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According to the teaching of ITTT, a TESOL teacher should always take into consideration cultural sensitivity for their learners. A teacher needs to be culturally sensitive in order to effectively teach the learners. Every region of the world has different norms for cultures. For example, in Thailand, a teacher must be aware of the cultural sensitivities like not mentioning the King's death or saying anything negative about him. A teacher must be culturally aware and take the time to learn the culture of the country he or she will be living in. The teacher should know the main religions, political situations, topics to avoid, proper introductions, and cultural norms in order to gain and keep respect of his or her students. If teachers are culturally aware and sensitive, it allows for a better classroom environment thus allowing students to better learn English. Some things mentioned in the ITTT course to avoid or be aware of for cultural sensitivity are avoiding sarcasm (most countries do not speak sarcastically), never express your political values in the country you will be teaching in, do not talk about someone if they are not present, do not publically tell off students as that can cause shame, especially for Asian students. Teachers are responsible for the classroom environment that they create. If a teacher creates a safe learning environment because he or she is culturally aware, then he or she will find great success as a TESOL or TEFL teacher. When a teacher is aware of cultural sensitivities, then the teacher will know how to better deal with situations that arise. When a teacher is culturally aware, students feel less awkward, more eager to learn, and respected. I am currently a volunteer English teacher in Cambodia and have been for the last two years. I have the potential to make mistakes culturally while teaching English that ultimately could effect the way the students learn. For example, in Cambodia, a teacher is given so much respect because of his or her position as a teacher. The teacher must carry himself or herself in a higher standard to keep the respect. One of the mistakes I have made as a volunteer teacher in Cambodia is touching a child's head. In Cambodia and most Southeast Asian countries, the head is the most respected part of the body and if touched, you disrespect that person. I had to apologize multiple times to the family. Another example from my experience in Cambodia is that I have learned that when a student is not learning really well, then it is better for me to encourage the student with positive words instead of telling them off. Cambodia is very much "save face" type of culture, so I deal with conflict by saying true, positive things while indirectly telling them what they have done wrong or could improve on. Another example of cultural awareness that allows for a safe classroom environment in Cambodia is knowing what questions can or cannot be asked depending on the students' ages. I have learned so much about creating safe - learning environments by learning the culture of Cambodians. Overall, English teachers must humble themselves and try to think in a similiar mindset to the country that they have decided to live in in order to produce a safe classroom environment that causes students the best opportunity to learn English.
