Introducing Myself

Hello,

My name is Holly, or as some have called me, Teacher Holly. If you are passionate about the world of languages and about helping others to navigate your part of it, then you are speaking my language, (pun intended).

To make a long story short, I never thought I was cut out to be a teacher, much less a teacher of English. But while obtaining my B.A. in Intercultural Studies, I had the opportunity to intern for an organization assisting refugees in my local area. The director requested that I help in the English classes offered thrice daily, four days a week. So, having no idea what I was doing, I began. It was a wonderful experience, and the students seemed to learn in spite of my ineptitude.

Several years later, when it came time for me to go back to school and decide what I wanted to do when I grew up, it was that previous experience that helped make my decision. I went on to study for an M.A. in Linguistics, with a specialization in TESL.

After obtaining my degree in 2013, I began the arduous search for a job. Unfortunately, the economy had fallen by this time, and there was a major lack of TESL jobs in my area. Couple that with the fact that I am totally blind, and things were rather frustrating. Thankfully, unconventionality happens to be my trademark, so I was searching around the web one night, and got introduced to the idea of online language teaching and learning. Fast forward a year to this lovely Sunday evening, and I am writing this post, having taught online for ten months. Though the transition from a more traditional mindset to the online model was daunting at first, I can honestly say I have never looked back. The chance to build lasting rapport with students, to explore multiple teaching methods, and set my own hours has been a perfect fit.

Well, it seems that I was not able to make my long story short after all, but believe it or not, there were many details left out. I hope, as I grow as a teacher, that I can help other online teachers, current and prospective, to navigate the wonderful world of online language teaching. I say language teaching instead of English teaching because I hope that at least some of the ideas and experiences I share on this site will benefit teachers of any language. So, without further a due, hello and welcome.

Holly