Learn Hardcore Esperanto: Mi laboras en la lernejo.

In Esperanto, la is the definite article, similar to the in English. It indicates that the speaker is referring to a specific school. If you just said lernejo, it could mean a school in a more general sense.

How do I know that laboras is the present tense of the verb labori (to work)?

Esperanto verbs have regular endings for tense. The present tense always ends in -as. So if you see laboras, you know it’s the present-tense form of labori.

Why is en used in the sentence Mi laboras en la lernejo?

En generally means in or inside in Esperanto. It indicates that the action (working) is taking place within the location of the school.

Is there any difference in meaning if I say Mi laboras ĉe la lernejo instead?

Yes. Če can imply at or nearby, but it doesn't necessarily mean inside the school building. En explicitly indicates inside.

How do I pronounce lernejo properly?

In Esperanto, each vowel is pronounced separately. So ler-ne-jo is pronounced with three clear syllables. The r is slightly rolled, and the j sounds like the y in yes.