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How to Become an ESL Teacher - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
In the world, there are many different professions that people dream of. If you ask someone to name some of them, they probably would say something like a doctor, teacher, singer, and so on. When I was a child, my dad wanted me to become a teacher. He thought that becoming a teacher was a great job. Not just him, but many other people also thought so. It has always been like that. Back then, I was too young to understand the reason. But now that I have become a teacher, I am starting to realize why my dad and everyone else liked it.
When Do You Become a Teacher?
Many Responsibilities
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Where are the best places to be an English teacher? ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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]
Lifestyle vs. Money – 6 of the Best Places to be an English Teacher - TEFL Blog
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
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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]
6 Tips to Be an Inspiration to Your Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Motivation in the classroom is necessary, and very important when learning. As it is always important to be improving your methods and strategies, as a teacher to be able to make the class interesting and be optimistically as possible. Even though making learning fun, enjoyable, is important, it should not be mistaken as to what the end achievement and goal is to be. By making it fun, enjoyable, simply takes the tedious choir out of it, and to be more inspiring to achieve the end result.
1. Help
2. Reward
3. Refer to real-life situation
4. Make fun
5. Organize trips
6. Be caring
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Daniel B.
As a teacher, it is... [Read more]
How to Be a Good Organizer and Manager in Your Classroom - TEFL Blog
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
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jatinder K. Please note that this blog post might... [Read more]
How Can Parents Help an ESL Teacher? - TEFL Blog
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
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Don’t Be Afraid of Teaching Slang and Idioms to ESL Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Today was awesome! He's a couch potato. I'm broke. She got ripped off. Chill out! You're so cool!
State of the Problem
Benefits of Teaching This Vocabulary
Below are some examples of ideas to include in ESA lesson planning when teaching slang to ELS Learners:
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Slang words and phrases help simplify language and make it more effective. Learning English slang and idioms allows students to engage in a more natural way of communicating. This will help students to improve their fluency and improve their conversation skills.
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Shaelagh M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.... [Read more]
Can I be an English teacher without an English degree? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
Important Qualities Needed to be a Successful English Teacher - TEFL Blog
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]
How to Stay Healthy As an English Teacher - TEFL Blog
Hadassah Roberts
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
One should know that a healthy classroom stems from a healthy teacher. When the teacher is healthy, then the whole class atmosphere will be much more alive. The students will see the healthiness of the teacher and will be inspired to protect and build their health. This, in turn, will cause increased happiness and progress in their studies.
Simple Breakdown of Things to Do That Increase Health
1. Nutrition
2. Exercise
3. Water
Getting enough Sunshine
Temperance
6. Air
Rest
Trust
Conclusion
Over to you
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Over the years in my teaching experiences, I have worked hard to increase my health for the benefit of not only myself but also for the benefit of my... [Read more]
How English Teaching Should be Adjusted to Online Learning? - TEFL Blog
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?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Alevtina B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent... [Read more]
Why Teachers Need to Be Careful with British English and American English - TEFL Blog
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]
How long should an online TEFL course be? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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:
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How can I improve my language skills to be a more effective TEFL teacher? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
How can Game-Based Learning be Helpful to EFL Students? - TEFL Blog
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
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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]
How do I become an ESL teacher? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
To become an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, you typically need to follow these steps: Earn a bachelor's degree: Most schools and employers require ESL teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree in education, English, or a related field. Obtain TEFL/TESOL certification: Completing a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification program is often necessary to teach English to non-native speakers. These programs provide essential training in language teaching methodologies, lesson planning, classroom management, and more. Gain teaching experience: Many ESL teaching positions require some teaching experience. You can gain experience through volunteer work, internships, or teaching English abroad. Consider... [Read more]
How can Teaching and Traveling be Blended? - TEFL Blog
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?
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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]
Different Types of Learning Skills to be Fostered by a Teacher - TEFL Blog
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:
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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]
How is an ESL teacher different from a foreign language teacher? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
An ESL teacher is different from a foreign language teacher in several key ways:
To become an ESL teacher, you typically need the following qualifications: Bachelor's Degree: Most schools and language institutes require ESL teachers to have a bachelor's degree in English, Education, Linguistics, or a related field. TEFL/TESOL Certification: While not always mandatory, having a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate is highly recommended. These certifications provide training in language teaching methodologies, classroom management, and lesson planning. Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the language you will be teaching is essential. Native or near-native fluency is often required, but some schools may accept... [Read more]
Tactics to Increase Teacher Confidence in an ESL Class - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
A teacher must be confident in the classroom so he or she can keep control over it and make sure that the students look up to him/her as an example for their English journey.
Knowing the subject
Preparing the class
Being on time
Being patient with yourself
Know the student's needs
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tatiana M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
As a teacher, you have to know and understand clearly anything you are trying to teach to your students. This, apart from showing respect to your students, make the teacher feel confident about what is coming out of his/her mouth and the... [Read more]
How to be Culturally Sensitive in The Classroom Without Excessive Censorship - TEFL Blog
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
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Who Is Easier to Be Taught: a Child or an Adult? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
I would like to divide groups of learners into 4 categories: children (from 5 to 12 years old), teenagers (from 12 to 18 years old), adults (from 18 to 60 years old) and seniors (from 60+). I had the chance to teach all of those groups in some points of my life. The conclusion of this experience made me see the major difference in the abilities and motivation among those 4 different groups.
Teaching children
Teaching teenagers
Teaching adults
Teaching seniors
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Lara M.
Children are a very nice audience when it comes to preparing fun exercises. They also don't require detailed knowledge, because they are just at the... [Read more]
What qualifications do I need to be a TEFL teacher? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
How to Become a Great Teacher With an ITTT TEFL Course - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
The TESOL/TEFL course from ITTT has taught me many things that will elevate my teaching. The best things that I learned from this course can be summarized in three statements. First, it is very important to be flexible in all aspects of your teaching. Second, it is crucial to be confident and adapt your teaching as each class progresses. Third, it is vital to develop a rapport and relationship with your students. While there are many different areas of my teaching that were improved by this course, I believe that these three things are the best and most important.
Flexibility
Confidence
Rapport
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Stephanie B. Please note... [Read more]
How to Engage Young ESL Learners in an Online Classroom - TEFL Blog
Anna Domiczek
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Shifting from a traditional classroom to a virtual setting can be daunting for teachers who do not have experience teaching online. This is especially the case if one has to keep young students engaged and motivated. What are the tricks to instill excitement and interest in preschoolers who do not have the intrinsic motivation to perform to achieve good grades? Their parents' primary desire is for them to speak like the native and one day go off to an internationally renowned US university or work for a foreign company. Young students are motivated by something else- a desire to have fun in a welcoming environment.
English learners are getting younger and younger
Keeping young students engaged in an online class
Prepare ahead of time... [Read more]
How Games Help Students to Learn in an ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Games play an essential role in students' language acquisition regardless of other numerous sources they can be exposed to. Other sources include pictures, stories, poems, flashcards, videos and so on and so forth. Flashcards, for example, serve the purpose of a visual stimulus and aim to help visual learners in particular. The visual learning style often refers to a way of learning in which a person acquires language when information is associated with images. What about other learning styles? This essay aims to emphasize the importance of games in the classroom context and how beneficial they are for language acquisition.
The Importance of Games
Example Game: Pictionary
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How to Effectively Use a Textbook During an ESL Course - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
It is said that textbooks are either embraced or feared by a teacher. Attitudes aside, a textbook is often used as core material for the classroom in carrying out the syllabus. After the selection or assignment of a textbook, the teacher's next task is to figure out how to effectively use it. The common ways of adapting a textbook to suit a specific class include omission, replacement, adaptation and supplementation, with the latter two being the most effective.
Omission
Replacement
Adaption
Supplementation
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Katrina T.
The first way a teacher can adapt the textbook is through omission, that is, either... [Read more]
Career path to becoming an ESL teacher - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Embarking on a career as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher can be a fulfilling and rewarding journey. Whether you are considering a career change or looking to explore new opportunities in education, becoming an ESL teacher opens doors to a world of possibilities. At ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training), we offer comprehensive training programs designed to equip aspiring ESL teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this dynamic field.
Understanding the role of an ESL teacher is crucial to pursuing this career path. ESL teachers work with students of all ages and backgrounds who are learning English as a second language. These teachers play a vital role in helping students develop their language skills, improve their communication abilities, and build... [Read more]
5 Ways to Increase Teachers’ Confidence in Class: Useful Strategies You Need to Be Self-Assured - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
This topic excites me the most as I am seeing myself becoming a teacher in the coming future, so why not explore it. As a teacher being confident can improve the overall effectiveness of the class because it's very easy and quick to judge the teacher's confidence by the student. Lack of confidence can lead to issues with classroom management.
1. Be prepared with a Plan
2. Relax and slow down
3. Do not try to be a perfectionist
4. Don't fear criticism focuses on your strength
5. Act Confident
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Whether it is someone's first teaching job or someone who is well experienced, everyone feels a bit nervous sometime or the other because of various reasons especially when you meet new... [Read more]
The Roles and Responsibilities of an ESL Teacher - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Teaching is a very crucial ingredient in education for without the term "Teaching" education would likely not have come to limelight. Teaching is, therefore, the act of transferring or imparting knowledge from a teacher to a learner, with carefully planned out modes of instruction to change a certain pattern or routine. Non-native speakers of other countries such as Russia, China, Iraq Etc may find it a little difficult to understand or learn the English language on their own. It is therefore through a TEFL teacher that their desires are fulfilled. In a nutshell, therefore, a teacher can be seen as one who educates or informs another person with the motive of changing something or giving the learner something new and positive.
Demand in the Education... [Read more]
