Why Do People Become Teachers

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]

While the majority of dedicated students successfully complete their TEFL courses, it is important to understand that these courses demand a significant time commitment. If all elements of the course aren't completed within the specified timeframe, there is a risk of not passing. That said, with proper planning and dedication to becoming an EFL teacher, most individuals can achieve success in their TEFL journey. How does ITTT keep its TEFL course pass rate so high? What are the advantages of an in-person TEFL course? How difficult is the in-person TEFL course? What are the advantages of taking an online TEFL course? We are very proud of our course pass rate of over 90%. Although it is possible to fail a TEFL course, the vast majority of our students finish their training and go on to...  [Read more]

The global demand for English language teachers presents vast opportunities. Here is a step-by-step guide to embarking on this journey: While a degree and prior teaching experience isn't always mandatory, comprehensive research and careful planning are crucial to navigating and thriving in the international teaching arena. Is it difficult to teach English in another country? How do I go about becoming an English teacher in another country? Enroll in a TEFL certification course and become a TEFL certified teacher Do I need to decide where to teach before taking a TEFL course? How do I find a teaching job after completing my TEFL course? Embarking on an international teaching journey can indeed have its hurdles, especially when adapting to new cultural contexts. However, a TEFL...  [Read more]

Throughout our schooling, we have likely encountered several teachers who, despite their profession, seemed mismatched for the role. Some might have resorted to strict penalties for minor mistakes, others may have been tediously boring or simply failed to heed their students' feedback. Nonetheless, we usually also recall those teachers who positively impacted our learning journey. So, what makes these educators stand out? We believe that a combination of certain traits and skills contribute to a teacher being remembered for the right reasons. By incorporating these characteristics, you are likely to be remembered as an exceptional English teacher by your future students. Communication Passion Patience Organization Adaptability Confidence Of all the qualities listed, communication arguably...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Most would simply say that a teacher is that person standing in front of a classroom "teaching", and they wouldn't be wrong. If a little more thought is actually given to the question, people would begin to understand that a teacher is much more than someone reading out of a book or simply following a syllabus, flipping through the pages just to get from cover to cover. The role of a teacher as it has always been being something often overlooked and taken for granted. Importance for Society Knowledge Transfer Teacher's Experience Teaching Skills Are you ready to teach English all over the world? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Brendon S. Please note that this blog post might not...  [Read more]

Becoming a TEFL teacher in the UK demands a combination of qualifications and experience. Firstly, you will require a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certification. Given the UK's stringent teaching standards, prior teaching experience is often essential to make your application competitive. For non-UK citizens, it is crucial to be aware of visa and work permit requirements before embarking on this career path in the UK. What are the difficulties of teaching English in the UK? How can I get a work permit to teach English in the UK? Can I get a working holiday visa and teach English in the UK? Can I earn a comfortable living teaching English in the UK? What should I do if I can't find a job teaching English in the UK? Teaching English in the UK presents unique challenges despite the evident...  [Read more]

  This video outlines ITTT's four week in-class course, our online course and the combined course. The four week in-class course is offered in over thirty locations throughout the world. Our training centers are usually located in countries where there is a high demand for English language teachers. Graduates often remain in the country where they complete their course to begin their teaching career. The course provides trainees with a detailed working knowledge of grammar and teaching skills that will give them a solid foundation to begin their teaching careers. ITTT's online course is more flexible as it offers trainees the opportunity to work at their own pace in the comfort of their own home. The combined course is a combination of the 120 hour online course plus 7 to 10 days...  [Read more]

There are a number of EFL teaching scenarios that involve tutoring. The most obvious is that of one-to-one teaching. This can take place in a school, a language center, at a business or privately. Regardless of the teaching scenario, the route to becoming a TEFL tutor is basically the same as becoming a TEFL teacher. In general there are three ways to gain the certification required to become a TEFL tutor. They all involve a course with a minimum of 120 hours of training. Online TEFL certification Onsite TEFL certification Combined TEFL certification This can be done from anywhere in the world with a computer and an internet connection. Typical 120-hour courses give you up to six months to complete the course, working at your own pace. These courses will cover the main aspects of EFL...  [Read more]

After completing a TEFL certification course and working as an English language teacher, some people look to branch out into other avenues of the teaching profession in order to gain more experience or to earn a higher salary. One such route is to become a TEFL trainer. Teaching people to become classroom teachers can be a very rewarding and well paid job and a route into management positions or even setting up your own language school. What are the basic requirements for becoming a TEFL trainer? What are the characteristics of a TEFL trainer? Do I need advanced qualifications to become a TEFL trainer? How important is classroom experience for a TEFL trainer? Where can I work as a TEFL trainer? Who are the main employers of TEFL trainers? The first and most obvious requirement is to...  [Read more]

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

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

Yes, you generally need advanced qualifications to become a TEFL trainer. TEFL trainers are typically required to have a combination of the following qualifications and experience: To become a TEFL trainer, individuals typically need the following qualifications: To improve your chances of becoming a successful TEFL trainer, consider the following tips: Yes, there are specific certifications that are highly recommended for TEFL trainers.  [Read more]

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

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Of all the hard jobs around, one of the hardest is being a good teacher. So how is it possible to become a great teacher? And how can a teacher become great at helping young learners in a kindergarten class who have little to no experience learning in a classroom setting? Although challenging at times, it can be done. There are a few keys to being a great kindergarten teacher. Listen to this blog post: 1. Teacher's Attitude and Mindset 2. Preparation 3. Support Teaching With Visual Aids 4. Encourage to Use English 5. Keep it Fun! Do you want to become a TEFL teacher? It's so easy. Take a TEFL course right now! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Julia W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [Read more]

TEFL teachers hold a unique and vital role in global education. While all educators contribute immensely, TEFL teachers address the specific challenges of teaching English as a second or foreign language. Their specialized training equips them to effectively teach in environments where English isn't the primary language, helping learners overcome linguistic barriers and bridging cultural divides. Their importance stems from their ability to foster communication and understanding in our increasingly interconnected world. Working knowledge vs Formal Knowledge What are the training options to become a TEFL teacher? Types of employment Summary Globalized industry has led to an explosion of the use of English as the lingua franca. This trend looks as though it will continue in the near future....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Even in picking on what books and materials to aid the lesson, from authentic to created, cultural awareness should always be part of the consideration. The cultural background of the students should be first studied and researched, as this will play a significant role in the learning process. Even though many students may have been exposed to cultural exchange programs, personal interactions, and awareness through social media, we still differ in cultural needs. The Power of First Impression Attitude Towards Various Contexts How to Learn about a New Culture Faster Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Julia B. Please note that this blog post might not...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This printable ESL worksheet is ideal to practice opinion writing. Students have to write about why they like the beach.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Establishing rapport with students is a crucial part of any successful teacher because it allows teachers to teach their students more effectively and in different ways. Rapport is defined as, "the ability to maintain harmonious relationships based on affinity...is more colloquially thought of as what happens when two people "click"—they connect, interact well, and respond to each other favorably" (Weimer, facultyfocus.com). Connection Motivation Communication Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dominic D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. This "click" is the ability of a teacher to...  [Read more]

Non-native English speakers can definitely become TEFL teachers. While some countries or schools may have specific requirements regarding the English proficiency level for TEFL teachers, being a non-native speaker should not automatically disqualify someone from pursuing a career in teaching English. In many cases, having a strong command of the English language, backed by a recognized TEFL certification, is the primary qualification needed to teach English as a foreign language. Non-native English speakers bring a unique perspective to the classroom that can be highly beneficial for students. They have firsthand experience in learning English as a second language, which can make them more empathetic and understanding towards the struggles that their students may face. Non-native English...  [Read more]

  Have you ever considered completing an online TEFL/TESOL certification course? Why not become one of the hundreds of people who each month do an online course with ITTT, just like Sacha from the United States. In this TESOL review video Sacha talks about her happy experience of studying the 120 hour tutor support course. She talks about how the course has given her a firm foundation on which to build her career as a successful English language teacher. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Sometimes non-native English speakers are discouraged in their pursuit of teaching English as a foreign language. With the right TEFL certification course and training, anyone who is a fluent English speaker can also be a great teacher. There is really no reason for non-native English speakers to worry as the following alumni report will clearly show. Listen to this blog post: English Proficiency Nobody Knows Everything You Can Relate to Your Students You Can Anticipate the Students' Problems Non-Native English Speaking Teachers Rule! Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our ITTT graduate Lola H. I chose this topic because I...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences "To be a good teacher, you need to love what you teach. Teachers are given the word not to put their thoughts to sleep, but to wake someone else's." - V. Klyuchevsky, Russian historian Teaher's Self-development Teacher's Attitude Teacher's Professional Development Teacher's Self-evaluation How Self-analysis Influences Teaching? Do you want to be a TEFL teacher? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Zarina S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. A teacher who is able to learn will also be able to grow as a specialist, improve in his/her pedagogical activity and perfect his/her professional skills. The first and constant helper in...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Learning a new language can be a daunting task. It requires a lot of studying, practicing, and participation in order to fully comprehend and be able to use a new language. That is why people who want to learn a new language prefer to take a class on it instead of trying to learn it themselves. Taking a class on the English language can help build a student's confidence and motivate them. It is especially important for an English teacher to develop a rapport with their students because English students need to feel comfortable with the person teaching them their new language skills. Student's Comfort Ways to Establish Rapport Do you want to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

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 Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Stephanie B. Please note...  [Read more]

Are you looking to make a positive impact on people's lives while exploring a new career path? Have you considered becoming an English teacher in Madison, WI? Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) can be a fulfilling and enriching experience, both personally and professionally. By obtaining the necessary qualifications and training, you can open doors to exciting opportunities to teach English to non-native speakers, both locally and abroad. Madison, the vibrant capital city of Wisconsin, offers a diverse and multicultural environment that is ideal for English language teachers. With a strong focus on education and a high demand for English language instruction, Madison provides a welcoming and supportive community for...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas ESL teachers can find themselves in various classroom situations. An ESL class may be advertised or posted on signs for students to show up at a learning center on a particular night. When the students arrive, they are most probably tested and grouped according to language level. What happens if many students are at the same level, but there is one student who is on a completely different level and has different needs? Other scenarios may put teachers in a situation where they are teaching one-to-one. Possibly, there is just a desire to tutor English language learners in a more personal setting. What are the advantages and challenges of teaching one-to-one? Listen to this blog post: Rapport Circumstances Stress Level Flexibility Do you want to teach...  [Read more]

Becoming an English teacher in Australia is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for those passionate about education and language. To meet the necessary criteria and qualifications to teach English in Australia, individuals must adhere to specific guidelines and requirements. From obtaining the appropriate educational background to meeting registration standards, aspiring English teachers must fulfill a set of criteria to excel in the field. This article explores the essential criteria and steps to become an English teacher in Australia, highlighting the importance of each requirement. 1. Educational Qualifications 2. Teacher Registration 3. English Proficiency 4. Professional Development One of the primary criteria to become an English teacher in Australia is obtaining the necessary...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information Alumni Experiences This is a question I've asked myself. I'm looking at it from the point of view of an established foreign language teacher. How well do you know English? Get professional guidance You'll be more successful with getting your students ready to speak in English. Being a native speaker is not enough Your credentials say a lot about you. Are you ready to take a TEFL course? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post For years, I've been thinking about learning to teach English as a foreign language. I've wanted to teach more than just French, so I could find more work, and because TEFL appealed to me. As a French teacher—which is a foreign language, of course—my thought was that I already knew how to teach a foreign language....  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Classroom management is an important element for having a successful classroom, especially for an EFL teacher. It goes beyond having a clean and organized room; it is a skill necessary for creating an effective learning environment. When a teacher possesses proper classroom management skills, they can establish a positive atmosphere that can significantly impact a student's life. An organized classroom and effective classroom control provide a greater chance of building relationships and gaining trust and respect from students. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss two important steps and provide examples of classroom management, highlighting why these steps are crucial for EFL teachers like myself. Setting the Right Tone for...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas While there are many things a teacher can do to prepare for the classroom, the way students interface with their teachers is something that can be both difficult and spontaneous. Building rapport with students is crucial to maintain a high level of energy and focus throughout a class session. Students' Comfort Teacher's Image Mindfulness Environment Interest Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Matthew P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Even though a teacher may have an entire lesson planned out, if students do not feel comfortable participating in front of their teacher, the pace of the class...  [Read more]