Change is good

Diane Nottle, 53
Hamilton Heights
The Class Certificate for English Language Teaching
The New School for General Studies

For most of my 20 years at the New York Times, I worked as an editor in the culture department. About four years ago, I wondered what else I would do with my life. I thought I might be good at teaching English to foreigners and I went to an open house at the New School. I knew immediately that it would be right for me. The opportunity to travel was part of the appeal of getting the certificate but I also really enjoy language.It took me about two and a half years to complete the program.

I’ve found that I especially enjoy working with people from other cultures and helping them learn not only the language, but also how to navigate an English-speaking world. They have such interesting questions about language and are so eager to learn. There’s a misconception that any native speaker of English can teach the language. That is simply not true; professional training is essential. I left my job in May and I’m looking into all kinds of opportunities. One thing I’m excited about is going to Poland to teach English for several weeks this summer. Ideally, I’d like to teach here in New York City and do stints abroad.
66 W 12th St (212-229-5600, newschool.edu)

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