Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie White.
Hi Angie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My name is Angie White from Los Angeles. Since leaving my 9-5 in July 2022, I have had the opportunity to wear many hats and take the time to smell the roses. One hat that I love wearing is a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Course Trainer hat that I have owned since 2017. Here’s my story.
Once upon a time in 2006, I left my career in the entertainment industry and boarded a plane to South Korea to begin my new journey as an English teacher.
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a part of the entertainment industry in any capacity. In 2004 I had the golden opportunity to work as an Agent’s assistant in a talent agency specializing in unscripted talent. My co-worker teased me that I reminded her of the lead character in The Devil Wears Prada every time my “boss” called my name, “Angieeeeeeeeeee!”
I later went on to work for a producer because the idea of becoming an agent didn’t appeal to me anymore. My last gig in the industry was working at the 2006 Creative Arts Emmys. In September 2006, my mom and I went to South Korea to celebrate Chuseok with our relatives. Chuseok is the Korean Thanksgiving. I had not traveled outside of the US since I was very young and my last memory of South Korea was so old I could sneeze from the dusty memories.
My time in South Korea was an amazing experience and after I returned to LA, all I wanted was to go back to South Korea. But I didn’t know what I could do for work. My uncle suggested I get my TEFL certificate. I was like, “WHAT’S A TEH-FILL”????
Well, now I know that TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and is a bonafide industry and career path. I researched courses and settled on the cheapest one I could find. I started my course, which focused on lesson planning and creating activities to motivate and engage students during their language-learning process. During my course, I began applying for jobs in South Korea. My first job was- no joke- kismet or divine intervention. When my mom visited S. Korea she met my supervisor, who told her that they had initially offered the job to another teacher but due to an issue with her criminal background check, they didn’t hire her and offered the job to me. Wow.
I landed in S. Korea on December 16th, 2006 and what was supposed to be a year turned into nine years and a total career change. There was a lot of adjusting to do. I didn’t speak Korean; I had to get accustomed to a different way of life, learn new customs, and adjust to new workplace culture. Visiting Korea versus living there was like night and day and I was stuck somewhere at dawn without coffee.
Furthermore, I had never taught English and it was a struggle to put my coursework into a practical, real-world context. Coming from a workplace that dropped curse words like cookie crumbs, I was mindful of my language, but I wasn’t so great at managing my patience. I once yelled, “SHUT UP” in class because the students were not settling down. I love sharing that antidote with my trainees.
In 2009, I attended my first TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Conference. By then, I was more familiar with my industry and the notable linguists and scholars in the second language acquisition field. Dr. David Nunan is a well-known author and linguist in our field and I had the chance to meet him at the conference. I felt like I had met a celebrity! I attended an information session hosted by the university Professor Nunan taught at and decided that I would pursue a Master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Guess who my thesis advisor was- DAVID NUNAN!
After receiving my MA, I transitioned into teacher training and went on to host numerous workshops and present at conferences. Skip ahead to 2016; I decided it was time to return home to LA. I wanted to take my career to the next level and go into management. Becoming an Academic Director was my next dream job. It took me six months after returning to LA to get hired. I was offered an Assistant Director of Studies at a Language School in Santa Monica, and the following year, I found the training hat.
I can’t recall exactly how I found the job, but I remember doing the happy dance after I was hired! TEFL training jobs are competitive, and not many positions become available. I was disappointed when the company that hired me said they were no longer offering courses in Los Angeles and had to let me go. But when The TEFL Org. reached out and asked if I would like to come on board as a trainer, I didn’t hesitate to say YES! Now, I’m a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Course Trainer with The TEFL Org. https://www.tefl.org/. The TEFL Org is a TEFL certification course provider founded in 2008 by experienced teachers. I treasure this role and love what I do.
Every month I meet a new group of students who are eager to get certified and pursue their new teaching careers. I preface my course by saying, “I was once where you are today and one day you may be training the next generation of EFL teachers.” I’ve had an amazing journey, and while the security of a 9 to 5 may not be with me anymore, my trusty training hat keeps me in professional “style”.
I am currently enjoying writing new chapters in my life where I fill in the blanks of SHOULDA, COULDA, I WISH I HAD…
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I remember when I first started in TEFL. I admired seasoned teachers and teacher trainers. I wanted to be like them. I also remember not being helped or mentored by them. When I became a senior teacher trainer at a training institute, someone I once looked up to but did not help a newbie like me applied to the training institute and dared to ask me for a recommendation!
When I reflect on the journey that led me to where I am today. Honestly, the struggles always seem to stem from one place- toxic leadership.
My ability to be a successful leader and trainer comes from having great, TERRIBLE examples of leadership!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a TEFL Course Trainer at The TEFL Org. and I have recently been appointed Regional Manager of a TEFL company started by a former supervisor who reached out to collaborate.
My specialty is in teacher training and love that the TEFL industry is attracting more college graduates and young professionals who are discovering that TEFL can launch a rewarding career while taking you around the world!
My proudest achievement was when I served as a Director of Educational Programs, where I built the company’s Academic Department from scratch. I grew the faculty from 20 to over 200, implemented professional development programs, and created over 14 world language departments, complete with a team of mentors. I made sure to hire newbie teachers and led my team with compassion and humor.
What sets me apart from others is my sincere desire to give people a chance and cultivate the talent of my team. Someone once told me that I was the only person who said YES when every other opportunity said NO.
What matters most to you?
Treating people with respect, gratitude, and cupcakes.
I worked my way up from newbie teacher to director. I have worked with a diverse group of colleagues and have been at the receiving end of ineffective management who failed to utilize my talents or blatantly overlooked my potential by judging me based on my status as a woman of color. The ability to lead people is not learned or earned through study or degrees. Life experience shapes your ideology and plants the seeds for how you will bloom your interpersonal skills.
Remember to be grateful and kind. If you have the opportunity to give someone a chance, do it! Remember, you were once a newbie, and someone gave YOU the opportunity so you could be where you are today.
Life is too short so eat that cupcake! Celebrate the small wins and treat yourself!
