Teaching English in Rome

There are a lot of English language schools in Rome, which means there are a lot of jobs teaching English in Rome. Some of them are good, while others are not. Teaching methodologies can vary widely. Some use traditional English teaching methods that use a set and reputable curriculum which systematically builds on grammar and vocabulary. Others may use endless drills, asking the students to reply to “Is the door larger than the pen?” with “Yes, the door is larger than the pen.” Some schools may rely heavily on computer assisted learning, while others may tend to use songs and nursery rhymes a lot. Be aware of these differences and consider what it would be like for you to live it with any given method day in and day out.

Requirements for Teaching English in Rome

Schools can require that you have teaching qualifications and experience. Others might offer you a job based on your unrelated degree and that you are a native speaker. For some a TEFL or similar certificate will be required, while others may not be worried if you don’t have one. The better jobs generally want to see one. Similarly, some schools will require that everyone toe the legal line and that you have a European Union (EU) work permit, while others will hire an American without.

Teaching Private Students in Rome

Although you can get some work teaching private students without papers, it can be hard to make ends meet this way. Many people find it easier to get private students once they’ve got a job, leveraging the increased professional credibility and taking referrals from students who have friends or family who want lessons or from the students themselves who want to do some extra work on their language skills.

Lots of teachers find it necessary to take on private students in order to make ends meet. You may find students by posting flyers on notice boards on university campuses and in English language bookstores. Be careful about inviting students into your home or going to theirs, especially if you are a woman teacher with a male student. If you do get your own students, think of asking them to keep you in mind for their family and friends. Be aware that private students can require more preparation time to ensure you are tailoring the lessons to their needs often without support of a curriculum and materials.

Salary for Teaching English in Rome

As always, make sure ahead of time how much you will get paid and when. It’s also a good idea to confirm the reputation of a school by talking to people who have been around the teaching English game for a while, and asking on the various related internet forums. However, this will not always protect you, if you can believe the many horror stories that run around about teachers being owed money upon leaving their job.

The secondary school system in Italy leaves much to be desired in its English language teaching. This, coupled with a growing recognition that ability in the English language can be a huge advantage in business and the workplace, leaves a great demand for English teachers in Rome. Most teachers find their students to be a very eager, fun and often funny, making teaching a real joy.