Case Studies: Teachers

Hello, Stacey! We’re thrilled to have you with us today. Why don’t we start by talking about what language you teach and why you chose a career in teaching?

I am currently teaching German and I am really enjoying it. I decided to become a teacher because I really loved German at school and now I want to help other people learn the language. My German teacher at school was excellent at her job and I wish to follow in her footsteps.

It’s amazing how a great teacher can influence our lives, isn’t it? And tell us, how did you prepare to follow your teacher’s footsteps? Tell us a bit about your qualifications and history.

In terms of my qualifications and history, I studied German at the University of Bristol and this included studying a range of modules at the University of Heidelberg, Germany. My year abroad in Germany was obviously tough due to the culture shock, but it was so rewarding in the end. I was able to improve my German language skills significantly and, in addition to this, I have made friends for life in Germany, with whom I am still in contact after five years. Before I began teaching with Language Trainers, I worked as a German paralegal for a solicitor in Belfast. This was a role that I enjoyed as well but teaching is definitely my preference! I also have five years of experience working as a translator for some major companies and this was always a dream of mine at university, so I have been very fortunate to achieve this.

You clearly know your stuff! And what attracted you to teach with Language Trainers?

I was attracted to work for Language Trainers due to the reputation of the company. After a few training sessions with them, it became evident to me how dedicated and committed they are. Everyone I have worked with is extremely friendly, helpful and professional.

It’s great to know that your experience with us has been so good, Stacey! And what is your favourite thing about working with Language Trainers?

My favourite thing about my job is the interaction with my students. I am so grateful for this on a daily basis. I also love the feeling of satisfaction I have when my students succeed in an exercise or remember a word that we have discussed previously. There is such a sense of achievement in this.

Definitely! Your students’ success feels like your own. And when you have the possibility of taking on a new student, what traits do you hope they have?

I have been very fortunate to have a student who works extremely hard and never gives up. This, in my opinion, is extremely important when learning a language and, overall, this is very important in life, to continue and give your best even on the worst days.

I totally agree with you on that. Resilience and hard work are vital when learning a new language. And what do you think are your strongest assets when it comes to teaching? What should students expect from you?

I believe students should expect a teacher to be professional and very well-prepared. I have always prepared my lessons very well before my class and this is essential when working as a teacher.

Absolutely! So far, which has been your most memorable teaching experience with Language Trainers?

My most memorable moment teaching with Language Trainers was the first day of my first lesson. I was extremely nervous, even though I was well prepared, but in the end, everything was worth it. I am so glad that I continued, overcoming the fear of the initial lesson. As I once read somewhere, in life you must “feel the fear” and “do it anyway”.

What a beautiful reflection to share with our students! Why do you think students should enrol in a language course with Language Trainers?

Students should enrol in a course with Language Trainers because it is just an amazing company to work for and be taught by. You will receive the highest quality of teaching there is and your teacher will always be there to help you, even when you feel like giving up!

Thank you for your time and your kind words, Stacey! Before you go, could you tell us a fun fact about the language you teach or about yourself?

A fun fact about German is that, for English speakers, it can sometimes be very hard to learn. Mark Twain once said, “Eternity was created to give us enough time to learn German”. This is a quote that I found very comforting when I was learning German myself, however, learning German has opened so many doors. It is really unbelievable. And a fun fact about me is that, at university, I was often asked why I wanted to learn German and people would comment on my subject choice a lot, believing it to be a very unusual and pointless choice. However, I believe that over the last few years I have proven those people seriously wrong, as I have worked for global companies as a translator and even taught the language to my students for use in a work environment. Now is the best time to learn German and it will always stand by you if you choose it. You will not be disappointed by the options you have after learning a new language.