By Emir | IAPE-trained English teacher from Chiapas
I decided to be a teacher to fulfill a dream of someone very special to me. When I was younger, my father was able to afford an English course for me, without knowing at the time that he was leading me on a path towards teaching, a path that I now enjoy and love. My father encouraged me to study something related to English, to keep practicing it and one day to be able to teach it.
My parents had no chance to study because the situations in which they lived forced them to work in the field from a young age. My mom was at least able to attend elementary school and complete six years of basic education; my dad was not. Nonetheless, at the age of 47 he decided to pursue his elementary and high school education through an adult education program. He worked hard to learn to read, write, and further expand his intellectual curiosity. I supported my father, answering questions, helping with homework, and showing him how to use a dictionary. It was quite touching for me to see him solving problems, mathematical operations, writing a passage ... so many moments that encouraged me to continue on the path of teaching.
He always said the following words whenever he could: "God gave me life so that I can see one of my children become a teacher and teach those who need it. Son, I hope I can be with you at your graduation and see you teaching in a classroom.”
A month before he passed away, I got my first job as an English teacher. He always knew that I would be with a group of students and what he said to me was: "Congratulations, son. What a great gift you have given me. Congratulations, my teacher".
Unfortunately, he cannot see me in the classroom anymore and he could not be at my graduation. His absence was very difficult and painful, but he and my mother were my engine to keep going. I know that my father is happy up there, knowing that one of his children could fulfill his dream, and knowing very well that his family walks slowly and united towards success.
I can say with certainty that I have chosen the best profession that a human being can have: teaching.
IAPE does not just teach a new methodology. IAPE shows you how to teach from the heart, how to humanize all those who occupy a classroom, how to love your profession, how to touch hearts that need love and understanding, how to share and transmit new idea with fun and passion. It is more than just a method. It is something wonderful and surprising.
To all those heavenly people behind the scenes of IAPE, I say THANK YOU for being there. You demonstrate that there is still hope to change this world.
By Jim Citron | IAPE Program Director
By Geraldo Vargas Garcia | IAPE participant (English teacher)
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
