How To Be The Best Teacher

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]

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]

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]

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 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]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This is a fun worksheet for practicing the verb to be. Print it out and work on it with your students or hand it out for homework.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [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]

In the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), the question of whether teachers need to be fluent in the local language of the country they are teaching in is a common one. While it is not a strict requirement for TEFL teachers to be fluent in the local language, having a basic understanding or proficiency in the local language can be highly beneficial. This knowledge can help teachers connect with students on a deeper level, understand their cultural nuances, and navigate everyday situations more effectively. TEFL teachers who do not have proficiency in the local language may face several challenges in the classroom. One significant issue is the difficulty in explaining complex grammar rules or vocabulary concepts to students who have limited English proficiency. Without...  [Read more]

In the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), having proficiency in the local language of the country where you are teaching is not a strict requirement, but it can be highly beneficial. While many TEFL teachers rely solely on English to communicate with their students, understanding the local language can significantly enhance the teaching experience. It allows teachers to connect more deeply with students, navigate daily life outside the classroom, and gain a better understanding of the local culture. Being fluent in the local language as a TEFL teacher opens up a world of opportunities and benefits. It can help build rapport and trust with students, as they see the effort put into learning their language. This, in turn, can create a more positive and inclusive learning...  [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 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]

Prior teaching experience can be beneficial for TEFL teachers, but it is not always a requirement. While having prior teaching experience can give you a head start in the field, it is not a definitive factor for success. Many successful TEFL teachers come from various backgrounds and industries, bringing diverse skills and perspectives to their teaching practice. However, having some teaching experience can help you feel more confident in managing a classroom, understanding different learning styles, and creating engaging lesson plans. Having prior teaching experience can provide several advantages for TEFL teachers. It can help you develop effective classroom management skills, understand pedagogical theories, and adapt teaching methods to suit different learners. Additionally, prior...  [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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: 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]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences As far as I can remember, I always wanted to become a teacher in a foreign country. The most thrilling part about it was to convey knowledge to others and extend my own cultural awareness. "Teachers abroad need to be mindful of cultural differences in the classroom." "You cannot create a culturally responsive classroom if you don't take the time to get to know your students." Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post When I heard about TEFL online courses after graduating from university, I immediately thought it would be the best option for me in order to achieve my greatest dream. After the completion of this course, I will move to Tokyo with the strong will to teach English to all different types of students,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas As with all living languages, English is constantly evolving, slangs and idioms is an example of that. Slang and idioms are an integral part of written and spoken English; often it is employed by native speakers and has a deeper meaning than the literal phrase. Some might argue that slang and idioms are not 'proper' English and should not be part of the syllabus but people around the world are increasingly getting exposed to Western media. Students might encounter slangs and idioms when consuming authentic materials such as English films and books, where the characters would interact using normal lay speech. Perhaps the students are interested in all these words and phrases that are nonsensical when taken literally and would like to learn about it. The...  [Read more]

Sarah Jennings Teaching Ideas Learning English as a foreign language is already a challenging task, and British slang words and phrases can make it even trickier. Sarah Jennings Teaching Ideas Embarking on a career in international teaching is an exciting opportunity to expand your horizons, experience new cultures, and enhance your professional skills. Sarah Jennings Teaching Ideas As we approach the end of another academic year, it's an ideal time to celebrate achievements, build connections, and reflect on the shared journey. Estefany Garduño Teaching Ideas Listening is a fundamental skill in mastering any language, and English is no exception.Enhancing your listening skills can significantly improve your overall communication abilities... Sarah Jennings Teaching...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas A highly motivated student is one who is goal-oriented, driven by passion and focused. He/she does things from the bottom of the heart. Motivation can be viewed as an internal impulse that brings us to complete an action. Without motivation, there is no action. Motivation is what moves or inspires the learner to achieve set objectives. It's the motor that drives the student to achieve pedagogical objectives. Hence it's an essential tool to equip students with, so that whatever they do it effectively and with perfection. Behavior and Motivation Efforts and Motivation Get to Know Your Students Get Your Students Involved Vary Your Activities Choose The Best Strategy Find Perfect Materials Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related...  [Read more]

Feedback is a crucial aspect of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) as it helps students understand their progress, identify areas for improvement, and stay motivated. Providing constructive feedback allows students to track their language learning journey and enhances their overall language proficiency. Without feedback, students may struggle to identify their strengths and weaknesses, hindering their language development. As a TEFL teacher, it is essential to offer regular and meaningful feedback to support your students' learning and growth. There are several effective strategies for providing feedback to students in a TEFL setting. One approach is to offer specific and actionable feedback that focuses on the language skills being developed. For example, instead of saying...  [Read more]

Adapting to teaching English online as a TEFL teacher requires setting up your virtual classroom effectively. Start by choosing a user-friendly platform that allows for interactive lessons, such as Zoom or Google Meet. Organize your virtual space with relevant teaching materials, including digital whiteboards, presentations, and interactive activities. Ensure a stable internet connection and use a headset with a microphone for clear communication. Create a welcoming and organized virtual environment to enhance the learning experience for your students. Engagement is key in online TEFL teaching. Implement interactive activities such as virtual flashcards, quizzes, and group discussions to keep your students actively participating in the lesson. Use a variety of multimedia resources like...  [Read more]

Teacher burnout and stress are common challenges faced by TEFL educators due to the demanding nature of the job. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can lead to feelings of frustration, cynicism, and a sense of inefficacy in your teaching role. Stress, on the other hand, is the body's natural response to pressure or threats, which can be heightened in a foreign language teaching environment. It's essential to recognize the signs of burnout and stress early on to prevent them from affecting your teaching effectiveness and overall well-being. 1. Establish Boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life to avoid overworking yourself. Allocate specific times for work and relaxation, and try not to bring...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Traditionally, education in the classroom has largely employed a teacher-centred approach. Focus is on the teacher who talks, rather than on the students, who exclusively listen and are discouraged from collaboration. Student-Centered Approach The ESA Method Peer Feedback Corrections Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Christie T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In recent years, however, more emphasis has been given to student-centred education: instructors share classroom talk time with learners, allowing them to communicate with their teacher and each other. By minimizing teacher domination...  [Read more]

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 Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! ...  [Read more]

While significant strides have been made in LGBTQ+ rights in many countries, teachers from this community planning to teach abroad may still face some challenges. Certain popular teaching destinations might not openly discuss sexual orientation and gender identity, and in some places, homosexuality is still criminalized. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the conditions in your preferred countries to ensure your overseas teaching journey is safe and fulfilling. Here, we highlight a few countries that stand out as welcoming places for LGBTQ+ English teachers. Spain Germany Uruguay Argentina Thailand Taiwan Known for its liberal outlook and commitment to equal rights, Spain is a favored destination for teaching English abroad. Legalizing same-sex marriage in the early...  [Read more]