2012/11/18

Title: Teaching English: It's YOUR Business

Speaker: Miguel Gervais

The old adage, "Business and friendship don't mix" is usually used as a warning against being emotionally involved with one's coworkers, and it is often good advice. In the same way, most educators would suggest that, like friendship, the teacher-student relationship should also be unsullied by financial concerns.

Long-time friend of Gunma JALT Miguel Gervias sees things differently. This November, he explained to Gunma JALT attendees how, eight years ago, he wrapped his various contracts into a profitable sole-proprietorship company, M.L.C. 英会話. Using his experience as a guide, Gervias carefully explained profits and proprietorships; brand-management and tax-breaks. And along the way he gave members some advice that, while aimed at business practices, also turned out to be essential to education:

"Doing is what counts." Perfection, whether in business or education, is not your goal. Gervais advised attendees to start with the knowledge and skill set they have and make continuous improvement their goal.

"You can do anything." Freedom from curriculum and policies allows teachers to construct lessons which match students' levels and goals.

"You don't need to undercut." Instead, he urged Gunma JALT members to focus on making the best classroom and classes that they could, something that demands a premium. In this way, Gervais showed that running a sound business is not only compatible with sound education, at M.L.C they are one and the same.