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Learn More About Terry's Experience:

ESL/ESOL My name is Terry Walters and I am a graduate student at National Louis University in the elementary education program. My wife's second language is English which gives me an unique personal perspective in understanding the frustrations with learning a second language, especially English. Although I am not an English major or have an endorsement in ESL, I consider myself qualified for several reasons. I have a great deal of experience in the classroom with ESL students as a substitute teacher, and in my previous occupation in which I taught many of the employees how to speak English in order to facilitate their ability to function within the organization. In addition, I am a student of a foreign language, as I am learning to speak Spanish. My personal goal is to learn Spanish well enough to maintain conversation with my wife's family. I have been attempting to achieve my goal over the years and have made slow but steady progress. Finally, there are many similarities between teaching English to children as to adults. Creating a basic understanding of the structure of language, mastering basic pronunciation and learning to speak within a social framework (i.e. how we speak to one another), are several similar connections. Most of all, my desire to teach allows me to make the most of my knowledge and helps me to find ways to address the needs of the many differentiated learners and their own learning styles.