Simon Says Collaborate is a platform that partners use as part of their own offered learning experiences. Hear from one of our English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher partners, Carolina, about benefits of online language learning and why she chose to teach English online with Simon Says Collaborate.

Hi, Carolina! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

My name is Carolina. I am from Colombia, and I have worked as an English teacher for over 5 years teaching different levels of General English (Beginner to Advanced) and exam preparation classes. I have a Bachelor of Education (Teaching of English as Second Language -TESL) from Colombia and have also completed my CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) in Australia.

I strongly believe in the power of language to connect people and enjoy creating inclusive and engaging learning environments in my classes. One of my favorite parts of teaching has been witnessing my students' progress and the positive impact English has on their lives.

When did you first learn English, and how did you decide to go into teaching?

I was very lucky to have been exposed to English from age 3, because my mother spoke multiple languages, including English, and she wanted me and my sister to be able to speak minimum 2 from an early age. Growing up, I also attended a boarding school in England for a short period of time, which significantly improved my English level.

I initially wanted to study languages to become a translator and interpreter. It wasn't until my teaching practice at university that I realized how much I loved teaching. The joy and fulfillment I found in the classroom, coupled with the realization of how enjoyable and rewarding teaching can be, changed my career path.

I strongly believe in the power of language to connect people

What has your experience been like teaching English online so far?

Like most classroom teachers, I didn't really have any experience teaching online until COVID-19 started, and we were forced to stay at home. Amidst the pandemic, I had to adapt to the digital landscape, leveraging technology to connect with my students. I was able to continue my classes through platforms like Zoom and using additional digital game-based learning platforms like Kahoot. Online teaching presented obstacles such as technical issues and occasional communication barriers. However, with effective planning, and clear instructions, I was able to continue my classes like I would in the classroom.

What made you choose to work with Simon Says Collaborate?

I have known Simon, the founder of Simon Says Collaborate, for many years. I can personally vouch for his professionalism and expertise in the field of online teaching. Additionally, I was very interested in the flexibility and convenience the platform provides. As a teacher, I value the ability to set my own schedule and choose my preferred hours for teaching. This flexibility allows me to balance my professional commitments with personal responsibilities and ensures that I can deliver high-quality lessons at a time that works best for me.

Do you have any advice for a teacher who is interested in starting to teach online?

For a teacher interested in starting to teach English online, I would say it is very important to familiarize yourself with online teaching platforms and take the time to learn about the features and tools they have to offer that way you can adapt your teaching strategies.

What about a student who is interested in learning online?

For a student interested in learning English online, it is very important to establish a structured learning routine. Set a schedule and dedicate specific times for studying and attending online classes, be proactive with your learning, and make sure you practice as much as possible.