27: Language Teaching & Learning

Guest: Dr. Jan Dormer

Dr. Jan Dormer shares about open doors for ministry through TESOL and language learning, unique opportunities during the pandemic, and the impact of a family Bible.



  • Jan’s web site: TESOLtools.com
  • TESOL = Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages
  • ESOL = English for Speakers of Other Languages
  • “We can choose content that is edifying, that helps people to think more deeply about their values, their lives, their commitments, their goals.”
  • “An environment for language acquisition is a very relational and authentic environment.  It’s the ideal setting for connecting with other people, caring for others, and building community.”
  • Teaching English in Missions by Jan Dormer
  • “It is very different teaching online than teaching in a real classroom, so we need to acknowledge that difference and make changes.”
  • “This an opportune time to focus more on the domains of reading and writing.”
  • Language Learning in Ministry by Jan Dormer
  • “I saw such a disconnect between my goals and values as a language teacher and how I saw missionaries being taught.”
  • “When we go into a new setting needing to learn the local language, that positions us as learners [...] That is the groundwork for any good ministry.”
  • “I have training in my field, and I do think training is really important. I don’t ever want to minimize that. However, our greatest training comes from the Lord.”
What's changing our lives:
  • Keane: Cast iron pizza
  • Heather: Cooking around the world
  • Jan: Reading through her father’s Bible

Weekly Spotlight: LinGo Ocean City

For more about Third Culture Kids, check out episode 22 with Michele Phoenix.

We'd love it if you would subscribe, rate, review, and share this show! To learn more about TeachBeyond, check out teachbeyond.org.  As always, you can reach us at podcast@teachbeyond.org. See you next Friday!

04 Sep 21
by kfine

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