“I was plopped into it,” is my response when my students ask how I became a teacher. I was doing charity work in Pakistan and was asked me to teach a newly formed English class. “But I am not a teacher,” was my rejoinder. “But you speak it!” was the response. And this came from a Christian charity.

I didn’t know what I was doing with that first class but I did learn one thing; how important English was to my students. They said they needed English to get a good wife. This surprised me. I knew English was needed for work and better pay. But I didn’t know English was needed for the matchmakers, to pair you off with a good spouse. That was news to me.

Actually I had heard about the strategic importance of language study before this. From my own studies, I learned some about several languages. One wise prof said languages could be learned with diligence, time and focus. You don’t often hear that in America. Another old prof told me you study the language because you want the information it provides. But in language study, so many wanted English. International students told me they had to provide for their families. English education would help accomplish that.

Quality is important to me, so I decided to get a second master’s. My father always said if something is worth doing, it is worth doing well. This master’s combined linguistics and educational training. Especially I appreciated the hands-on training in field ed and during my practicum. Having another pair of eyes in my classroom, watching my teaching and classroom dynamics, has helped me ever since. For me, it showed creativity and enthusiasm can be combined with solid pedagogy.

My students have always been a source of encouragement for me. They need this strong, vibrant and all-encompassing language. Seeing them progress in it has always been satisfying, regardless of whether or not they get a spouse because of it!

2004

Sincerely; William Schmidt