Is it unreasonable to expect teachers to have a strong command of English before teaching in an English-speaking school? I’m currently in a high school where the primary language of instruction is English, alongside my country’s native language. Unfortunately, my math teacher, a young Chinese woman who just graduated from university, struggles with English. It’s not just minor grammar issues; her vocabulary and sentence structure are very basic. While she excels at math, her teaching leaves much to be desired. We often find it hard to grasp the concepts due to her broken English and heavy accent. I personally face challenges with auditory processing, and these language barriers have put me behind my peers.
I can’t switch out of her class, which adds to my frustration. Am I wrong to feel that her English proficiency should be better for her to effectively teach in an English-speaking environment? I worry that voicing these concerns may come off as prejudiced, which is not my intention. However, I believe that my education would be more beneficial in the hands of someone with whom I can communicate more clearly.
Your concerns are valid, and it’s understandable to want to learn from a teacher who can communicate effectively in the language of instruction. Language proficiency is crucial in teaching, especially in subjects like math where clear explanations can make a significant difference in understanding complex concepts.
It’s important to recognize that not all teachers come with the same level of language skills, and many are working hard to improve while also trying to teach effectively. Your experience with auditory processing adds another layer of difficulty, and it’s completely reasonable to want an educator who can communicate in a way that suits your learning style.
Your feelings aren’t prejudiced; you’re advocating for your right to receive a quality education. It might be helpful to discuss your challenges with a school counselor or administrator. They could provide support or accommodations that might help bridge the gap in understanding, such as additional resources or tutoring. Ultimately, effective communication between a teacher and student is key to successful learning, and it’s important that educators are equipped to meet the needs of all their students.