Teaching English at 17: Lessons, Laughter, and Growth
English has always come naturally to me. I’ve never struggled much with it—or so I thought. That perspective changed when I started teaching English. Suddenly, I realized just how challenging the language can be, especially when it comes to speaking and generating ideas. One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is that to truly excel in a language, you need to think in that language. Translating thoughts from one language to another often leads to the dreaded “ahh… ummm…” cycle.
Teaching has also opened my eyes to the diversity of learning styles. Everyone has a unique method that suits them best, and being a good student isn’t just about attentiveness or following instructions to the letter. It’s about finding what works for you.
I’m currently tutoring two students: a 7th grader and a 9th grader. Working with them has taught me the importance of tailoring my teaching methods to fit their individual needs. Here’s what I’ve learned from each of them:
The Creative and Energetic 7th Grader
The younger of my students has a short attention span and isn’t keen on textbook-based, theoretical learning. To keep her engaged, I’ve leaned into her creativity and energetic nature. For example, instead of handing her a list of vocabulary words to learn, I turn it into a game. I describe the word and give her hints through pictures or an iconic symbol I know she likes, making it a fun challenge for her to guess the word. This approach keeps her excited and eager to learn.
The Serious but Shy 9th Grader
My older student, on the other hand, takes her academic journey more seriously. She’s also juggling a heavy workload of homework and extra classes, which can make her feel overwhelmed. Knowing this, I’ve adjusted my teaching style to be more supportive of her independent thinking. I give her space to come up with her own ideas, using critical thinking and creativity, rather than providing too many hints or examples. Since she prefers a more formal atmosphere, I keep the sessions professional but not so rigid that they feel stifling.
The Teacher’s Role: A Balancing Act
One thing that remains constant, regardless of the student, is my attitude as a teacher. I’ve come to see myself as a referee of sorts. If I’m in a bad mood, it’s likely to affect the whole session. That’s why I prioritize professionalism, punctuality, and consistency. I want my students to trust me and feel comfortable asking questions, no matter how “silly” they might think those questions are.
Creating a safe and comfortable learning environment is one of my top priorities. Active learning happens when students feel confident enough to engage and ask questions. This is why I’ve made it a rule in my classes: no question is too small or too silly.
Reflecting on the Journey
Teaching has been an incredible journey of discovery for me so far. It’s taught me patience, adaptability, and the importance of a positive attitude. Most importantly, it’s shown me how rewarding it can be to help others grow and find their own paths to success.
Every student is different, and every lesson is a new opportunity to learn and grow—not just for them, but for me as well. And that’s what makes this journey so special.
