Robert Said:

When is Obama going to make Parents accountable for teaching kids English, and feeding them, not the schools?

We Answered:

Obama is not responsible for "making" parents accountable for teaching their children English, or feeding their children breakfast.

My mother was one of twelve children, the oldest born in 1907, the youngest in 1930. Two children died before the age of four. My mother and her siblings walked, rode horses, or were driven in a wagon to schools that were miles away from their house. Their father and mother struggled to make a living farming; tradiing cream they separated from their milk cows, eggs from their chickens, and honey from bee hives. My mother and each of her sisters had one pair of underwear, which they laundered every night.

My grandparents took responsibility for their children. My parents took reponsibility to me and my three siblings. My father worked six, sometimes seven days a week, as a mechanic with his own garage. My mother was a stay-at-home mother, cooking our meals and sewing our clothes. She made a little extra money by sewing for other people. Free lunches were not available when me and my two younger sisters and brother were in school; yet, my parents managed to pay for our lunches. Breakfast? We ate that at home. Sometimes, breakfast was just a piece of toast and a small glass of milk--sometimes just a piece of toast.

I do not believe any country's government is responsible for the feeding and educatiing of every citizen of that country. I do believe every human being has a responsibility for the welfare of other human beings--and that can be addressed without "government" intervention.

Lonnie Said:

I'm going to be an Au Pair in Spain, how do I teach the kids English?

We Answered:

I would suggest the "full immersion" approach. Basically you just speak English to them all the time. It doesn't matter if they respond in Spanish and if they don't understand, then you just carefully explain and show them what you mean.

This is how native English children learn English.

This allows them to get used to hearing English and they will begin to pick up words, sound patterns, rhythm and style. After a short while you can sit them down and have more "formal" lessons. Basic stuff so, for example, if you're in the kitchen with them baking a cake you can ask them questions about what you are doing, get them name objects and so on.

Joan Said:

what grades do you need to teach english as a foreign language?

We Answered:

Firstly you won't get a job in Germany. No language school or state school would employ you. Why? you have to have a degree as well as a T.E.F.L Certificate/Diploma. Two your not an EU citizen. There the German speak very good English. Remember they study languages at a very early age in schools there. Irish and British teach English all over Europe been EU citizens plus haven't to go through red tape to employ a non EU citizen. Plus an employer has to prove that he/she can't get someone to do the job meaning they have to advertise the job in all 28 EU countries before they would take someone from outside the EU. I'm Danish and speak and write good English. Just live right beside Germany. Look on the map and you see Denmark. Arhus is my home place. But if your from the UK make sure you have a degree plus postgraduate certificate in education PGCE to teach in Germany.

Kent Said:

What certification should I get to teach grade school kids English?

We Answered:

I would say yes however individual TEFL courses will have specific focuses so you will need to research their syllabus.

If I had to recommend a course to take it would be the CELTA. I know it focuses on the teaching of adults however it provides a great grounding for a teacher and is recognized globally. Most of what is taught in a CELTA can be applied to teaching grade school.

Here is an article which answers some frequently asked questions about a CELTA qualification, http://seemoreplaces.com/blog/?p=27

I hope this is of use to you.

Corey Said:

Programs/opportunities for high school students to teach english to kids in spain/south america?

We Answered:

Talk to teachers who have taught overseas and call the Consulate offices of the countries in which you are interested. They can direct you to people who can answer all your questions and tell you what is required. You might also consider student exchange programs. You'll improve your Spanish and in many cases you'll discover that other countries do a better job of teaching English than we do teaching a second language.