How Can I Be An English Teacher

Absolutely! Many language schools worldwide are more interested in your teaching skills and passion than your specific educational background. While possessing a degree can offer additional opportunities, it is not a definitive barrier. Many individuals without degrees successfully pursue and thrive in English teaching roles abroad. Why is a degree required to do certain TEFL teaching jobs? How can I get a TEFL job if I don't have a degree? Where can I teach English if I don't have a degree? While there is no universal mandate stating TEFL teachers must have a bachelor's degree, several TEFL jobs do require one. The primary rationale behind this requirement is not necessarily pedagogical but administrative, mainly to fulfill visa regulations set by specific countries. Indeed, while...  [Read more]

Rhea Latchu Alumni Experiences What if I told you it is totally possible to combine your passion with your dream? Teaching English, the Ticket to Being an Expat Not the Typical Tourist The Teaching Aspect The Balancing Act So Are You Ready for Your Journey? Related Articles: Well, it is. You see, for as long as I can remember, I have always had the dream to travel and wander around this globe. Then approximately four years ago, I discovered a passion within me that I didn't even know existed: teaching! And that is how my journey working as an EFL Teacher began! Teaching English for many presents the opportunity needed to become an expat. To live the expat life. This was certainly the case for me. When I accepted a volunteer position as an English Teacher in Chile four years ago, it...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Nowadays English has become a common language that helps to facilitate the communication between people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. English may not be the most widely used language in the world, but it is the official language of 53 countries and it is used by around 400 million people worldwide. As a result, being able to speak English does not only mean communicating with native English speakers, but it also means opening the door to new international chances and opportunities. 3 Key Strengths of Non-Native ESL Teachers: 1. They have a better understanding of the difficulties and challenges faced by their students. 2. They are more precise when it comes to pronunciation and spelling. 3. They are bilingual. 3 Most Common Weaknesses of...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Parental involvement plays a pivotal role in the success of learning English as a second language (ESL) education. When parents actively participate in their child's language learning journey, they become valuable partners with ESL teachers contributing to the overall effectiveness of the educational process. This essay explores various ways in which parents can assist and support ESL teachers in fostering English language proficiency among their children. Creating a Supportive Home Environment Encouraging Reading and Language Practice Collaboration with Teachers Consistency and Practice for Language Acquisition The Crucial Role of Parents in ESL Teaching Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out...  [Read more]

As a TEFL teacher, having strong language skills is crucial for effectively communicating with students, explaining concepts clearly, and providing feedback. Your language proficiency sets the foundation for successful language teaching, as it serves as a model for students to emulate. Additionally, being proficient in the language you are teaching helps you understand the challenges students may face and enables you to tailor your teaching methods to address these issues effectively. To enhance your language skills, consider immersing yourself in the language as much as possible. This can involve activities such as reading books, watching movies or TV shows, listening to podcasts, and engaging in conversations with native speakers. Language exchange programs are also beneficial, as they...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas We all played them and we all loved them as children. We made them up and we bought them. It is still a large industry today. There are easy ones and hard ones. There are thinking ones and action ones. What am I referring to? Games! From hide-and-go-seek to Monopoly, there are all sorts of fun games to play. So why don't we incorporate them into our TEFL lessons? Ways to Accumulate Games in Your Classroom Personal Experience Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Samuel S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. You can create your games or adapt to the ones you already know and love. They can be used for...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This is defined by Google as "the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry" or by Wikipedia as "the collection of techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific investigation". Digital era Technology in the classroom Things to consider Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dan S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. We are in the new world of technology, almost every sector in every nation is imbibed and subjected to technology because as people say it is...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching a foreign language involves a whole set of different stages and methods that are guided and put into practice by the teacher. Universal Language Power of Songs Choosing teaching materials Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Maria S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. If music is a "universal language", and it is furthermore considered as an element inherent to culture, this link between music and the teaching of language can be explored using the song as didactic material. Often the most playful or innovative moments are the ones that are recorded in the student's memory. Thus, one of the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Drilling is a simple yet effective teaching technique used to practice and master language skills. The teacher models a word or a sentence, and the learners repeat it. It is a way of developing a standard pronunciation of the language and introducing a language easily. Drilling started about 70 years ago when the armed forces used it to teaching language. The Army Method Why It's Effective Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sunita T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Drilling was called the Audio-Lingual Method or the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Games are a useful tool for teachers of EFL students because they help with motivation, engagement, and graceful failure (Plass 260-261). I will present a successful example of a teacher using games in an adult grammar class from Indonesia. Second, since I plan to teach online EFL students, I will present free digital games online teachers can use in their virtual classrooms. Advantages of the Theory The First Research Popular Games Access to Materials My Choice Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Christopher C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Many professional articles have been written showing...  [Read more]

Why do you want to be an English teacher? For some it is the chance to experience new cultures and to travel to places they never dreamed of seeing. For others it’s an escape from the rat race, the opportunity to get away from the daily grind of the 9 to 5 office job. Whether you are looking to travel the world while paying off your student loan or are simply looking to change down a gear, there is a place in the world for you. In Thailand there are plenty of jobs available throughout the year up and down the country, and while Bangkok is a frenetic hub of energy the rest of the country is very laid back. With some of the best (and cheapest) food in the world as well as some magnificent beaches, Thailand is definitely the place for those that value an easy going lifestyle over the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Motivation - It can be a bugbear for students & teachers alike. When someone is motivated, a future of endless opportunity is not only visible but achievable and a tiresome task no longer seems as such, but more of an alluring challenge with fruitful rewards along the way! Environment influence Student's Genuine Interest Psychological Aspects Teaching to Make Mistakes Painless Communication Peer Learning Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Robert D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Although when motivation's lacking, taking on the challenge of learning a foreign language can be a daunting...  [Read more]

An online TEFL course should typically be around 120-150 hours in duration to provide a comprehensive training experience for aspiring English language teachers. Here are some key points to consider regarding the length of an online TEFL course: Online TEFL courses typically range in duration from 40 hours to 250 hours, with the most common options being 120 hours and 160 hours. Here is a breakdown of the typical durations of online TEFL courses: Yes, there are recommended durations for online TEFL courses, although they can vary depending on the course provider and the level of certification being sought. Generally, online TEFL courses can range from 40 hours to 250 hours or more. Here are some guidelines to consider for online TEFL course durations:  [Read more]

Online English teachers can earn varying amounts depending on several factors. Here is a breakdown of the key considerations when it comes to determining the earning potential of an online English teacher: Factors that determine online English teacher earnings: The average salary range for online English teachers varies depending on several factors such as qualifications, experience, location, and the platform or institution they work for. Factors influencing the salary range for online English teachers: Yes, online English teachers can increase their earnings through additional qualifications or certifications. Obtaining further qualifications or certifications can provide online English teachers with several benefits that can lead to increased earnings:  [Read more]

In a TEFL classroom, teachers often encounter various challenges related to managing students and maintaining a productive learning environment. Some of the most common classroom management issues include disruptive behavior, lack of motivation, large class sizes, and language barriers. Disruptive behavior can disrupt the flow of the lesson and hinder the learning process for other students. It is crucial for TEFL teachers to establish clear rules and expectations from the beginning of the course. Consistency in enforcing these rules, along with positive reinforcement for good behavior, can help minimize disruptions in the classroom. Lack of motivation is another common issue faced by TEFL teachers, especially when teaching students of different age groups and language proficiency levels....  [Read more]

Jon ITTT Destinations So you've finished your TEFL course and are trying to decide what to next. Do you want to chill out on a tropical beach sipping exotic cocktails as the sun lazily drops below the horizon after the week's teaching is done? Or are you looking to pay off the student loan while travelling the world and getting to know a whole new culture. Thailand Czech Republic Costa Rica South Korea Saudi Arabia Vietnam The United Arab Emirates Are you ready to start teaching English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This article looks at the differences between lifestyle and earning potential for popular TEFL destinations around the world. Tropical islands, beautiful beaches, jungle treks and delicious food; Thailand seems to have it all. You will find plenty of...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Intrinsic motivation is the type of motivation that comes from within a person. An intrinsically motivated student who is highly motivated will always, all things being equal, outperform the less motivated one. These are the students who simply enjoy what they are doing. They just like learning English. Create a learning environment Have an upbeat, positive attitude Increase verbal communication Praise consistently Group activities are key Encourage classroom conversation Create a fun class Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Scott C. It is the task of the English teacher to create an environment in the classroom which will maximize the opportunity to...  [Read more]

To level the playing field as an older EFL teacher, focus on leveraging your experience and strengths while adapting to the modern teaching environment. Here are some tips to help you succeed: Embrace technology: Familiarize yourself with the latest educational technology tools and resources to enhance your teaching methods and engage students effectively. Continuous professional development: Stay updated on current trends and methodologies in English language teaching through workshops, webinars, and online courses to improve your skills and stay competitive. Cultural sensitivity: Use your life experience and cultural awareness to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and create a supportive learning environment. Adaptability: Be open to trying new teaching strategies and...  [Read more]

To boost their TEFL job prospects, an individual teacher can: Skills and qualifications that can help a TEFL teacher stand out to employers include: Yes, there are specific strategies for networking and building connections in the TEFL industry to enhance job prospects. Networking and building connections in the TEFL industry can significantly boost your job prospects and open up new opportunities. Here are some strategies to help you effectively network in the TEFL industry:  [Read more]

Collaborating with local teachers as a TEFL teacher can be a rewarding experience that enriches both your teaching practice and theirs. Building relationships with local teachers is a crucial first step in establishing a successful collaboration. Attend school events, staff meetings, and professional development workshops to get to know your colleagues. Show interest in their teaching methods, cultural practices, and educational challenges. By demonstrating respect for their expertise and willingness to learn from them, you can lay the foundation for a productive partnership. One of the key benefits of collaborating with local teachers is the opportunity to share resources and ideas. As a TEFL teacher, you can bring in fresh perspectives, teaching techniques, and materials from your own...  [Read more]

The financial aspect of teaching English overseas is a significant consideration alongside the cultural and adventurous. Generally, English teachers abroad can comfortably cover daily living expenses. However, the potential to save money varies widely by region. Many positions do allow for savings, which can be directed towards financial goals such as paying off student loans or saving for future travels. The key to maximizing savings while teaching abroad lies in choosing locations with favorable salary-to-cost-of-living ratios and managing personal expenses wisely. How much can I save while teaching English in Europe? How much can I save while teaching English in Latin America? How much can I save while teaching English in Asia? How much can I save while teaching English in the Middle...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Learning English is very difficult, there are many various grammatical and spelling differences between the English spoken throughout the world. Most notably is British and American English grammar. There are also differences in the pronunciation and meanings of many words. While you would think learning English would be a simple task, it is not, after all how different can English be from English? There are a few additional factors - Canadian, Australian, South African, Indian English, etc. have their own differences, these are differences that must be taken into consideration while you study the English Language. Why Learners Have to Know Variasions Differences in Spelling Differences in Pronunciation Differences in Vocabulary Differences in...  [Read more]

The global demand for English language teachers presents vast opportunities. Here is a step-by-step guide to embarking on this journey: While a degree and prior teaching experience isn't always mandatory, comprehensive research and careful planning are crucial to navigating and thriving in the international teaching arena. Is it difficult to teach English in another country? How do I go about becoming an English teacher in another country? Enroll in a TEFL certification course and become a TEFL certified teacher Do I need to decide where to teach before taking a TEFL course? How do I find a teaching job after completing my TEFL course? Embarking on an international teaching journey can indeed have its hurdles, especially when adapting to new cultural contexts. However, a TEFL...  [Read more]

Learner-centered approaches in TEFL focus on the needs, interests, and goals of the students, placing them at the center of the learning process. This approach shifts the role of the teacher from being a lecturer to a facilitator of learning, where students are actively engaged in their own learning journey. By recognizing the unique backgrounds and learning styles of each student, teachers can create a more personalized and effective learning experience. Incorporating learner-centered approaches into TEFL lesson planning involves several key strategies. Firstly, teachers should get to know their students by conducting needs assessments and understanding their learning preferences. This information can then be used to tailor lessons to meet the specific needs of the learners. Additionally,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The CEO of a multi-million-dollar company I worked for once told me, "Change or change will change you." This motto has stuck with me since the day I heard him say it. It's part of the reason why I decided that I want to be a teacher. I know it's going to bring me out of my comfort zone and force me to do things that I otherwise would never do. A teacher can never stop learning; one has to constantly improve. Otherwise, what's the point? Some of the most important ways to ensure that one improves as a teacher are to self-analyze and reflect. It's fine to use these tactics at one's own pace and discretion, but they are of utmost importance. Revision and Goals Challenges Analysis Saving Good Ideas for Future Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas When I consider the most important aspect of the education system, the very first thing I think of is teachers. I would argue that teachers are the backbone of the education system. Anyone that attended school, regardless of country or region, was once educated by teachers. Even though all of us have that in common, it is impossible to think that everyone had the same experience regarding the teachers that influenced them. The obvious reason is that, just like every person is unique and different, all teachers are unique and distinct. It is sad to admit, but not every certified teacher is a good teacher. There are certain qualities that I believe are necessary to be a successful teacher. I will argue that patience, skill, and relatable personal...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas If you're anything like me the thought of teaching online can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. One of the first thoughts that I had when I thought of myself becoming an online teacher was, what do I need to have to ensure that my students are learning efficiently and effectively? At first, this question was difficult for me to answer because I knew to teach online was vastly different from having a classroom. This led me to do some research and become a little creative to determine what materials I could use to teach English online. Why Using Equipment? Instructional Activities Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Danielle C. Please note that this blog...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The word 'grammar' is often feared by students and teachers alike. It has an image of being difficult to comprehend and hard to teach. However, with planning and a positive approach to the lesson, it can be a fun and interesting way to improve English skills. Also, students can often feel a true sense of accomplishment by being able to use the vocabulary and sentences structures that they have learned. Similar patterns Choice of activities The language level Consistent revision Jokes work best Master your grammar teaching skill with a TEFL course! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Janet K. So where do we start? How to use verbs and the study of tenses is a perfect first step. By...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The realm of teaching is a rewarding one but can often come with challenges, particularly when teaching English as a second language to non-native English speakers. A difficulty that teachers can face especially when teaching younger students is bad behavior in the classroom, and whether strictly punishing students for bad behavior is appropriate or even truly effective. Teachers can address bad behavior in the classroom in positive ways, hopefully making truly meaningful changes in the classroom itself and students individually. Reasons for Misbehaving in Class Teacher's Actions Alternatives to Punishment Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Elizabeth B....  [Read more]

Technology has revolutionized the field of education, including Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Integrating technology into TEFL classes can greatly enhance learning outcomes by providing students with engaging and interactive opportunities to practice their language skills. In this FAQ, we will explore the benefits of incorporating technology in TEFL classes, practical ways to integrate technology into lessons, and how to overcome challenges in implementing technology effectively. There are numerous benefits to integrating technology into TEFL classes. Firstly, technology can make learning more interactive and engaging for students. Using multimedia resources such as videos, audio clips, and interactive games can help students stay motivated and interested in the learning...  [Read more]