The ideal English teacher

Now you will find my favorite teacher

The Ideal English Teacher

An ideal English teacher is not defined by a rigid method but by their ability to connect with students as human beings. They use creative and meaningful strategies inside and outside the classroom. Inspired by the bio-pedagogical perspective presented by Acosta (2021), I believe that the ideal teacher promotes love, respect, and care while helping students develop both language and human skills.

From my experience, one example is Nidia Sánchez, my primary teacher. She used her body language and gestures to explain verb tenses, making abstract grammar easier to understand. Although her classes lacked grammatical depth, she created a comfortable and expressive environment where learning became enjoyable and accessible.

On the other hand, teachers like Angelica Carvajal and Sandra focused only on grammar and reading. Their methods were effective for written skills but lacked oral interaction, making classes monotonous. This reflects what Acosta criticizes: a technical approach that neglects emotion, creativity, and communication.

In contrast, Diego, one of my university teachers, organized debates about current topics. His dynamic approach fostered confidence and encouraged real communication. However, his teaching could have better balanced other skills, such as grammar.

What I value the most in a teacher is their willingness to adapt. The ideal English teacher is someone who, if necessary, goes back and re-explains for the sake of one student’s understanding. They don’t give up in the face of difficulty. Instead, they believe that every student can learn and evolve.

 

Ultimately, the best English teacher acts as a mediator, not only teaching content but also promoting cognitive change and positive attitudes, as Acosta proposes. They see teaching as a mission that integrates emotion, creativity, and human development, creating transformative learning experiences that go beyond the classroom.