How Do You Be A Teacher

Although qualified teachers possess core teaching competencies, a TEFL certification is highly recommended for those venturing into teaching English to non-native speakers. The TEFL course is tailored to address the distinct challenges of this teaching context. Not only does it enhance classroom adaptability and offer exposure to diverse teaching scenarios, but it also boosts employability. For educators looking to traverse the globe, immerse in varied cultures, and stand out in competitive TEFL job markets, securing a TEFL certification can be a game-changer. Is a TEFL certificate required for qualified teachers? What are the advantages of obtaining a TEFL certificate? Will having a TEFL certificate propel my CV/resume to the top of the list? A TEFL certificate is required in many cases,...  [Read more]

No, you do not have to be a native English speaker to teach EFL. Many non-native English speakers have successfully pursued careers in teaching English as a foreign language. Here are some key points to consider: To teach EFL (English as a Foreign Language), you typically need the following qualifications: Non-native English speakers can bring unique advantages to the EFL classroom: Non-native English speakers may face several challenges when teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL), including:  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What defines teachers' success? There is no one thing teachers can do to be successful. Success is not defined by just one aspect. Students, the learning experience, classroom environment, the relationship between teachers and their students, assessments, and outcomes can all define the success of teachers and their teaching career. If the students have learned and can apply the lessons they have learned in class to their career, it means teachers have been effective and efficient in teaching what they wanted their students to learn. Qualification Approach to Own Behavior Classroom Environment Getting Experienced Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rabica Q....  [Read more]

Typically, TEFL teachers should possess an accredited TEFL certificate with at least 120 hours of training. Proficiency in English, either as a native or fluent speaker, is also vital. While a bachelor's degree can enhance job prospects, many institutions prioritize the TEFL certification. Above all, a zest for adventure and a passion for teaching are invaluable assets in this field. Do I need to be fluent in English to get a job in TEFL? Do I need to be a native English speaker to get a job in TEFL? Do I need a TEFL qualification to teach English? Can I get a TEFL job if I have completed a TEFL taster course? What is a 120-hour TEFL certificate course? Should I take additional TEFL courses to enhance my job opportunities? Fluency in English is fundamental for those aspiring to become...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The role of the teacher, without a doubt, is the most important factor when you begin your teaching profession. For it is here--where you start and then continue to educate students your entire life. Everything a teacher does is what leads to the success and failure of the students. Listen to this blog post: Creating a Right Atmpsphere Setting up Learning Goals Providing With Appropriate Activites Extra Responsibilities Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: For a teacher to achieve success, they must want it internally. Some teachers enter the field because they want summers off. I know it sounds absurd but it's true. The teacher must be dedicated to their profession and show that every day when they walk into the...  [Read more]

The straightforward answer is NO. Aspiring TEFL instructors often wonder about this, but the primary requirement is a profound mastery of English. While knowing the native language of your destination country can offer advantages in daily life and understanding cultural nuances, it is not a prerequisite for most employers. Your expertise in English will foster an immersive learning environment, encouraging students to actively engage with the language. What will I need to teach English as a foreign language? How will I teach English if I don't speak the local language? What are the benefits of learning the local language? How to learn another language while teaching English abroad The prerequisites often differ based on the region and specific employer. Universally, a profound grasp of...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Classroom management plays a vital role in developing an educational environment that further invites and encourages good behavior and learning. It is a skill that teachers must-have for not only organizing and managing the class but also to have a friendly, relaxed manner and the most important to maintain discipline. In my point of view, there are some key elements that teachers must consider to avoid disruptive behavior in the class and to engage students in meaningful learning. Lesson Preparation Body Language Grouping Classroom Setting Working With Challenging Behavior Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jatinder K. Please note that this blog post might...  [Read more]

Whether you want to teach as a volunteer in the depths of the jungle on the Thai-Myanmar border or as a business English instructor to corporate high-flyers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, you will need at the least a recognised TEFL/TESOL certificate. Although it is still possible to find jobs where simply being a native speaker of English is enough to secure the position these opportunities are becoming few and far between and earning a 120-hour certificate with a reputable organisation should be your priority before starting out. A bachelor's degree is not a necessity for the majority of countries around the world and there are plenty of opportunities out there without such a qualification. Teaching experience is also not a necessity for the majority of teaching positions but the higher...  [Read more]

To get a job teaching English online, you typically need to follow these steps: To teach English online, you typically need the following qualifications: You can find opportunities to teach English online on various platforms and websites that specialize in online English language teaching. Here are some common places where you can find online English teaching opportunities:  [Read more]

Ariella Libre TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas One of my minors during my undergraduate studies was psychology. I started taking psychology classes in high school. My upbringing was extremely dysfunctional and it made me curious about people. As a psychology student, I was introduced to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a psychological theory by Abraham Maslow. Understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: A Guide to Reaching Your Full Potential Unveiling Maslow's Pyramid: The Path to Self-Actualization Basic Needs First: The Foundation for Personal Growth and Success The Motivation Component: Unlocking Success Through Fulfilling Needs The Importance of Fulfilling Basic Needs in ESL Teaching Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Financial Constraints to Fulfillment The Impact...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information Alumni Experiences This is a question I've asked myself. I'm looking at it from the point of view of an established foreign language teacher. How well do you know English? Get professional guidance You'll be more successful with getting your students ready to speak in English. Being a native speaker is not enough Your credentials say a lot about you. Are you ready to take a TEFL course? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post For years, I've been thinking about learning to teach English as a foreign language. I've wanted to teach more than just French, so I could find more work, and because TEFL appealed to me. As a French teacher—which is a foreign language, of course—my thought was that I already knew how to teach a foreign language....  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Teaching Ideas When you decide to take a TEFL certification course with the intention of teaching English abroad, in your home country, or online, it is difficult to know who you will actually end up teaching. Once you have finished your training you could end up teaching primary aged children, teenagers, or adults. They could be from any country worldwide and they could be at any level of English language from beginner to advanced level. In many ways it is a bit of a lottery, so you should ensure you are ready to deal with all types of environments. After a while most teachers develop a preference for the type of student they prefer to teach, however, the beginner EFL student is often the most feared. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Why is a...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Although all parts of a lesson are equally important, the "engage phase" may be the most important. The "engage phase" is the departing point of the lesson, and where you will focus the attention of the students away from the other occurrences of the day, and make them focus on learning the English language. Choosing the activity in which to grab the students' attention can be a challenge, as it must grab the students' attention within one or two minutes. The best types of activities are those in which students are fully engaged in a cognitive, critical thinking process. Through various studies, music has shown to be an activity which utilizes many parts of the brain at once and therefore is a great activity to "jump-start" the brain, and get students to...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Through my personal teaching experiences, I have found teaching kids to be both a fulfilling and rewarding endeavor. I have now realized that teaching is something I want to pursue as a profession. Being able to personally connect with the youth of all ages and to have them gain new knowledge has had a positive impact on me. I know that through my teaching engagements I have had a positive impact on my students as well. This is why I believe my personal teaching experiences will help me be successful with TEFL. Important Skills Team building and Leadership Influence on My Teaching Are you ready to take a TEFL course? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Trevor L. Please note that this...  [Read more]

Throughout our schooling, we have likely encountered several teachers who, despite their profession, seemed mismatched for the role. Some might have resorted to strict penalties for minor mistakes, others may have been tediously boring or simply failed to heed their students' feedback. Nonetheless, we usually also recall those teachers who positively impacted our learning journey. So, what makes these educators stand out? We believe that a combination of certain traits and skills contribute to a teacher being remembered for the right reasons. By incorporating these characteristics, you are likely to be remembered as an exceptional English teacher by your future students. Communication Passion Patience Organization Adaptability Confidence Of all the qualities listed, communication arguably...  [Read more]

To motivate TEFL students, understanding their age group and unique challenges is crucial. Young learners often respond with enthusiasm to fun activities, while adults are typically self-motivated, attending classes with clear objectives. However, teenagers present a distinct challenge. Due to heightened self-awareness, they might hesitate to participate out of fear of mistakes or peer judgment. To enhance motivation in teens, implement strategies that boost their confidence, incorporate relatable content, and create a supportive classroom environment that encourages participation and reduces fear of errors. Use plenty of pop culture Use a little competition Play to their strengths Use pen pals to encourage writing skills Only use age appropriate reading material Use popular songs for...  [Read more]

hey guys i'm super glad to welcome you at a new ITTT live stream um i'm going to wait for a moment um until some people um join me but uh today's topic is devoted to a really um challenging issue um for those teachers who are unaware about their abilities to uh find a job uh and i'm going to dwell upon the problem of um getting employed as a non-native speaker so basically this is a tough issue for all new teachers and for some current teachers i'm going to share my own experience but at the same time i would love to give you a piece of advice on how to build on your um successful teaching career and i should say that um actually today's live stream isn't for those people who expect that everything comes super easy and that someone will do everything for them so basically uh this live...  [Read more]

Yes, having a TEFL certificate can be beneficial for private English tutors. While it is not always a strict requirement, having a TEFL certificate can enhance your skills and credibility as a tutor. Here are some reasons why having a TEFL certificate can be advantageous for private English tutors: Having a TEFL certificate as a private English tutor can provide several benefits: A TEFL certificate can enhance your credibility as a private English tutor by providing you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. Here's how: Yes, it is common for private English tutors to have a TEFL certificate. Private English tutors often choose to obtain a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate for several reasons:  [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]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This board game practices the frequency adverbs. It's a fun game to play with a small class as well as a bigger class in groups, for example.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [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]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences I learned English when I was 20 after my family and I decided to immigrate to Canada from Brazil. I hadn't had much exposure to the English language prior to the move. 25 years have gone by, and now I have the opportunity to teach English back in my home country of Brazil! Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Take our 4-week in-class course in Natal, Brazil, and start your own TEFL adventure! This post was written by our ITTT graduate George K. After coming back to my small hometown in the Brazilian countryside a couple of years ago, I met one of my childhood friends, Rodrigo. He had just opened a small English school in town and after a quick chat, I told him that I have decided to come back to live in...  [Read more]

Becoming a TEFL teacher in the UK demands a combination of qualifications and experience. Firstly, you will require a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certification. Given the UK's stringent teaching standards, prior teaching experience is often essential to make your application competitive. For non-UK citizens, it is crucial to be aware of visa and work permit requirements before embarking on this career path in the UK. What are the difficulties of teaching English in the UK? How can I get a work permit to teach English in the UK? Can I get a working holiday visa and teach English in the UK? Can I earn a comfortable living teaching English in the UK? What should I do if I can't find a job teaching English in the UK? Teaching English in the UK presents unique challenges despite the evident...  [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 Alumni Experiences The role of a teacher is to help students acquire knowledge so that eventually, they can be competent in understanding and communicating in English. A good teacher is a successful teacher. The success or failure of a teacher lies not only on his/her teaching styles, but more importantly, the learning of the students. To a certain extent, the personality of the teacher may affect the learning of his/her students, but what is more indispensable is the relationship between the teacher and the students. A non-threatening relationship with the students can help to build the students' interests in learning, and create an atmosphere that is conducive and light-hearted for learning. A good teacher is also a responsible teacher who takes time in planning and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas All children must go to school. It's the law. All children are entrusted to teachers. It's like that. Some of these students love school, some do not. Some children will learn more easily than others and many children will like school and will learn more easily if they like their teacher. Listen to this blog post: The torch of knowledge As a role model: Managing the classroom: The parents Not perfect, teachers? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nwanekezie A. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. From the beginning, a parent who respects the teachers of his child gives him a head start in his...  [Read more]

Before delving into the specifics of conducting one-to-one lessons, we need to be mindful of certain preliminary steps essential for effective lesson planning. Initially, you must assess your student's English proficiency level. This is usually achieved through a level test. The level test typically begins with a verbal conversation to gauge the general competency level of the student. English proficiency is often categorized on a five-point scale: A basic level test could involve asking progressively complex questions to pinpoint the level at which the student begins to struggle. Once the level test is completed, the next step is a needs analysis. This process aims to ascertain why the student is learning English, as needs will vary among learners. Younger students might seek to enhance...  [Read more]

Addressing disruptive behavior in an TEFL classroom can be challenging, but it is important to know how to manage it to ensure smooth classroom operations. While teaching adult learners might result in fewer concerns aside from minor punctuality issues, young learner classrooms usually come with a greater potential for disruption. To prevent small issues from becoming significant problems, teachers need to acquire skills and experiences to confidently manage classroom behavior. Different types of bad behavior Dealing with bad behavior Rewarding good behavior Managing behavior Different teachers might have varying perceptions of what constitutes disruptive behavior. However, there are universal issues that cause noticeable disruption in the classroom and should be addressed for optimal...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences When teaching in the classroom, it is very important to branch away from the traditional method of teaching, known as the "chalk and talk" method. This typically involves the teacher dictating the lesson, with students sat listening and writing down the words of the teacher. Not every student is programmed to be able to sit, listen intently to every word you say, write down everything important and absorb the information sufficiently to be able to go on and use the language in a productive way. Differentiate classroom activities Help to memorize language points in an unusual way Give more freedom even when you are teaching grammar Mind your students' language level Do you want to learn new teaching skills right now? Take your TEFL course! Related...  [Read more]

No, while having a degree can provide more opportunities, it is not an absolute requirement. Many language schools are open to hiring individuals solely based on their passion and capability to teach. With a proper TEFL certification, even those without a formal degree can successfully teach English abroad and fulfill their aspirations in the field. Why do certain TEFL positions require a degree? How can I find a TEFL job without a degree? Where can I teach English without a degree? Europe Asia South and Central America North Africa and the Middle East While possessing inherent teaching qualities such as passion, commitment, and rapport with students are invaluable, certain TEFL positions do require a degree. This necessity is often not based on the presumption that a degree ensures...  [Read more]