English teacher

Q1: What industry are you in?
A1: I have been working in the education industry as an English teacher for over 12 years, primarily in early years education. Currently, I am working as a supply teacher and taking part-time teaching jobs while on a gap year for my career break.

Q2: Can you tell us about your personal work background and career path?
A2: Before graduating from university, I had already worked in the education industry at the British Council, where I gained significant experience in interactive and inquiry-based learning. This experience planted the seed for what my ideal educational model should be. After securing my Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the University of Hong Kong (HKU), I worked in various school settings, both international and local.

Following my PGDE, I moved to University College London to pursue my Master's in Special and Inclusive Education. It is one of the best education universities in the world, and I was thrilled to learn from top educators and researchers. I also appreciated how open the country is in supporting individuals with learning diversities. My goal was to raise awareness among the people of Hong Kong regarding different physical and mental abilities.

This journey led me to my previous role as a classroom teacher at the largest international school, where I had the opportunity to become an International Baccalaureate® (IB)-trained educator. Throughout these valuable teaching experiences, I realized the type of education I wanted to deliver to my students.

During my career, I have continued my professional development to advance up the career ladder by completing courses such as principalship training, obtaining a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate, and studying drama and sign language with various organizations. As a local, pursuing my goal of working as a Native English Teacher has not been easy; it requires hard work, clear goals, and perseverance.

Q3: What are the responsibilities of your previous role, and what do you enjoy about it?
A3: The role encompasses numerous responsibilities to ensure that students receive the best education possible and succeed:

• Planned and conducted a high-quality IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) inquiry-based curriculum to meet children’s developmental needs.

• Created a caring and inviting learning environment where children and visitors feel comfortable and secure.

• Provided positive guidance to help children develop self-awareness and self-management skills.

• Utilized technology to enhance learning experiences and evaluate children’s progress.

• Ensured effective communication with parents regarding their children's experiences through regular contact, reports, and parent conferences.

• Collaborated with team members in professional development training to improve teaching practices and student learning outcomes.

I have gained valuable skills beyond concept-based teaching, including multitasking in a student-centered inquiry-based setting, implementing interventions from specialists (such as Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, and Learning Diversity Coordinators), public speaking at staff meetings (in front of 35 people), and tactfully handling challenging interactions with parents. I have grown significantly both professionally and personally since taking on these responsibilities. I enjoy being a role model for students by demonstrating soft skills and appropriate language and attitudes towards life, helping them prepare for future challenges.

Q4: Could you share a memorable professional experience?
A4: Working at the largest international school is quite demanding. The expectations are high; everyone is expected to be efficient, professional, supportive, and full of ideas for improving student learning. I need to be holistic and quick-witted while navigating a fast-changing work environment. One memorable experience was my previous moving-on ceremony with my K2 children. I chose the song "Proud of You" and prepared a video featuring photos of the teaching team alongside baby pictures of the students for our inquiry unit "Who We Are." With our daily countdown on the class calendar, my afternoon class did an amazing job practicing with enthusiasm.

It was stressful when I learned about a new venue for the students just two weeks before the ceremony, along with several changes to the schedule after the morning sessions. However, it was heartwarming to see all stakeholders genuinely enjoy the event—some even shed tears during the performance. Following the event, I received praise from senior management. Despite limited time constraints while striving for high-quality education, we completed it with immense pride!

Q5: What personality traits are well-suited for this profession?
A5: Key personality traits that are beneficial in this profession include:

• Open-mindedness: Continuously try new teaching ideas and listen to diverse perspectives for improvement; you never know which classroom setup will resonate with students until they engage with it.

• Resilience: Be prepared to handle numerous challenging circumstances daily while maintaining professionalism.

• Curiosity: Maintain a genuine sense of wonder; think from multiple angles. Keep researching new ideas and attend professional training sessions to harness and develop innovative concepts.

• Communication: Be open to expressing your ideas to teammates and parents for the benefit of students and all stakeholders involved.

Q6: Are there any considerations or limitations in this profession?
A6: The role can be tremendously stressful due to numerous daily responsibilities as an educator. Be prepared for significant overtime related to lesson planning, event organization, and administrative work. Securing a well-paid position at an international school with high expectations is not easy. It is essential to strive for work-life balance whenever possible; consider utilizing counseling services if needed.

Q7: How can someone enter this profession, and what are the promotion opportunities?
A7: To enter this profession, one must obtain a teaching certificate or a bachelor's degree in education. Continuing professional training is especially beneficial for working with students who have learning needs due to increasing demand for such knowledge.

Promotion opportunities in my previous IB school setting include:

• Educational Assistant → Teacher → Learning Diversity Coordinator → PYP Coordinator/Year Leader → Vice Principal → Head of School/Principal

Provided by Emilie, an English teacher currently on career break

Top thumbnail designed by Freepik