Becoming An English Teacher

Becoming an effective TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) teacher requires time, dedication, and ongoing professional development. While there is no fixed timeframe for achieving effectiveness, most TEFL experts agree that it typically takes between six months to a year for new teachers to feel comfortable in the classroom and develop their teaching skills. In the first few months of teaching, new TEFL teachers are usually focused on learning the basics of lesson planning, classroom management, and effective teaching techniques. They may also be adjusting to living in a new country and adapting to a different culture, which can add to the learning curve. As new teachers gain more experience and confidence in the classroom, they begin to refine their teaching style, develop their own...  [Read more]

When choosing a TEFL certification program, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you receive quality training that meets your needs. The first step is to determine whether you want to take an online or in-person course. Online courses offer flexibility and convenience, while in-person courses provide hands-on experience and face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers. If you decide to take an online course, make sure to research the accreditation of the program. Look for programs that are accredited by recognized bodies such as the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) or the British Council. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain quality standards and will be recognized by employers worldwide. When considering an in-person...  [Read more]

  A TEFL course is usually the first step towards becoming an English teacher, whether it is online or overseas. With an exceptional pass rate and many thousands of course graduates, passing a TEFL course with ITTT shouldn’t be too difficult if you put in the level of work required.  [Read more]

Career progression opportunities in TEFL are plentiful and diverse, offering educators the chance to grow personally and professionally. One common path for TEFL teachers is to start as an entry-level teacher, gain experience, and then move on to more advanced teaching positions. This could involve teaching more specialized English courses, such as business English or exam preparation classes. Another option for career progression is to take on leadership roles within a language school or educational institution. This could mean becoming a head teacher, academic coordinator, or even a director of studies. These roles involve more responsibility and may also come with higher pay. TEFL teachers also have the opportunity to move into teacher training and management positions. This could...  [Read more]

Becoming a competent TEFL educator can vary in terms of time depending on individual circumstances and goals. Generally, acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to be a successful TEFL teacher can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more. First and foremost, completing a TEFL certification course is essential for anyone looking to become a competent TEFL educator. These courses can range in length from 120 hours to 250 hours or more, with some offering additional specialization in areas such as young learners or business English. The time it takes to complete a TEFL course will depend on whether you choose to study full-time or part-time. In addition to formal training, gaining practical experience in the classroom is crucial for developing your teaching skills. Many TEFL...  [Read more]

Around the world there are always a huge number of EFL teaching jobs waiting to be filled which means there are potential opportunities for almost everyone. So what qualifications, background or characteristics do you require to take a TEFL course? First and foremost, anyone thinking about earning their TEFL certification with ITTT needs to be enthusiastic, motivated and determined as every course requires a considerable amount of commitment in terms of both time and effort. If you are fully committed to becoming an English language teacher, either at home or abroad, then you should have little trouble successfully completing the course and becoming a qualified EFL teacher. In order to be an effective English language teacher you do need to have a thorough understanding of the...  [Read more]

Becoming proficient in TEFL teaching can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the individual's prior experience, dedication, and the intensity of the program they choose to pursue. For those starting from scratch, a typical TEFL certification course can range from 120 to 150 hours of study, which can usually be completed in 4 to 6 weeks if taken full-time. Part-time options are also available, which can extend the timeline to 10 to 12 weeks. After completing the initial certification, many teachers choose to gain further experience through practice teaching sessions, volunteer work, or by taking specialized courses in areas such as business English or exam preparation. In terms of overall proficiency, most teachers find that they start to feel comfortable in the classroom...  [Read more]

Becoming a certified TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) teacher typically requires completing a TEFL certification course. The length of time it takes to become a certified TEFL teacher can vary depending on the type of course you choose. Most standard TEFL courses are around 120 hours in length and can be completed in 4-6 weeks if taken full-time. However, there are also intensive courses that can be completed in 2-4 weeks, as well as part-time courses that may take 10-12 weeks to finish. The duration of the course is just one aspect to consider when becoming a certified TEFL teacher. It's important to note that some courses may have additional requirements, such as observed teaching practice hours or assignments, which can also impact the overall time it takes to become...  [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. The first and most obvious requirement is to successfully complete a TEFL course. This experience will give you the basic knowledge you need to teach English and also a valuable insight into what it takes to be a good teacher trainer. Crucially, it is not necessary to be at the top of the class when taking your course, as many of the best teacher trainers...  [Read more]

  This video is part of our series on the past tenses in English. In this video, we take a look at the past continuous tense and how it is formed and used. This tense is used to indicate that a certain action was in progress at a particular time in the past. 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 before moving onto the next. I've never learned about what a good teacher is and their various jobs. I was always in the position of \"learner\" and learning about what a good teacher is...  [Read more]

Absolutely YES! Large numbers of non-native English speakers complete our TEFL courses each year and go on to have successful careers teaching English either in their home country or further afield. In order to successfully complete the course you will need to demonstrate a high standard of English, but it is certainly not a barrier that will stop you from becoming a fully qualified EFL teacher. In many cases being a non-native English speaker can actually be an advantage in the classroom as you have already been through the same experience that your students are currently facing. This can help to build a good rapport between the students and the teacher as they are often less afraid of making mistakes in this situation. It can also provide the students with a real incentive to succeed...  [Read more]

Becoming an effective TEFL instructor is a process that requires time, dedication, and continuous learning. While there is no set timeframe for how long it takes to become proficient in teaching English as a foreign language, there are several factors that can influence the timeline. First and foremost, obtaining a TEFL certification is a crucial step in becoming an effective instructor. This certification typically requires completing a course that can range from 120 to 150 hours of study. Some programs offer intensive courses that can be completed in a matter of weeks, while others are more flexible and allow you to study at your own pace. Once you have obtained your TEFL certification, gaining practical experience is essential for honing your teaching skills. This can involve...  [Read more]

  As there is no standard content or fixed length required for a TEFL certification course, individual providers are free to design their own courses and set whatever fees they see fit. The best advice is not to choose a course simply because it is the cheapest one available. Yes, you can find TEFL courses on discount websites for as little US$ 49 but will they be accepted by employers in the region that you want to work in? And will they properly prepare you for life in a real classroom? If you want to ensure that the answer to these questions is YES then you should look a little deeper than just the price. In-class TEFL courses usually involve 4-weeks of intensive training that comprehensively covers the most important aspects of English language teaching. During the course you...  [Read more]

  Absolutely YES! Large numbers of non-native English speakers complete our TEFL courses each year and go on to have successful careers teaching English either in their home country or further afield. In order to successfully complete the course you will need to demonstrate a high standard of English, but it is certainly not a barrier that will stop you from becoming a fully qualified EFL teacher. In many cases being a non-native English speaker can actually be an advantage in the classroom as you have already been through the same experience that your students are currently facing. This can help to build a good rapport between the students and the teacher as they are often less afraid of making mistakes in this situation. It can also provide the students with a real incentive to...  [Read more]

Demand for TEFL qualified teachers is very strong in many parts of the world, which is why our TEFL courses are open to anyone who has a solid grasp of the English language. However, in order to successfully complete the course and go on to find a good quality teaching job you will need to put in some hard work and be willing to embrace new ideas and techniques. First and foremost, anyone thinking about earning their TEFL certification with ITTT needs to be enthusiastic, motivated and determined as every course requires a considerable amount of commitment in terms of both time and effort. If you are fully committed to becoming an English language teacher, either at home or abroad, then you should have little trouble successfully completing the course and becoming a qualified EFL...  [Read more]

Of course we don't only study hard at our in-class course center in Guatemala! After classes... Kick start your international TEFL/TESOL career by taking your in-class course in La Antigua. The... During your in-class course in La Antigua, you will have the opportunity to not only learn all... We believe that the most important part of becoming an English teacher is getting as much...  [Read more]

  In recent years demand for the English language in Russia has grown considerably and it is becoming an increasingly popular destination for teaching English abroad. Foreign teachers can expect to earn anywhere from $500 to $2,000 USD per month depending on location, qualifications, and experience.  [Read more]

TEFL certification can definitely help you secure a job in the travel industry, especially if the position involves teaching English as a foreign language. Many countries require English teachers to have a TEFL certificate as it demonstrates that you have received proper training in teaching English to non-native speakers. Employers in the travel industry often prefer candidates with TEFL certification because it shows that you are knowledgeable about language teaching methodologies, lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment techniques. Having a TEFL certification can also give you a competitive edge over other candidates who do not have the certification. It showcases your commitment to professional development and your willingness to invest time and effort into becoming a...  [Read more]

For some teachers, the main reason for becoming TEFL qualified is to open the door to adventures living and working overseas. However, there are many circumstances where teaching over the internet could also be a great option. For recently qualified teachers it can be a convenient way to gain experience while earning money to fund a trip abroad. It can also be a good way to supplement your income from another job. Whether you are in your home country or already living and working abroad, teaching English as a foreign language online might be worth considering. Setting yourself up as an online language teacher can be surprisingly straightforward and inexpensive. Your biggest expense is likely to be completing a TEFL/TESOL qualification. While completing an internationally recognized...  [Read more]

italy has a strong demand for qualified English language teachers and offers a unique opportunity to live overseas while teaching English as a foreign language. If you are interested in becoming TEFL/TESOL certified, sign up for our in-class training course in Rome and get a head start in your new career of teaching overseas. After only four weeks, you will have learned all the skills and knowledge to succeed in EFL classrooms in italy, Europe, and the world.   [Read more]

We believe that the most important part of becoming an English teacher is getting as much teaching practice as possible. That's why we put great emphasis on practical teaching sessions at our training center in guatemala. During your four-week in-class course, you will teach students of various ages and class sizes. That way, you will be as best prepared as possible for your first position teaching overseas. By the end of the training course in La Antigua, every trainee will have completed up to 10 teaching sessions with real EFL students.  [Read more]

When we look back on our own learning experiences, most of us will have strong memories of certain teachers, and in some cases this can be for all the wrong reasons. Some teachers might be remembered for being harsh disciplinarians, having a boring monotone delivery, failing to listen to the class, or any number of other negative traits. Thankfully, many of us will also have memories of the teachers who had a positive impact on our education, and this could be for a variety of reasons. If you are planning to teach English online or in a traditional classroom, there are several qualities that we think combine to make a great teacher. If you can develop your teaching strategy to include all these traits you are sure to be remembered by many of your students as a great EFL teacher. Although...  [Read more]

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. 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 teaching style is mainly focused on repetition, drills, demonstrations, and visuals. ...  [Read more]

Turkey is famous as a crossroads between Europe and Asia and it is fast becoming known for its booming market for foreign English language teachers. Demand is very high in all the big cities and tourist resorts as English language skills are becoming more and more important in many fields of employment. It is no exaggeration to say that Turkey offers more opportunities for TEFL qualified teachers than any other country in the region. Although it is possible to find a teaching job with no qualifications, these positions are likely to be with less than reputable employers who pay at the bottom end of the local scale. Most good teaching jobs will require a TEFL/TESOL certification, while some may also ask for a degree and/or previous experience. It is worth noting that many employers prefer...  [Read more]

  Margaret from Indonesia took the 120-hour online TEFL/TESOL course and had a great experience. She learned a lot about grammar, classroom management, and lesson planning. In her TEFL review, she recommends our training courses to anyone who is interested in becoming an 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 before moving onto the next. I have learnt about the direct and indirect speech. It was great to repeat all the rules because some of them I...  [Read more]

Yes, TEFL teachers can work remotely by teaching English online to students around the world. This option provides flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere with a stable internet connection. Remote TEFL teaching can be done through various online platforms that connect teachers with students, allowing for one-on-one lessons or group classes. This mode of teaching is becoming increasingly popular as more people seek to learn English from the comfort of their own homes. One advantage of remote TEFL teaching is the ability to reach a wider audience of students from different countries and backgrounds. This can enrich the teaching experience as teachers interact with a diverse range of learners, each with their own unique language learning goals and challenges. Additionally,...  [Read more]

To teach English in France, there are several requirements that you must meet. Firstly, having a Bachelor's degree is usually a prerequisite. This degree does not necessarily have to be in English or Education, but having a background in either field can be beneficial. Additionally, many language schools and institutions in France require their English teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. A TEFL certification provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Moreover, having a strong command of the English language is essential. You should be fluent in English and have excellent communication skills. Being a native English speaker is often preferred by employers in France, but non-native...  [Read more]

  The usage of the past simple tense as explained in this video is when you talk about completed actions at a definite time in the past. For example: I completed my TEFL course last year. When did you complete your TEFL course? ITTT's online TEFL courses cover tenses such as the past simple discussed in this video as well as other grammar points such as modal verbs, conditionals, reported speech etc. making sure that you as prepared as you can be before stepping into your first classroom. Once you have completed a TEFL course and are considering your options for teaching jobs it is worth considering becoming an online English teacher. As technology becomes increasingly more available around the world the demand for English lessons given solely over the internet is growing and...  [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. 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 teaching, those being, learning about teaching methodology and learning how to teach...  [Read more]

TEFL certification offers a plethora of benefits for those looking to advance their careers in the field of teaching English as a foreign language. Whether you are a seasoned educator or just starting out, obtaining a TEFL certification can significantly enhance your professional prospects and open up new opportunities for growth and development. First and foremost, having a TEFL certification demonstrates to employers that you have received proper training in teaching English to non-native speakers. This can make you a more attractive candidate for job openings, as many language schools and institutions require or prefer teachers to have a TEFL certification. In some countries, such as China and South Korea, holding a TEFL certificate is a legal requirement for obtaining a work visa,...  [Read more]