07 Jul
Discover how encouragement, consistency, and celebration can transform an English learner’s confidence and success.
Teaching has taken me on an incredible journey. Since I started working at 16, I’ve held many different jobs—from painting schools during summer breaks in high school to freelancing in marketing. While each role taught me something valuable, nothing has been as fulfilling as being an ESL teacher.
Every day, I have the privilege of helping students build confidence, develop new skills, and discover opportunities through English. Watching them grow isn’t just rewarding—it’s the reason I love teaching.
One student, in particular, reminds me why this work matters.
A Student Success Story
To protect her privacy, I’ll call my student Juyun.
When I first met Juyun, her English was at a beginner level. She was incredibly bright, but she was also full of energy—exactly what you’d expect from an enthusiastic eight-year-old! She loved getting out of her seat to dance during class, and whenever it was time for writing practice, she’d call me over for help every couple of minutes. I’m not exaggerating.
Over the course of a year, we worked together patiently and consistently. My goal wasn’t simply to improve her English—it was to help her become confident in using it.
Although Juyun likes to joke that she doesn’t enjoy English, I know otherwise.
Her writing has improved tremendously. She can now write complete stories with a beginning, middle, and end entirely on her own. Even more rewarding was seeing her confidence shine when my parents visited our school. Without any encouragement from me, she walked right up to them, introduced herself, and asked thoughtful questions about America.
Moments like these remind me that language learning isn’t just about vocabulary or grammar—it’s about giving students the confidence to connect with the world.
I’m excited to see how much more Juyun will accomplish as she continues learning English.
Three Ways to Set Your ESL Students Up for Success
1. Set Clear Expectations
Students thrive when they know what’s expected of them. Clear routines, consistent classroom expectations, and positive communication create an environment where students feel safe and ready to learn.
When you believe your students can succeed—and communicate that belief—they often rise to meet your expectations.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement Every Day
Celebrate progress, no matter how small.
Whether a student correctly uses a new vocabulary word, writes a complete sentence, or answers a question with confidence, positive feedback builds motivation.
With Juyun, I consistently encouraged her to speak in complete sentences using proper grammar. Over time, that encouragement helped her become confident enough to start conversations independently—including speaking comfortably with my parents during their visit.
Small moments of encouragement often lead to big breakthroughs.
3. Celebrate Every Milestone
Learning a language is challenging, and every achievement deserves recognition.
Whether a student earns an excellent test score, writes a fantastic story, or confidently speaks English with someone new, celebrate their success. Recognition helps students see how far they’ve come and motivates them to keep improving.
At our school, we celebrate student achievements with end-of-semester parties. These moments create lasting memories and remind students that their hard work truly matters.
Final Thoughts
Teaching English is about much more than grammar lessons and vocabulary quizzes. It’s about helping students gain confidence, discover their potential, and believe in themselves.
Every student progresses at their own pace, but with patience, encouragement, and consistent support, remarkable growth is possible.
Students like Juyun remind me every day why I chose to become an ESL teacher—and why I wouldn’t trade this job for anything else.
Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant
Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.