Teaching teens is such a unique and overwhelming experience. It is very common to see ESL teachers saying that they don’t like it, that they rather teach adults anytime or even refusing to work with teens.

I, for one, can totally understand said reluctance to work with these beloved little monsters, but I have felt drawn to them for ages and can honestly say that even though they drive me crazy over and over again, I really enjoy spending time and teaching them.

However, there is a definite line between being a teenager and being a part of the teen world. We are NOT teens, we have jobs, responsibilities and we don’t really answer to our parents anymore.

On the other hand, teaching teenagers is not a mechanical thing, we need to connect with them, fit in and belong to their world.

Being aware of what they like to listen to, watch and play besides paying attention to what they have to say are outstanding tool to help us understand their world better.

One of the biggest challenges for teen’s teachers, in my opinion, is finding the balance between being their “friend” and disciplining them when necessary.

If you are too rigid, they will rebel or be scared of you and either possibility will deny you entrance into their world.

If you are the cool teacher all the time or too much of a teen when you deal with them, they will never be able to respect you and take you seriously when you need them to.

When it comes to it, I believe that finding that balance and having that Teens World knowledge are the keys to being a successful Teens Teacher.

What about you? What do you think are keys to being a successful Teens Teacher?

Larissa Benoliel
Responsável Teens – Wise Up Largo do Machado