What Does A Esl Teacher Do

What is an ESL teacher? Globalization and the increasing demand for English speaking professionals all over the world, especially in emerging regions, has brought about a new, steadily growing sector: English as a Second Language (ESL). An ESL teacher is, therefore, an educator who works with English Language Learners (ELLs) whose native language is not English. The goal of the ESL teacher is to help the students reach a certain level of fluency in English, on both a spoken and written level. How is an ESL teacher different for a foreign language teacher? ESL educators are not to be confused with foreign language teachers. ESL teachers do not share the same native language and are specifically trained to offer explanations and directed teaching methods to non-English speakers. This...  [Read more]

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Alumni Experience: Passionate Teaching in China My personal experience being an ESL teacher in China. Does the content of TEFL, YouTube, LinkedIn and Blog's have more prowess over a newly graduated university student with passion? Let us not forget, most training institutes are businesses first and education institutions second with advertising portraying the latter as their priority. Table of Contents Benefits of teaching Teaching with passion and a willingness to self-learn Teachers' Responsibilities Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Troy D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of...  [Read more]

What does TEFL and TESOL stand for? These acronyms are used when referring to training courses that English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon completion. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As these terms are essentially the same, they are often used interchangeably, however, TEFL is most commonly used within the UK and TESOL is usually preferred in the USA. Although some countries may favor one acronym over the other, it is important to remember that a TEFL certification and a TESOL certification are exactly the same thing as the training involved is identical. Table of Contents What are the technical differences between TEFL and TESOL? What qualifications...  [Read more]

Archives for May 2022 Theories, Methods & Techniques of Teaching - ESA Methodology Federico Riva TEFL Information Teaching Ideas ESA is a three-stage methodology where each of the letters represents a particular phase of the lesson. The first one being called the Engage phase, the second the Study phase and the final one the Activate phase. Media Influences in Assisting with ESL Learning Tamara Jennings Teaching Ideas Are you an English teacher and trying to find suitable material for your lessons? This blog post focuses on media influences in assisting with ESL learning. Theories, Methods & Techniques of Teaching - Suggestopedia Federico Riva TEFL Information Teaching Ideas Developments in the study of Psychology starting from the 1950's led to new theories...  [Read more]

What does an EFL teacher do? An EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher specializes in instructing non-native English speakers, ensuring they develop comprehensive language skills. This includes guiding students in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English effectively. While many EFL teachers are found in public education settings, aiding children in their linguistic journey, they also teach adults in various institutions, enabling learners of all ages and backgrounds to communicate confidently in English. Table of Contents What does an EFL teacher actually do? What does an EFL teacher need to be successful? What does an EFL teacher actually do? For many teachers the most time consuming aspect of the job is planning and preparing lessons in advance. While teachers with...  [Read more]

How to teach TEFL online To effectively teach TEFL online, it is crucial to recognize the unique dynamics of the virtual classroom. While many traditional teaching methodologies apply, online ESL instruction has its specific nuances. An accredited TEFL certification, combined with the right technological tools, equips you with the expertise and credibility sought by online students and employers. Table of Contents What does teaching English online mean? What do you need to teach English online? How do you get a job? How do you get paid? Employers What does teaching English online mean? Teaching English online harnesses the power of technology to connect educators and learners, regardless of their geographical location. Through platforms powered by the internet and accessible via...  [Read more]

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How Does Online Education Influence ESL? The biggest influence online education has on ESL is that it changes the dynamics of the classroom to be nontraditional. It does not necessarily reflect the situations teachers envision themselves in when they set out to teach ESL. This nontraditional dynamic stretches from the delivery methods like online teaching platforms to the class itself and even the work and homework for students. Table of Contents Differences between in-class education and online education Future of online education Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jacob F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent...  [Read more]

What is the difference between TEFL, TESOL and CELTA? In the field of English language teaching, acronyms like TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA frequently surface, often leading to confusion for both newcomers and seasoned educators. While course providers, job boards, and teaching resources brim with these acronyms, understanding their distinctions is crucial. So, what sets TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA apart? Table of Contents What does TEFL mean? What does TESOL mean? What does CELTA mean? Which type of course should I choose? What if a course doesn't meet this criteria? Does the quality of a training course vary by location? What does TEFL mean? TEFL stands for 'Teaching English as a Foreign Language.' A prevalent term in the world of teaching English overseas, TEFL isn't tied to a specific...  [Read more]

Can you teach online with a TEFL certificate? Absolutely! Possessing a TEFL certificate significantly enhances your prospects in the online teaching world. Most top-tier online ESL teaching platforms prioritize or even mandate a TEFL certification. Not only does it verify your teaching capabilities, but it also makes you eligible for higher-paying online teaching roles. Table of Contents What are the requirements for most online English teaching jobs? What certification do I need to teach English online? What are the requirements for most online English teaching jobs? In most cases, you will need to meet the following requirements to teach English online: That is all there is to it! There are even some platforms where you can work as an English teacher without a university degree. While...  [Read more]

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Thoughts on The Reasons for Lesson Planning Teaching is a challenging labor that requires different factors to do it properly. First of all, the person who teaches has to have the vocation to help others. Otherwise, either the teacher or the students will enjoy the classes. Then, a teacher has to have clear that there are several aspects that the university does not prepare the teacher students. Table of Contents Lesson Flow Group Features Teaching Process Anticipated Problems Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Danny M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Lesson Flow For...  [Read more]

Do TEFL teachers need a second language? The simple answer is no, you do not need to have any knowledge or experience of languages other than English to take a TEFL course or to become an EFL teacher. The ability to speak other languages is not required as the vast majority of TEFL classrooms around the world rely on the communicative approach to English teaching that specifies that English is the only language used in the classroom. Table of Contents How can I teach English if I don't speak the student's language? Does it help if a teacher has learnt a foreign language? Should I learn the local language while teaching English abroad? How can I teach English if I don't speak the student's language? In a diverse EFL classroom, where students may hail from varied linguistic...  [Read more]

How will I find a place to live when I teach English abroad? When embarking on a journey to teach English abroad, a paramount consideration for many teachers, whether novice or seasoned, is securing suitable accommodation that melds comfort with safety. Fortunately, given the precedence of foreign educators in most teaching destinations, there is a well-trodden path to finding housing. Table of Contents When is accommodation included in a TEFL contract? What if accommodation is not included in my TEFL contract? What else can I do to find accommodation? When is accommodation included in a TEFL contract? When securing a TEFL position, a notable perk that frequently accompanies the contract is the provision of accommodation. It is common practice in countries like China, South Korea,...  [Read more]

How to teach TEFL online One area within the English teaching (ESL) market that has increased dramatically over recent years is that of teaching English online. Although many of the ideas used in traditional classroom teaching are transferable to online teaching, there are some specifics you should be aware of before embarking on this method of teaching. What does teaching English online mean? Usually the teaching of English (ESL) takes place in a school or language center. Students attend the location and have regular lessons from their teachers. However, there has always been a need, in very remote locations for example, for teaching to be done in one area and delivered to another. The advent of the world-wide-web and connectivity through phones, computers and the like has greatly...  [Read more]

Our ITTT TEFL and TESOL Alumni Stories How to Structure your Study Phase To Target Productive Skills Shirin Sophy TEFL Information Alumni Experiences This blog post is a suggested procedure that can be taken into account while teaching productive skills after the engagement phase is applied and learners are ready to start the study phase. Native vs. Non-native Speaking EFL Teachers Ahmed Taha TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas This article talks about the question "Which is better: Native vs. Non-native Speaking EFL Teachers?" Do We Consider Multiple Intelligences in the English Classroom? Luciana Maluf TEFL Information Alumni Experiences This article talks about the question: Do We Consider Multiple Intelligences in the English Classroom? ...  [Read more]

The Best Teaching Ideas for TEFL Teachers Overcoming Stress: Classroom Challenges and How to Work on Them Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Stressful situations are usual for ESL classes. In this blog post, our TEFL graduate teaches how to work on such situation in order to maintain good results. What is The Difference Between Teaching English to High-School Students and University Students? Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How teaching high-school students differs from teaching university students? Read in this blog post. Incorporating Storytelling Activities in the ESL Lesson Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How storytelling influences the process of acquiring languages? Our TEFL graduate shares their thoughts. The Place of Teaching Skills in ESL Education ...  [Read more]

What does TEFL and TESOL stand for? These acronyms are used when referring to training courses that English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon completion. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As these terms are essentially the same, they are often used interchangeably, however, TEFL is most commonly used within the UK and TESOL is usually preferred in the USA. Although some countries may favor one acronym over the other, it is important to remember that a TEFL certification and a TESOL certification are exactly the same thing as the training involved is identical. What are the technical differences between TEFL and TESOL? Although TEFL and TESOL training...  [Read more]

The Best Teaching Ideas for TEFL Teachers The ESA Methodology of Teaching - Sample Straight Arrow ESA Lesson Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog post, we will look at an actual example of an ESA straight arrow lesson plan. We will include examples of the activities used and their purpose. You can adapt this plan to a variety of other uses and levels. Different Types of ESA Lessons Federico Riva TEFL Information Teaching Ideas We explained in the previous ESA blog how Harmer had realized that the ESA format would become predictable if that was the only type of lesson. Here we explore the other two types of format he suggested, what they involve and who they are generally for. The Benefits of Open-Note Tests Mudita Yajnik TEFL...  [Read more]

What is the difference between TEFL, TESOL and CELTA? The world of English language teaching is well known for its love of acronyms and unfortunately this can lead to a large amount of confusion amongst potential teachers, as well as those with plenty of experience in the field. Websites for course providers, job boards, recruitment programs, and any other teaching related information you might look at are likely to be littered with acronyms, including TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA. So what is the difference between these terms? What does TEFL mean? Short for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, TEFL is probably the most common acronym you will come across when conducting research for teaching English abroad. TEFL does not refer to a single training program, certification, or program...  [Read more]

What is the English Opens Doors Program for teaching English in Chile? As Chile is one of the most stable and prosperous countries in Latin America, it has long been a popular destination for ESL teachers. Jobs can be found in advance via online job boards or by interviewing in person from within the country. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the popular English Opens Doors Program (EODP) that places foreign teachers into schools across Chile on a volunteer basis. Participants on the scheme work as teaching assistants with the aim of improving the English language skills of children ranging from 10 to 18 years old. What are the requirements for the English Opens Doors Program? The EODP is a highly respected program that is sponsored by the Chilean Ministry of Education and the...  [Read more]

Zareena Younis Zareena is a TEFL Instructor based in Sulimaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq. She enjoys motivating students in authentic ways and to inspire others to have optimism. Read my articles Nepotism in the Education Sector | ITTT | TEFL Blog Zareena Younis Destinations Alumni Experiences Nepotism, known as “wasta” in the workplace, is common in the Middle East, especially in the private sector. Personally, this area of common practice was unknown and unheard of to me as I come from a system of being recruited through the normal steps of applying for a job, being selected for an interview, and then being hired based on my experience knowledge, and skills. Teacher vs. Student-Centered Approach in the Middle East | ITTT | TEFL Blog Zareena Younis Alumni Experiences Teachers...  [Read more]

The Best Teaching Ideas for TEFL Teachers The Principles of Choosing Course Materials for ESL Students Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This blog post was written by our TEFL alumna who shares their ideas on choosing course materials for effective lessons. Approaches to Teaching English Vocabulary to ESL Students Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In this blog post, you will learn several ways of teaching new vocabulary to ESL students. 7 Go-To Activities For Your ESL Conversation Class Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas As an ESL teacher, getting your students talking can be one of the most difficult things to accomplish. English learners often lack the necessary confidence to speak openly and freely in English. The following activities are perfect for getting your...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Liza is a translator, freelancer and ESL teacher from Russia. She had been teaching in a Chinese bilingual school for more than two years and recently moved to Thiland to run her blog about teaching and freelance job. Read my articles What is The Difference Between Teaching English to High-School Students and University Students? | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How teaching high-school students differs from teaching university students? Read in this blog post. What Distinguishes a Good English Teacher from Others? | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this blog post, our TEFL graduate shares their thoughts on how good teachers differ from the rest. Anticipated Problems: Japanese Speakers and Their Issues in ESL |...  [Read more]

The Best Teaching Ideas for TEFL Teachers Love What You Do - A Passion for Teaching Zareena Younis Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas What does teaching mean to you? Do you have a great passion for it? This post is to all the great teachers out there making a difference in their students' lives. Different Learning Styles and their Effects on Engagement Shirin Sophy TEFL Information Teaching Ideas When it comes to student engagement, there is a wide variety of tools a teacher can take to the class in order to keep the students attracted and focused all through the lesson. Secrets of Teaching Grammar to Young Students Anna Domiczek Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Are you teaching English to younger students? Then this blog post is for you! Here are the secrets of...  [Read more]

What is the Masa Teaching Fellows Program for teaching English in Israel? The Masa Teaching Fellows Program is an initiative in Israel designed for Jewish ESL teachers, who are native English speakers, from around the world. Over a duration of 10 months, participants: Note: No prior teaching background or proficiency in Hebrew is required. Table of Contents What are the requirements for the Masa Teaching Fellows Program? What locations does the program cover in Israel, and can I pick my placement? Is the program open to Israeli citizens? What benefits does the Masa Teaching Fellows Program offer? What are the requirements for the Masa Teaching Fellows Program? To be eligible for the Masa Teaching Fellows Program, applicants must fulfill the following criteria: What locations does the...  [Read more]

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Ways to Encourage ESL Students to Learn English To be able to answer this question, we need to think about what is the meaning of motivation. So motivation is the force that drives us to achieve our goals. Table of Contents What Does Students' Progress Depend on? Motivation Student-Teacher Relationships Evaluation and Assessment Parents Role Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Patrycja E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. What Does Students' Progress Depend on? Students' achievements depend on several factors such as students' learning opportunities, teacher's work, students'...  [Read more]

Our ITTT TEFL and TESOL Alumni Stories 5 Things Teaching English in China Taught Me Anastasiia Ovchinnikova Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our TEFL expert Anastasiia shares her experience of teaching English in China. She talks about 5 important things that helped her to get the most out of this work opportunity. The Life of an ESL Teacher in Hong Kong Gianluca Costa Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences If you are thinking of moving to Hong Kong to teach English, this article is a great overview of how an ESL teacher's life in Hong Kong can be. English is widely spoken in Hong Kong, and even young children start their English education very early. Many parents place their children in English institutions early...  [Read more]

How long does it take to get a TEFL job? The duration to secure a TEFL job varies for each individual and depends on multiple factors. While it is challenging to provide a definitive timeframe, it is encouraging to note that most of our graduates secure English teaching positions shortly after completing their certification. Factors like the chosen country's job market competition and the applicant's qualifications can strongly influence the job search duration. Table of Contents How does the destination impact on TEFL job recruitment? How do hiring seasons impact on TEFL job recruitment? How can an individual teacher boost his TEFL job prospects? How does the destination impact on TEFL job recruitment? One of the biggest factors is where you choose to work, as the demand for...  [Read more]

What is the Masa Teaching Fellows Program for teaching English in Israel? Teaching English as a second language (ESL) is a rewarding career path often launched via government-sponsored programs. Such programs not only kick-start teaching careers, but they also offer enriching experiences and contribute significantly to CVs/resumes. The Masa Teaching Fellows Program invites Jewish ESL teachers, who are native English speakers, to come and live in Israel from across the globe. The program places both new and experienced teachers in public schools situated in various Israeli communities. Fellows are given the opportunity to engage small groups of students in honing their English reading, writing, grammar, and conversational skills. What are the requirements for the Masa Teaching Fellows...  [Read more]

What is a TEFL exam? First we need to define what TEFL means before looking at the various ways in which it can be examined to provide a teaching certificate. There are various locations in which a TEFL exam can be taken and different methods of instruction, these will also be considered. Table of Contents What does TEFL stand for? What does the TEFL certificate involve and how is it examined? Where can I take the exam? Which type of TEFL exam does ITTT offer? What does TEFL stand for? The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and it can be used in any situation where the English language is being taught to non-native English speakers. Technically speaking, TEFL refers to teaching English in countries where English is not the native language. It is a term used...  [Read more]

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas What is ESP in Relation to ESL Teaching? English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is a niche within the realm of English language teaching that offers a unique and tailored approach. While many English teachers focus on general language proficiency, ESP educators direct their attention to students with specialized needs, whether it be in medical, aviation, business, or various other professions. Table of Contents What is ESP? What language level are ESP students? What age are ESP students? How does ESP differ from general ESL teaching? What resources are available to teach ESP classes? In summary: Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in...  [Read more]