This book explores the experiences of men and women who train to teach ESL as a second career. Drawing from in-depth interviews and observations of 30 students (aged 45 to 73) in a TESOL graduate program, this book provides portraits of these individuals as they develop as teachers. It describes the processes they go through to launch their teaching careers, the successes and challenges they face, and the evolving significance of their work in their overall life goals and achievements. A welcome addition to the growing literature on teacher development, this book will be an important resource for teacher trainers and anyone working in TESOL.

Sarah J. Shin is Professor of Education at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, USA. She is an expert in bilingualism, heritage language education and TESOL teacher training, and the author of Bilingualism in Schools and Society (Routledge) and Developing in Two Languages (Multilingual Matters).

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Organization of the Book

1 Wanted: Well-Trained ESL Teachers

2 Adulthood II

3 Cognitive and Social Benefits of Teaching ESL

4 The Role of Prior Work Experiences in Choosing TESOL

5 Constructing a New Professional Identity

6 Learning to Teach

7 Launching a Career in TESOL

8 A Vision for Lifelong Learning

Conclusion

References