“What sets apart The English House from other schools in Piedras is YOU! It is the only school in town taught entirely by native English speakers, and our students are excited to get to learn from and speak to Americans,” shares the English House staff. Learning from native English speakers gives our students added insight and instruction outside of a normal foreign-language class. More in-depth lessons on pronunciation, slang, dialects, and conversation practice set our classes apart from other schools in the area.
Learn more about the founding of the English House…
“While this is a great benefit to our students and makes our classes more attractive, it also makes it very difficult for us to recruit teachers,” explains Matt Johnson, one of two current teachers who are native English speakers. “Our hope is to continue to expand the number of classes that we are able to offer so we can reach more students. In order to do this, we desperately need more teachers.”
“Piedras Negras is a city close to the border, so learning English can be a necessity for job opportunities or a school requirement. Because of this, students are motivated and actively seek opportunities to improve their English,” explained former intern Melany Perez. “I chose the English House because I love helping students improve their skills and seeing them get out of their comfort zone and find ways to communicate their ideas in a different language.”
Teaching English is not the only goal. The English House was set up to build relationships with people in Piedras Negras in order to share the gospel. Teachers get the opportunity every week to make an impact on their students’ lives through their conversations and by being an example of Christ’s love. “If you like teaching you will fit right in and be able to make a lasting impact on student’s lives and their families,” added Hannah Caskey, another former intern.
In addition, short-term volunteers participate in conversation practice with that same goal. “Since the English House is affiliated with CrossRoads Mexico, my best memories were whenever we had groups joining the classroom,” continued Melany. “It helped us as teachers, but it also helped the students learn with them and from them. Those moments created great opportunities for students to step out of their comfort zone and practice their English with native speakers.”
Read more about how volunteers made an impact at English Camp…
Hannah shared how she also got to step out of her comfort zone, growing alongside her students: “Interacting with students was at times a challenge, not knowing their language and the same for them with mine. However, it was still a joy to come together to help them learn my native language.”
“My favorite memory of teaching,” continued Hannah, “was when you could see students fully understanding. Lots of times they try or get it for the class but forget for the next, as learning any language. But when you could see it in their face that they knew and understood a topic, it’s like unlocking a new level and it brings so much joy.”
“It is a great community where both teachers and students feel supported,” concluded Melany. “The environment in the classroom is encouraging which makes teaching very rewarding. The English House also provides opportunities for professional growth, creativity in the classroom, and meaningful connections with students. It’s a place where you don’t just teach, you become part of a team.”
Read stories from past Year-Long interns…
Teach with us!
If you have a passion for teaching, missions, and cross cultural experiences, working with us in the English House could be a great opportunity for you. While our teachers don’t need a teaching degree, certification in ESL or TEFL is required. As a teacher you will be responsible for lesson planning, teaching, and classroom management. You’ll also have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Mexican culture and the Spanish language.
Who will you teach?
Our current student audience is local children and adults, from six years old and up, and across all levels of English experience and competence. Class sizes range from 5-15 students.
When are teaching opportunities offered?
Minimum teaching role duration is 2 months. Our school calendar follows the Mexican public school calendar with the spring semester running January through June and the fall semester running September through December.
If you or anyone you know might be interested in coming to serve as an English teacher for any length of time, we would love to hear from you to talk more about this exciting ministry opportunity.
Contact us to learn more!
