Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Go Back                 Case Posted on November 3, 2015 5:10 pm Add to Favorites apePev Reps: 79 Do You Have to Speak It to Teach It When I was completing my undergraduate studies, I decided to complete the requirements for the ESOL endorsement. I really enjoyed my classes and wanted to work with the ESOL students once I began my teaching career. However, the school that I starting teaching at didn't have any ESOL students, so I never got the opportunity to apply the skills that I learned to work with such students. Though I don't speak Spanish or any other foreign language fluently, do you think I have the quills necessary to teach ESOL students.                 Submit a Possible Solution Please read response(s) below (if any) before posting your solution.                 Solution 1 Posted February 22, 2016 5:32 pm Victoria Horn Reps: 201 I think if you have your certifications and degree with ESOL, then I don't think you would need to speak the specific language of your students. As long as you are qualified, then you can help them learn English. It always help to know another language, but it isn't required. Votes: +26 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Kady Schlemmer Reps: 202 I agree. It might be helpful, but knowledge of other languages is not necessary.   Posted on: July 9, 2016 7:25 pm Kathy Allen Reps: 200 You don't necessarily need to know the language to teach ESOL students.   Posted on: February 23, 2018 7:47 pm ePuzej Reps: 102 I agree. You do not have to know the language at all. As long as you are ESOL certified, you should know how to teach these students.   Posted on: February 19, 2019 3:02 pm Add a Comment                 Solution 2 Posted March 1, 2016 1:32 pm Beqena Reps: 100 It would be certainly helpful to know the language, but the thing is, it is very rare for an ESOL teacher to know every single language of their students. Many teachers do not, I think it is perfectly fine. Votes: +9 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution ezyHes Reps: 101 I would have to agree, however, I am sure that it would be nice if one did know another language so we can understand better.   Posted on: March 4, 2016 2:55 am Add a Comment                 Solution 3 Posted July 11, 2016 2:57 am PuWupe Reps: 206 I think that you are prepared enough for teaching ESOL students because you have taken the required preparation for it; however, it may be some hard at first because you have not had any student yet, but once you teach the first student you will learn much more and be more knowledgeable. Votes: +4 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 4 Posted October 16, 2016 6:26 pm gyVyPe Reps: 250 Speaking another language doesn't require you to be able to teacher ESOL students. Although it may be a convenience to be bilingual, it will not matter. I think as long as you have your certification and have a strong desire to teach those students, you will be able to succeed with it. Votes: +4 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 5 Posted October 12, 2018 2:19 pm baGyvy Reps: 100 As a teacher who got a dual certification to also teach esol and not having any spanish speaking skills I can definitely say that I think if you really try and paid attention in the class and have the certifications that you need you will be fine. Votes: +2 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 6 Posted July 10, 2016 7:45 pm juWuPe Reps: 203 I think you can teach without knowing the language fluently. Votes: +2 / -5 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 7 Posted February 21, 2018 4:50 pm nehury Reps: 202 Knowing the language would definitely be useful, but the most important thing is that you have the skills to help the students even without knowing their language. You can still make a big impact on them and teach them without speaking their language. Votes: +1 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 8 Posted July 8, 2018 9:47 pm ehaJaT Reps: 100 You do not have to speak any other language than English to teach ESOL students. It will be extremely beneficial to you and your students if you committed yourself to learn about the cultures from which the kids you teach come from. Learn as it comes so it is not overwhelming and too much. Starting with studying maps and learning where different countries are located is a great start and one that I benefited from myself. You can do it! Votes: +1 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 9 Posted October 7, 2018 8:44 pm uvyzud Reps: 105 It would help to know the language, but you know how to teach them and different strategies so you should be fine. Votes: +1 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 10 Posted February 21, 2019 3:37 pm aGyveh Reps: 100 I agree with all the previous comments, I don't think you necessarily have to know a certain language to teach it. Getting as much background information about it couldn't hurt, but with the right resources, you can be successful! Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Submit a Possible Solution Please read response(s) below (if any) before posting your solution.