First Assignment - What Teachers of English Should Teach

 

Proficiency in English has become increasingly important.  Job markets are more competitive than in past decades and writing well can immediately make a person standout. As English teachers we need to prepare students for the “real world” by giving them the tools they need to be competitive in the working realm they will encounter after leaving the school system.  Teaching them the “syntaxical” and grammatical techniques they will need to become good writers is important. Elementary teachers should responsible for teaching the backbones of good writing while secondary teachers, like I hope to be, should teach the more in-depth facets of writing well.  Writing well will be an advantage when they apply for college acceptance, scholarships, jobs and various other modalities. Students can learn and practice writing well in a number of ways. It is important for teachers to let students explore different types of writing in the classroom. English teachers, in my experience, often neglect the verbal component of the language but I feel this should be given attention in the classroom as well. 

 

While language is essential and practical it also has creative possibilities.  Language is an art.  Students may find music, dance, painting, etc. a form of personal expression but can also discover language to be an outlet.  Giving opportunities for creative writing, journaling, and poetry is important. Some students will not find it helpful but others will forever appreciate being taught to use English in this way.  Encouraging students to learn to use language to benefit themselves in academic, professional, and personal capacities is what teachers of English should do.