Currently, I am teaching at a school called Language Clubs International Academy in Seoul Korea. My job consists of teaching English to Korean kindergarten and elementary students. I also conduct one-on-one English tutoring and facilitate a book club. Going abroad to teach English is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I work with friendly people who are from all over the world. Not only do I enjoy living in one of the biggest cities in the world, I also enjoy my job as an English teacher. My advice for high school and college students is to go abroad and teach English in a country that interests them. As for right now, I will be in Korea for about a year, and I plan on traveling through China, Japan and Southeast Asia. One of America’s most valuable exports is the English language. I recommend taking full advantage of it and exploring the world.
After I graduated from college and had a year of graduate school, I was fortunate enough to teach and coach at Niles West High School. I could not ask for a better job than teaching in the Special Education Department and Academic Achievement Center at my old high school. In the Special Education Department, I taught courses in math, history, English and health. In the summer of 2010, I taught world history and US history at Niles Central, which was also an excellent experience. As a teacher, some of the most rewarding moments at West were coaching a successful track and field team, making genuine friendships with former teachers, and intellectually challenging my students.
In 2008, I graduated from Michigan State University. As a proud Spartan, I studied elementary education, special education and English. To me, I thought college was bitter sweet. It was bitter because I occasionally thought I was not getting my money’s worth in terms of education and professors. Going to a popular Big Ten school was also exciting because I experienced two Final Fours, a National Championship in Hockey, and I had football tickets every year that I attended MSU. As for choosing a college, no matter where you go, the best education you will get is by having a library card and an ambition.
In terms of picking a major to study, I have one piece of solid advice. If you do not plan on attending graduate school immediately after you are done with your Bachelors degree, I highly recommend you choosing a major that is practical and logical. I would advise you on choosing a Bachelors degree that will get you a job in the near future. Conduct some research and discover fields that have a lot of opportunities for employment. I have a number of friends who majored in degrees who have no job market, and they are unemployed. Lastly, a degree from a college should not define you as a person, employee, and citizen. Back at Niles West, I had a little saying that I told to a few students. I would tell them in order to advance your education, you should be prepared to answer questions and question answers.
Steve’s Bio:
Graduated from NW: 2004
Graduated from Michigan State University: 2008, BA Special Education, Elementary Education and a minor in English
Currently work as an English teacher for LCI Academy in Seoul Korea
Favorite Part of NW: I love everything about West: the sports, teachers, coaches and friends.
