Why Be A Teacher

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Nowadays English has become a common language that helps to facilitate the communication between people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. English may not be the most widely used language in the world, but it is the official language of 53 countries and it is used by around 400 million people worldwide. As a result, being able to speak English does not only mean communicating with native English speakers, but it also means opening the door to new international chances and opportunities. 3 Key Strengths of Non-Native ESL Teachers: 1. They have a better understanding of the difficulties and challenges faced by their students. 2. They are more precise when it comes to pronunciation and spelling. 3. They are bilingual. 3 Most Common Weaknesses of...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The word 'grammar' is often feared by students and teachers alike. It has an image of being difficult to comprehend and hard to teach. However, with planning and a positive approach to the lesson, it can be a fun and interesting way to improve English skills. Also, students can often feel a true sense of accomplishment by being able to use the vocabulary and sentences structures that they have learned. Similar patterns Choice of activities The language level Consistent revision Jokes work best Master your grammar teaching skill with a TEFL course! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Janet K. So where do we start? How to use verbs and the study of tenses is a perfect first step. By...  [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 As a teacher, keeping students motivated in the classroom is the most important thing in teaching any subject. A motivated student is a positive student and a positive attitude from everyone in the classroom, including the teacher, can change the entire learning experience and ease quite a bit of tension for everybody. Keeping students motivated can be extremely tough for everyone, not just the teacher but the students as well. The teacher also has to understand your students' level, their interests, and their reason for learning English to keep them motivated. Students Learning Experience Giving a Helping Hand Students as a Person Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL...  [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 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]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences If you're thinking about starting your EFL teaching career, the first thing you should do is taking a TEFL course. It helps you decide where to teach, as it contains information about differences between students from different countries and regions, i.g. Asia and Latin America, as well as information on how to work with students' cultural backgrounds. Reasons Course Structure Language Training Teaching Skills Job Research Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Vladimir P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. If you have prior experience in teaching, though it's useful to refresh your knowledge...  [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 Even though some people might disagree with the idea of praising students in the classroom, I hold a strong belief that it is of paramount importance. Praising assists teachers in making students aware of what they have attained. It can be done verbally, through body language or in writing. Nevertheless, praise should be timely, honest, and measured. It could be mutually advantageous for teachers and students. The former will benefit from cementing a healthy relationship with the latter; and the latter will be able to strengthen his or her confidence. Conversely, it could have a detrimental effect on both. For this reason, I will exemplify the advantages and challenges in praising that I have come across in my career as an English Teacher. My teaching...  [Read more]

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

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Everybody knows that English is the most popular language nowadays, and it has been for centuries. Besides the popularity, it is one of the most important and crucial skills and is an international means for communication and expressing one's feelings anytime and anywhere. We can safely surmise that English as a language performs four important services: (a) International Language, (b) Window to new knowledge, (c) Common medium of Reference, and finally (d) Link Language. Listen to this blog post: 1. Role of a teacher 2. Teacher's Responsibilities 3. Teacher's Competence Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Richa A. Please note that this blog post...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Listening is an important skill in which learners need help in developing their abilities. Listening strategies are so helpful. By giving a learner, tools to listen to the learner can develop more control over his/her listening abilities. Many learners ask " Teacher, how can I improve my listening?" The truth of the matter is with training from teachers. We can apply strategies in class to help learners overcome the obstacles, which they encounter while listening. The spoken text varies greatly from written text, and these differences can affect the listeners' understanding. For example, when listening to spoken text the learner must process the information right away, and in some cases, there is often no chance to listen to it again. (Richards,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this essay, I would like to discuss the reasons I think good student-teacher rapport is of utmost importance in the classroom and dealing with classroom management. I will not only discuss my experience as a language learner but also use examples from the videos which we analyzed in this course. As I have not yet stepped foot inside an EFL classroom I will not, unfortunately, be able to speak about direct EFL experience that I have. Behavior Management Attention and Interest Lesson Flow Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Paul S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In my opinion,...  [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]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences For the past several years I have been working for a non-profit company that provides high-quality daycare and preschool education for financially disadvantaged children. The population we serve is diverse, but the majority of families in our particular centers are Latino. Although I am not employed in a classroom teaching position, I have a great deal of contact with the children and with their parents. Part of my responsibility is to conduct an intake interview with the parents to explain the policies of the school, and to do a health history of the child before he enters. These meetings take about forty minutes when the parent speaks English, and an hour or more if I need the help of a translator. First Experience Interest to Help Professional...  [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 To have a successful lesson, you have to plan it carefully. Lesson planning is at the heart of being an effective teacher. What is a lesson plan? How important is a lesson plan? 1. Prove of Teacher's Creativity 2. Teach with Higher Level of Confidence 3. Achieve Goals 4. Record Your Teaching 5. Show Teaching Path 6. Map of Goals 7. Structure 8. Classroom Management 9. Contents of the Lesson Do you want to teach English abroad? Listen to this blog post Related Articles: A lesson plan is a step by step guide which helps teachers in maintaining a standard teaching pattern and does not let the class deviate from the topic. It also provides teachers with learning objectives, quality questions, supplies, and activities. Some following elements will show us...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Lesson planning is one of the most important elements of successful teaching in the ESL (English as Second Language) classroom and every TEFL (Teaching English as Foreign Language) lesson needs a plan, particularly so in the case of the less experienced teacher starting their career in a foreign country. The often-cited argument that over planning can create a less fluent atmosphere in the classroom does hold some truth but just as the artist is tutored not to attempt abstract art until first mastering the art of realism, the teacher likewise is best placed not to address a class unprepared until first mastering the art of pre-planning. What does your success depends on? What strategy works best? What's a perfect lesson checklist? How to prove your...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences As someone of mixed heritage, I have always had an interest in learning about cultures other than the one I live in America. My father is Colombian and my mother is American, so growing up I felt obliged to learn more about the Colombian background I was fairly unfamiliar with. First-Language Background Interest in Foreign Cultures Work Abroad English Teaching Plan Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Catherine P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. I never felt satisfied with the amount of exposure I had to my Colombian heritage. My mom never learned Spanish, so around the house, it was easier...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In today's world, teaching English has become a mainstream job, no longer limited to native speakers. Everywhere you go, you will find nationals from various countries teaching English with sometimes rather strong accents. What are their motivations and why would schools choose non-natives to teach English in the first place? Job Requirements Benefits of Learning Other Languages China as The Biggest Market Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Patrick B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. While traveling through Asia or South...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In a globalized world, where people come and go easily from country to country for different reasons, English has become the first spoken language. Considering this fact, it's still shocking how not being a "native" has such an impact by the time of applying for a job or hiring someone for it. Job Opportunities Common Prejudices Are you ready to start your teaching career? Get TEFL Certified! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Arantza M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. As a non-native speaker who has studied English since a very young age, I can say that it's quite difficult to be taken into consideration when it comes to...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Taking a TEFL course allows future teachers to know the basics of teaching a TEFL class. A TEFL course shows the best techniques of teaching a TEFL class, and how to prepare a lesson plan. It also shows how to use a coursebook and how to interact with specific types of classes. Listen to this blog post: 1. Good Preparation For a Real Life Teaching 2. Methodology 3. Coursebooks 4. Balance Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate William T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. For many people that want to teach English to foreign students, this will be their first time teaching. The course helps...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching children can sound fun from the first sight, however, it is a difficult job, because young learners are not that fluent in their own language when they start learning the second one. The age group that I want to consider in this essay is from 3 to 7, the kindergarten age. Listen to this blog post: Lack of Motivation Short Attention Span The Importance of Good Relationships Behavior Issues Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course now! Related Articles: Parents make a decision to send their kids to learn English in a kindergarten thus kids are not motivated. A teacher can motivate children by making lessons entertaining and interesting. Games can make lessons fun for kids and productive for learning instead of common words...  [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]

As a TEFL teacher in a foreign country, it is crucial to be aware of and understand the cultural differences that exist between your home country and the country where you are teaching. These differences can manifest in various ways, including communication styles, gestures, attitudes towards authority, and concepts of time. By educating yourself about the cultural norms and values of the country you are in, you can avoid unintentionally causing offense or misunderstanding. In the classroom, it is essential to be sensitive to cultural differences to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. This includes being mindful of topics that may be sensitive or taboo in the local culture, such as politics, religion, or certain social issues. Additionally, understanding how...  [Read more]

Are you considering pursuing a CELTA program in Guatemala? Look no further. Guatemala offers excellent opportunities for aspiring English teachers to obtain their CELTA certification. In this article, we will explore the top CELTA program providers in Guatemala and why choosing this beautiful Central American country for your teacher training can be a rewarding experience. Guatemala is a culturally rich and diverse country with a growing demand for English language teachers. By enrolling in a CELTA program in Guatemala, you will not only receive world-class training but also have the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture and language. The stunning landscapes, vibrant indigenous communities, and affordable cost of living make Guatemala an attractive destination for teacher training....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences An essential role of the teacher in the classroom is to build a relationship with his or her students to help them learn the subject being taught. There are many ways to set up a situation in which students can and will learn effectively. Teacher's Roles Teaching Skills Lesson Flow Feedback Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Peter O. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. A teacher must be a leader, a manager, an administrator, an organizer, a designer, and an assessor. Above all, they must be a motivator to give their students a desire to learn, which is vital to mastering new concepts and...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker TEFL Information Alumni Experiences English has quickly become the leading language of the world. Whether we like it or not, most countries have chosen English as the language of business and international interaction, and because of this, many are pushing their people to learn English as a second language. To help guide this initiative, many businesses, schools, and private households are hiring native English-speakers to teach English to those wishing to learn. While learning directly from a native speaker is the ideal way to learn a new language, unfortunately, it is common for many English speakers to go abroad and hope to be able to teach effectively with no prior teacher training. The Benefits of a TEFL Certification The Importance of Learning the ESA Method Knowing...  [Read more]

Contrary to the common misconception that teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is just a temporary gig or a way to pay off student debt, many educators have turned it into a lucrative, long-term profession. Whether teaching abroad or online, TEFL can indeed be a fulfilling lifelong career. Is it possible to make a long-term career out of teaching English as a foreign language? What qualifications do I need to pursue a career in TEFL? What skills will I need to pursue a career in TEFL? What other TEFL-related jobs are there in the long run? What are the advantages of a long-term TEFL career? Absolutely. While many initially venture into EFL teaching to explore the world and earn, they soon discover a passion and aptitude for it. With continuous skill enhancement and dedication,...  [Read more]