How To Be A Better Teacher

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences I've taken four years of college Russian. Throughout my time at my university, I learned a few things about both learning and teaching a language that have helped me become a better ESL teacher. Creating a Comfortable Classroom Environment The teacher doesn't know everything. Using a Variety of Teaching Aids and Materials Always Be Respectful and Use the Right Language Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: This post was written by our ITTT graduate Leif O. One crucial aspect of learning a language is making sure that everyone in the class is comfortable. While this is true with young learners, this is especially true for adults. Adults don't want to make mistakes. Business professionals have devoted their...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences The following blog post is about an ITTT graduate who shares his story on how learning Chinese helped him to become a better English teacher in China. What do you call someone who speaks only one language? "My insights into their language and culture were incredibly helpful." "Many Chinese are anxious about speaking English with natives - more so than is to be considered normative." "The best ESL teachers are the ones with experience with the native language of their students." Listen to this blog post Now it's your turn to get TEFL certified! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Joseph S. A common saying imparted to me by one of my professors goes like this: "What do you call someone who speaks three languages?...  [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]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas It is important to establish rapport with students within a classroom for a variety of reasons, it builds trust between students and teacher, insights confidence in students and allows for a fun learning environment. All aspects of teaching require a teacher to have some sort of rapport with students. Students will retain more information and do better in classes when the teacher is engaged and shows love for their job as well as an interest in their students. Most students will not learn well from a teacher who comes to class, does not greet the students let alone knows their names and just reads through the lesson without showing any interest whatsoever. It is far more beneficial for a teacher to have a good rapport with his/her students as it will make...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Teaching is an essential part of education. Its special function is to impart knowledge, develop understanding and skills. The teacher plays a vital role in imparting knowledge to the learners What is Teaching Skill? Teaching Skills all Educators Should Foster Patience Creativity Communication and Collaboration Likable Personality Self-Discipline Possessing these skills is important because: Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kimbu H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Teaching skills are defined as a group of teaching acts or behaviors intended to facilitate students learning directly or...  [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 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]

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]

Anastasiia Ovchinnikova TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Back in the days when I was living in China with my British boyfriend, who was born and raised in Oxford, we would always make our friends smile talking about our careers. We always felt it was a bit ironic that out of the two of us, it was me who ended up as an English language teacher. I started to wonder whether he would have been a better English teacher than me, had he decided to work at one of the international schools in China. Listen to this blog post: 1. NNET Personal Experience Is Better Than Any Certificate 2. Someone Who Knows How To Speak a Language Doesn't Necessarily Know How To Teach It 3. NNETs Understand Cultural Peculiarities Are you ready to start your own teaching adventure? Related Articles: Check out what...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences When one begins to study a new language, they can often find themselves to be a bit overwhelmed. Language acquisition is not an easy task, and it comes with many challenges and difficulties attached. Although, as ESL teachers, we are trained to look out for common errors and given the best teaching ideas and methodologies to use in the classroom, it can sometimes feel as though something is missing. Teachers who have studied a foreign language and have had experience using the language possess that missing piece, and their foreign language experience makes them better teachers. "Teachers were once in their students' shoes." "Having foreign language experience helps teachers." Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Listen...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching English online has long become a worldwide trend, and that holds no surprise as it is easy, cheap, global, and requires no more than a computer and a stable internet connection. However, it also holds a lot of potential problems, such as adapting the learning materials for the online classroom or keeping students engaged and building rapport. In this essay, I am going to look at these problems in detail and suggest tools to solve them. Adapting materials and activities How to solve the problem? Challenging issues How to solve the problem? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Alevtina B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent...  [Read more]

To be a successful TEFL teacher, there are several key skills that are essential for effective teaching. Firstly, strong language skills are crucial. You need to have a deep understanding of the English language, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. This will enable you to explain concepts clearly and help students grasp the language more effectively. Additionally, patience and empathy are important qualities to possess. Teaching English as a foreign language can be challenging for students, so having patience and understanding can make a significant difference in helping them overcome obstacles and stay motivated. Another vital skill for TEFL teachers is effective classroom management. This includes the ability to create a positive and inclusive learning environment, manage...  [Read more]

To be a successful TEFL teacher, several key skills are essential. Firstly, strong communication skills are paramount. TEFL teachers must be able to effectively convey information to students, explain complex concepts in a simple manner, and encourage students to participate in class discussions. Additionally, cultural awareness and sensitivity are crucial. Understanding and respecting different cultures help create a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students. Patience is another vital skill for TEFL teachers, as language learning can be a challenging and slow process for some students. Being patient and supportive can make a significant difference in students' progress and motivation. Effective classroom management is a fundamental skill for TEFL teachers. Creating a...  [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]

To become an entry-level TEFL educator, typically, a minimum of a bachelor's degree is required. This degree does not necessarily have to be in English or education, but having a background in these fields can be beneficial. Additionally, completing a TEFL certification course, which can range from 120 to 150 hours, is often necessary. This course provides educators with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to teach English as a foreign language effectively. While prior teaching experience is not always mandatory at this level, having some experience working with diverse groups of people can be advantageous. For TEFL educators looking to advance in their careers, gaining some experience in the field is crucial. At the intermediate level, educators are expected to have at least 1-3...  [Read more]

Minh Huy Hoang Visa and Legal Destinations TEFL Information Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) in Vietnam can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to be well-prepared and understand the local context. Here are three tips to help you become a TESOL teacher in Vietnam: 1. Earn a TESOL/TEFL Certification 2. Understand Vietnamese Culture and Language 3. Network and Research Job Opportunities Ready to teach English in Vietnam? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Many language schools and employers in Vietnam prefer or require teachers to have a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. These certifications provide you with the necessary skills...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Self-confidence is not an easy trait to gain, especially when we talk about teachers. Self-confidence is obvious and easy to observe from all people, whether students or other teachers. When the teacher has a lack or weakness in self-confidence, their students or their coworkers will see that during the explanation, when she/he talks in front of the students and answering some questions in the class. Creative Teacher = Confident Teacher Prepared Teacher = Confident Teacher Self-DevelopingTeacher = Confident Teacher Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Walaa S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT....  [Read more]

  Ready to break free from the traditional classroom and earn more as a TEFL teacher? Join our upcoming live session and learn how to become a successful freelance TEFL teacher! Gain flexibility, diverse teaching opportunities, and higher earning potential. Tune in and take the first step towards your dream teaching career! #FreelanceTEFL #TeachEnglishOnline #WorkFromAnywhere #TEFLCareer Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Click here and get started today: https://bit.ly/37gs5vO What is TEFL Certification? Where is it valid: https://bit.ly/36ma2Fg Check out our wide range of TEFL Courses: https://bit.ly/3ltqt73 Teach English online from anywhere you want: https://bit.ly/3ltqEPL Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [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]

TEFL certification is a vital step in becoming a proficient English teacher, especially for non-native speakers. It equips educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. The certification covers various aspects of language teaching, including lesson planning, classroom management, and language assessment. By enrolling in a TEFL course, teachers gain a solid foundation in teaching methodologies and linguistics, enabling them to deliver high-quality instruction to their students. TEFL certification offers a plethora of benefits that can significantly enhance an English teacher's career. Firstly, it increases employability by making teachers more attractive to language schools and educational institutions worldwide. Many employers prefer...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas As an EFL teacher, one is expected to create a proper and culturally sensitive atmosphere in the classroom at all times. Unfortunately, this does not happen in every instance because many different errors can occur. To prevent possibly contract terminable offenses, a special mindset and system of preparation must be instituted. When approached correctly, discussing difficult or even controversial ideas in a foreign country can be both culturally sensitive while also not needing excessive censorship. History Awareness The Notion of "Colony" Enforcement Cultural Peculiarities Controversial Topics Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate James S. Please note that...  [Read more]

hi Linda here from ITT back this week with another live session and and today we're going to talk about how to become a freelance tefl teacher all right I think this is a topic that a lot of people are going to find very interesting um a lot of people are probably going to want to kind of follow in the in the footsteps of this newer kind well is it a new career but I mean we've definitely seen some changes in the teaching industry in the teaching Market um also thanks to the Boom in online teaching and freelance teaching freelance English teaching has definitely become uh increasingly popular for many different reasons many of these reasons we're gonna go into we're gonna go into um what it actually means to be a tefl freelance teacher um the benefits of it um also kind of the challenges...  [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]

Yes, you do not need to be a native English speaker to get a job in TEFL, but it can vary depending on the country and institution. Many non-native English speakers successfully work as English language teachers around the world. Here are some key points to consider: Qualifications: Having a recognized TEFL/TESOL certification is crucial for both native and non-native English speakers to secure teaching positions. Employers often prioritize qualifications and teaching experience over native speaker status. Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers should demonstrate a high level of English proficiency, typically equivalent to a C2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This includes having a strong command of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation,...  [Read more]

Regan McAllister TEFL Information Alumni Experiences As the influence of English grows and the language continues to develop as a lingua franca, the demand for English teachers worldwide is increasing. Equipped with a TESOL certificate, teaching English abroad is becoming easier and more accessible. Your English teaching endeavors may take place within your home country or may take you around the world to a completely unfamiliar region and culture. The Beauty of Immersion The Challenges Becoming a Better English Teacher Conclusion Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Living and immersing yourself in a new country can be beautifully exhilarating and full of self-discovery. It can also come...  [Read more]

Before we answer this question we will first look at the three most common routes towards TEFL qualifications. A TEFL qualification is usually a prerequisite when looking for TEFL employment of any kind. These are: 1) Online courses: a 120-hour TEFL certificate course is the entry level qualification for most jobs. This type of course is conducted 100% online. 2) In-class courses: this type of course is conducted 100% in-class at a location somewhere in the world. Typically these courses also involve teaching practice. 3) Combined courses: this type of course is conducted by a combination of online study followed by a short in-class attendance to complete teaching practice. Three most common working options What other roles can TEFL teachers move into? School manager/director of studies...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences My skin, infused with a generous amount of sunlight, illuminated the atmosphere all about me. My body gleamed in its home-made oil, as my heart throbbed through the entire flight. I clung to the acid-washed denim jacket that I wore as I departed Boeing 737; being born and raised on an island it was my first time experiencing weather that was below 62 degrees Fahrenheit – I was freezing. My First Journey Cultural Shock What Inspires Me Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rochelle R. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. It is safe to say that I was nowhere near prepared for the weather or...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences As a non-native English speaker, I was very scared of teaching English or even thinking about teaching English at the beginning of my teaching career. But some months later I realized that I have a huge advantage compared to the native speakers: I still remember the difficulties of learning English and I know what might cause problems to my students. Advantages of Non-native Teachers How I Design My Lessons Are you ready to teach English all over the world? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Gabriella S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. So I can always emphasize and slow down when it is needed without being impatient....  [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]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Hello everybody, it's Liza here. We are just about to start today's live session that is devoted to ideas on how to improve English skills. While I'm waiting for more people to join me let me just tell you about these live sessions. So we are doing them weekly and right now there are a lot of videos to check out on our YouTube channel and our Facebook group. If you missed any of these live streams you can go to our social networks and see any of them there. Watch the live session here Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Welcome to the new session and if you haven't heard already my name is Liza and I'm a non-native English...  [Read more]