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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

  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]

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]

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 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]

  Hello. This presentation is going to cover this section on lesson planning and what we're going to do is to have a look as to why we go about planning a lesson, what do we actually put in it? We'll create an empty lesson plan pro-forma and then having done that what we'll do is to fill in that lesson plan for a particular teaching point. So, our starting position is going to be: "Why do we plan lessons at all?" There are a number of reasons why we need to plan a lesson. The first and foremost perhaps is that it's going to create a logical sequence for our lessons. If we didn't have a lesson plan, it is quite possible that we could go all over the place and it would become confusing for the students. By having this plan, what we've created is a structure that we can work from. So,...  [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]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Many ESL teachers have never even heard of phonetics or phonology, yet they use these aspects of speech naturally when they speak. Phonetics and phonology are two areas of linguistics that study the sounds of language. Phonetics focuses on individual sounds, while phonology studies the features and combination of sounds (McMahon, 1-3). There are two reasons why ESL teachers need to know phonetics and phonology: first, it helps them to conceptualize English in a way that their students can understand; and second, it helps them to address their students' difficult pronunciation problems. Why Students Suffer from Pronunciation Issues? Lack of Subject Knowledge Sound Awareness Teacher as a Role Model Are you ready to take your TEFL course? Related...  [Read more]

While some view teaching English abroad as a temporary venture or a way to explore before 'settling down', the reality is that TEFL can be a rewarding and sustainable career. Many individuals not only venture into this field for the thrill of travel and culture but also to carve out lucrative, long-term careers. Contrary to some perceptions, TEFL is more than just a 'gap year' adventure; for many, it is a lifelong profession. Can I really make a long-term career out of TEFL? What qualifications do I need to make a career out of TEFL? What other TEFL related jobs are available in the long term? What are the benefits of a long-term career in TEFL? What skills will I need to make a career out of TEFL? Definitely! Many embark on the EFL teaching journey as a means to explore the world while...  [Read more]

Becoming a successful TEFL teacher involves obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. The duration of this process varies depending on the type of certification chosen. A standard TEFL certification course can typically be completed in 4 to 6 weeks, either online or in-person. These courses cover essential teaching methodologies, lesson planning, classroom management, and language skills. Some programs offer intensive courses that can be completed in a shorter timeframe, while others may be more extensive and take longer to finish. It is crucial to choose a reputable and accredited program to ensure the quality of education and opportunities for employment. Success as a TEFL teacher is influenced by various factors beyond just acquiring a certification. The...  [Read more]

Becoming an English teacher in the United States requires a combination of education, training, and certification. Aspiring educators must follow specific steps to meet the requirements set by state education departments and school districts. This guide outlines the necessary education and qualifications to pursue a career as an English teacher in the US. 1. **Bachelor's Degree in Education** 2. **Teacher Preparation Program** 3. **Obtaining State Certification** 4. **Continuing Education and Professional Development** The first step towards becoming an English teacher in the United States is earning a bachelor's degree in education. Prospective teachers typically major in education with a focus on English or obtain a degree in English with a teacher certification program. During their...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is essential for individuals who wish to teach English to non-native speakers. The certification provides training on effective teaching methods, lesson planning, classroom management, and language assessment. There are various types of TEFL courses available, ranging from online certifications to in-person intensive courses. The duration and depth of the course can vary depending on the provider and the type of certification chosen. Several factors can influence how quickly one becomes a proficient TEFL teacher. These factors include prior teaching experience, language proficiency, cultural awareness, and dedication to professional development. Those with prior teaching experience may find it easier to adapt to TEFL...  [Read more]

hello oh my gosh hello welcome hi linda here from itt back with another live session this week hi guys how are you doing um first of all if you can see me if you can hear me just drop a quick hi into um the comment box we are actually live on facebook and we're also live on youtube at the same time so if you can see me if you can hear me please just let me know and also let me know where you're watching from where are you at right now i am in south korea it is 10 a.m friday morning i'm super excited to be here again so um yeah sometimes there are some technical difficulties i had some issues i think last week so um there was no sound for some reason for for a few seconds so if that happens just let me know and then i can repeat myself or i can fix try and fix the issue so that's why it's...  [Read more]

  Tune in to learn more about "ESA", a method commonly used in teaching English as a foreign language. Find out what this methodology is all about and why every teacher should use it. #TEFL #BestTEFL #TESOL Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Click here and get started today: https://bit.ly/37gs5vO What is TEFL Certification? Where is it valid: https://bit.ly/36ma2Fg Check out our wide range of TEFL Courses: https://bit.ly/3ltqt73 Teach English online from anywhere you want: https://bit.ly/3ltqEPL Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences The advancement in video technology has proven wonders in furthering education. For teachers specifically, it has allowed for them to be trained and professionally developed from anywhere in the world. Video technology for teacher training has several benefits, of which I'll name a few. Benefits of Video Technology Video Technology in the TEFL Course Video Technology in Everyday Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Benjamin D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. One of these benefits include the cut down of added cost for the teacher or their school of employment. Having video technology,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Have you ever had the experience of saying a fictional character's name out loud to someone for the first time and they don't know whom you are talking about even though you're reading the same book? I have and it was a confusing feeling. The thing I have learned about English is that to truly learn it, you need to speak it. When we learn English by speaking it out loud we can avoid the mistakes of mispronouncing words that we have only ever read in our heads. This is the primary reason I think we need to decrease teacher speaking time in class and dramatically increase student speaking time when we are teaching our students English. Anticipated Challenges Current Teaching Experience in Japan Other Ideas Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL...  [Read more]

Attire expectations vary widely based on the school's policies: Pro Tip: To avoid confusion, inquire about the dress code during the job interview. As a rule of thumb, it is wise to err on the side of professionalism on your first day, adjusting as you gauge the school's culture. What should I wear for a TEFL job interview? What about tattoos and piercings? What about facial hair? Which countries have specific expectations when it comes to appearance? When preparing for a TEFL job interview, attire plays a pivotal role in making a strong first impression: In essence, prioritize a professional appearance throughout the TEFL job application and interview process to boost your prospects. Also read: What questions should I ask a TEFL employer? Although tattoos and piercings have become more...  [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]

Whether you want to teach as a volunteer in the depths of the jungle on the Thai-Myanmar border or as a business English instructor to corporate high-flyers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, you will need at the least a recognised TEFL/TESOL certificate. Although it is still possible to find jobs where simply being a native speaker of English is enough to secure the position these opportunities are becoming few and far between and earning a 120-hour certificate with a reputable organisation should be your priority before starting out. A bachelor's degree is not a necessity for the majority of countries around the world and there are plenty of opportunities out there without such a qualification. Teaching experience is also not a necessity for the majority of teaching positions but the higher...  [Read more]

Throughout our educational journey, we have all encountered a mix of highly competent teachers as well as those who leave room for improvement. Exceptional teachers effortlessly engage and inspire students, creating a vibrant learning environment. Such proficiency often comes from experience, allowing teachers to hone their skills and develop effective strategies. Yet, certain inherent skills tend to characterize successful teachers, regardless of their years in the profession. Excellent communication skills Flexibility Good management skills Patience Passion Good teachers need to be great communicators. They typically enjoy social interactions, bring an energetic and positive demeanor to the classroom, and maintain an optimistic outlook regardless of challenges. Such a positive and...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Destinations Known throughout the world for its literary giants, such as Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov, and its musical geniuses that include Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and Shostakovich, Russia's unrivaled history of the arts is just one reason why it is increasingly popular with visitors from all over the globe. From the vast and rugged beauty of its eastern regions to the bustling cosmopolitan cities in the west, the Russian Federation offers a seemingly endless array of unique attractions to explore. 1. Russia has a huge job market for foreign English teachers 2. Employers don't insist on a college degree 3. Work visas are not hard to obtain 4. Employers routinely hire teachers in advance 5. Russia is a land of adventure Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach...  [Read more]