Miss Safford is not only an ESL teacher at South High, she is someone who inspires her students to never give up, especially when it comes to learning English. From the first day of school, it makes it clear that we can all improve and that making mistakes is part of learning. “Don’t be afraid to do it, everything will be fine, trust yourself,” she tells us with a smile. What she enjoys most about teaching English is seeing how her students progress and gain confidence. According to Miss Safford, each class is unique because each student contributes something different. In addition to teaching, Miss Safford has hobbies that keep her motivated and happy. She loves basketball, traveling, and learning about other cultures, things she often shares with her students to make classes more interesting. She believes that her hobbies help her connect better with her students and understand the challenges they face. Her message to everyone at South High is clear: never give up and always keep practicing, even when something seems difficult. Miss Safford believes that discipline, patience and confidence are key to learning English and for any goal in life. Miss Safford not only teaches English but also teaches her students that with effort and dedication, everything is possible. Thanks to their enthusiasm and support, her students not only improve at school, but also learn to believe more in themselves.
Below you will find a set of interview questions I conducted with her:
- What made you decide to become an ESL teacher?
I became an ESL teacher because I’ve always been interested in language, identity, and fairness. I saw how language can open doors, but also how it can be used to exclude people. I wanted to work with students whose voices and experiences deserve to be heard, and to help make multilingualism be seen as a strength, not a barrier.
- What do you enjoy the most about teaching students who are learning English?
What I enjoy most is watching students realize how capable they are. Learning a new language takes courage. I love seeing students gain confidence as their English improves. Multilingual students are incredibly intelligent and resilient. I learn just as much from them as they learn from me.
- What is the biggest challenge ESL students face, and how do you help them overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges is confidence. Many students understand more than they feel comfortable showing. They worry about making mistakes or being judged. I try to create a classroom environment where mistakes are part of learning and where students feel respected and supported.
- What advice would you give to students who feel nervous or shy about speaking English?
I would tell them that every bilingual or multilingual person you know once felt exactly the same way. Fluency doesn’t happen overnight. Making mistakes is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of growth. Be patient with yourself, take risks, and remember that your voice matters in any language.
- What is one important lesson you always want your students to remember from your class?
I always want my students to remember that their language, culture, and identity are strengths. I hope they leave my class believing that they are capable of succeeding in any space while staying true to themselves.
