unions important, and how do they negotiate on behalf of teachers? When should a teacher speak to their union representative? What is a collective agreement?

Music by Nomerodin1

Teaching in CEGEP is a career goal for many teachers. This educational system, which is unique to Quebec, acts as an intermediary between high school and university. It is a time where students can explore their interests and transition gently into a stage of life with more responsibility. Teaching in this system can be a lot of fun – and a lot of work! In this episode, Sivan and her friend Alex sit down to discuss the 8 things they wish they knew before teaching their first year in CEGEP. Topics range from how to get jobs, salaries, student motivation, and how to prepare for courses when you're given a week's notice (or sometimes less)!

Music by Nomerodin1

One unique aspect of the TESL program is that we have numerous students who are also mothers. In a very special interview, we sit down with two mothers working towards their teaching degree. They discuss their personal challenges, some tips, and how they feel motherhood has influenced their experience in the program.

Music by Bensound

To progress in our field we need to constantly be thinking critically about current practices and the status quo of teaching. In this 3-part series, we have defined critical pedagogy and discussed its history and relevance to our current teaching conditions. We have also explored the neocolonial aspects of teaching ESL abroad in developing countries.

In the final episode of this series, we'll be bringing the discussion back home to Montreal. What does it mean to practice critical pedagogy in the context of Quebec? In this episode we're joined by the wonderful high school teacher and B.Ed. graduate Amani, to speak candidly about our social issues and legislation that influence the education system, such as language tension, school funding, and Bill 21.