My name is Marie Nancy Vernet I was born in Haiti but I grew up in the United States of America. I speak French and English fluently, and I am presently learning how to communicate in Spanish. My professional background is that of an educator, where I taught children from 4 to 13 years old. I love to travel and learn about other cultures which led me to explore Europe for three months. I was so intrigued with the different cultures and people I decided to relocate to Spain. I find it fascinating to reside in another country and one of my philosophies is if I really want to learn about a country and the people I need experience it first hand as it is the best way to really appreciate the culture even if it's for a few months. I volunteered for an organization that taught English to children and adults and that experience inspired me to become an English teacher. I combined my love for traveling and teaching and found the perfect match for me.

OxbridgeTEFL: What is English language teaching about according to Marie Vernet?

Marie Nancy Vernet: Teaching English language for me is opening the door to individuals that want to experience new opportunities. Presently, English is the language of trade and I would be remiss not to teach that language to others. My job as an educator is to encourage, educate, transmit, and receive information, therefore teaching English is the perfect opportunity for me to achieve this goal.

OxTEFL: Is ESL education in Spain sick or in good health?

M.N.V.: I think ESL education in Spain is very much in good health owing to the fact that I have seen a lot of individuals learning English as well as when I go to places they tried to accommodate me by speaking English. There are amply amount of schools that are geared towards educating its citizens in English. This then led me to the conclusion that Spain’s ESL education is in good health.

OxTEFL: What is the English teacher's biggest challenge in the classroom? How would you overcome it?

M.N.V.: The biggest challenge in the classroom that an English teacher encounters is asking the students not to speak in their native language when they are in the classroom especially in the adults’ classroom. However, within the teenager’s classroom the challenge will mostly be behavioral issues. The way I would overcome it is to encourage communication in English and design a reward system that will motivate discussions in English. For behavioral issues, the students will know that there are consequences for their actions and these consequences will be addressed at the beginning of the session and followed through.

OxTEFL: What would your solution be to improving English language education in Spain? How should we teach English?

M.N.V.: My solution to improving English language education in Spain is to make it accessible to everyone beginning at the pre-school level. English should be integrated into the curriculum at an early age because research has shown that young children acquire languages readily at an early age, therefore making it easier for them to assimilate the language as they grow older. I think the Oxbridge method is really a good way to teach English since it is communicative skills that are being taught and there are no translations in the classroom. It is a superb way to learn English that method would make the students work harder to improve their skills.

OxTEFL: What do teachers need to give the best of themselves as professionals?

M.N.V.: Teachers need to be patient, approachable yet be an authoritative figure, hands-on, informative, expressive and most of all make learning FUN.

OxTEFL: A memorable moment from your ESL experience?

M.N.V.: One particular memorable moment that I have experience and it gave me an intrinsic reward is the growth that I have seen with the students, and the enthusiasm that the students display when they arrive at class for the quest of learning English weekly.

OxTEFL: Your advice to new teachers or those considering becoming such.

M.N.V.: My advice to new teachers in to be prepared, have interesting activities for the students, be yourself, be comfortable and make the class fun for you and your students and you will do great. I would also advise new teachers to make sure they have a passion/love for teaching as their reward will be mostly intrinsic rather than monetary and in my opinion intrinsic reward is the best reward; because it gives you a sense of accomplishment knowing that you helped made a difference in the lives of others.

OxTEFL: Best of luck in your ESL career and happy traveling and teaching!