Sandra Wagner

Florence is a city of great beauty and history with something for just about every taste and it is no coincidence that this is one of the most popular locations for taking one of our TESOL courses. If you plan on teaching English in Italy or elsewhere in Europe, Florence is a great place to take the course as there are many teaching opportunities throughout the region. Florence is the largest city in the famous wine growing area of Tuscany and this is a city that will really live up to your expectations. As Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance it is home to some a tremendous amount of great artistic works. Fantastic architecture can be found on buildings such as the Duomo, the Battistero, and the Galleria Degli Uffizi while famous works of art by the likes of Da Vinci,...  [Read more]

Teaching EFL in a Kindergarten My experience as a bilingual kindergarten (Spanish/English) teacher has demonstrated the ability children have to learn two languages in an immersion program. Through a well-structured program including reading, journal writing and phonics (Aranjo) my students acquired a broad vocabulary and the ability to communicate with confidence to their peers and adults. The curriculum is presented to kids in a fun exciting way including storytelling, song, chants, games, rhymes, movement, dance, cultural lessons and holiday celebrations (Faust). It is essential to commit to the faithful implementation of the English learning program for the minimal 45 minutes a day to provide the consistency and practice needed for their success. Brain research supports the belief...  [Read more]

Should Students Be Allowed to Use Their Native Language in the Classroom When I first began teaching lessons during the TESOL Course I found myself almost automatically saying to the students, “English please,” after all it is an English class. However, I began to question myself about whether or not this was “correct” practice or if the students should in fact use their native language to assist them in the learning process. After doing some research I found the TESOL Law Code of Ethics. The Law of Ethics provided many vague and open-ended ideas. It suggested things along the lines of, “The foreign language teacher shall direct her whole professional effort to assist the students to develop his/her second language speaking ability.” It also mentions that TESOL teachers are to...  [Read more]