How can I teach a foreign language if I’ve never been a foreign-language pupil?

My, you’ve thought of everything, haven't you? But, consider that the best way to prepare for teaching is to understand how your students will learn the language, even if you’ve never dealt with similar circumstances. (That said, you actually will come to understand the difficulty of learning new languages when you arrive in your new city, because unlike your students, the other citizens with whom you interact will probably not be speaking English.)

As a native English speaker, you take so many things for granted because the grammar, verb conjugations, parallel structure and pronunciation come naturally. But, the ability to put yourself in the shoes of your students will allow you to sympathize with their struggle. Work from the inside outward.

Language is a fascinating tool, but you must realize that initially, for students staring at an English sentence, it may seem as cryptic as it would be for you to scan hieroglyphics on a cave wall.

Recommended Reading:

Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language: Third Edition By Marianne Celce-Murcia, editor.

An indispensable reference tool. This comprehensive book will guide you through the fundamentals of language acquisition, pedagogy, drafting lesson plans and teaching proper pronunciation. The contributing authors also explore the difference between teaching adults and younger students.

Teaching English Overseas: A Job Guide for Americans and Canadians By Jeff Mohammed

A priceless reference book, to be read before you make the decision to teach overseas. In fact, you should read Jeff’s book immediately after you finish this article (if I haven’t frightened you away from the profession, of course!).

How to Teach English By Jeremy Harmer

Helps teachers to understand the basics of describing language to students, which is no easy task. But, Harmer makes it look pretty darn easy.

The Elements of Style By William Strunk and E.B. White

Put simply, every teacher, avid reader or professional writer should own a copy of this concise guide to English grammar and style. Pocket-sized, easy to understand and authoritative.