In a twinkle of an eye, sixteen years has passed since I became an English teacher. Looking back, I have experienced pleasure, success as well as confusion and sadness. But I think there is much to be grateful for. During the first two years in SZ, I had a hard time in my teaching career. Why do I say so? On one hand, I like the city because it is young, vital, beautiful and full of challenges. On the other hand, many students in the common classes are quite different from my former students. They didn't study hard at all. They were too indolent in class, talking, sleeping and doing anything that they like. It is a common sight for them not to do homework. They didn't care about their school marks. They just wanted to get much but paid little. What is more, they showed deaf ears to your advice or criticism for their mistakes or faults. When I wanted to point out their mistakes, I should weigh my words over and over not to hurt their feelings. I felt as if I lost my way in the sea. I even had such an idea: To give up the job as an English teacher.
But an event changed my mind. One day, a student had a talk with me in my office. His words always linger in my mind. He said: "Ms Hu, May I ask you a question?" I answered "Sure." Then he talked just like an old friend of mine. He said: "I can see you don't feel happy now because many of us don't study hard. We are too naughty and sometimes we make troubles, or play tricks in class on purpose. We are forced to learn many things that are boring, useless and not valuable. So we are tired of studying. Have you ever been forced to do anything that you really didn't want to do? If so, you can understand why the students do so." I was deeply shocked by his words. As a teacher, I seldom think about the question in the position of the students. Then I asked him what was his idea of a good English teacher. He was a little shy first but after a moment he was eloquent again. He said: "I think a good teacher should be the students' close friend who shares their ups and downs. He should be passionate about many things—books, sports, literature, films and fashion. He is humorous and not too critical about the students' mistakes or faults. He not only asks the students to listen to him but also likes listening to the students. He nourishes and broadens our horizon because of his profound knowledge. He won't just focus on the students' marks but cares more about the students' development in many ways. In his class he should have a powerful emotional impact. So after his lesson we can read, write, think and learn better…"
I couldn't believe these words running out of the mouth of a middle school student. His words enlightened me suddenly just like a bright lamp in the darkness... From his words we know it is not easy to be a good teacher. But since then I began to think and reflect myself in my teaching. As a teacher, first we should love the students like our own children. I try to stand in the students' position, understand them, help them and at the same time improve our teaching skills and method. In my spare time I read the books which the students are interested in so that I can understand them better. Now more and more of my students show interest in English and I feel happy to be an English teacher, too. Do you have such experience as I have, dear friends? Today I'd like to share a sentence with all of you. If there were no cloud, would the sky feel lonely? If there were no sky, where should the cloud wander?
That is all for my speech. Thank you for you attention
