How To Become An Early Childhood Teacher

The high demand for English language teachers worldwide offers English speakers from all walks of life exciting opportunities to live and travel abroad. In most cases, you do not need any prior teaching experience to teach English overseas. Moving to another country to live, work, and travel, on the other hand, will necessitate careful planning and foresight. Good research is also essential to ensuring that you do it correctly. Teaching English abroad, like any new endeavor, can present challenges, and you will most likely be nervous at first. However, your TEFL certification training will provide you with the skills necessary to lead your own classroom, where you will teach the fundamentals of grammar and conversation, as well as prepare lessons and manage a classroom. You must meet...  [Read more]

  One of the best things about becoming a TEFL qualified teacher is you get to choose where in the world you would like to live and work. However, if the UK is your dream destination, you might find it a little tougher than you hoped. TEFL related jobs are relatively common, but most of these will be filled by UK citizens who do not require any paperwork such as work permits and visas.  [Read more]

  Teaching English overseas has become more and more popular in recent years, whether it is just for a short time or something more long term. Make your ambition of teaching English abroad a reality by looking through our step-by-step guide.  [Read more]

Most of Europe has a very strong demand for TEFL qualified teachers and there is usually a big queue of people hoping to take advantage of every vacant position. People from all parts of the world dream of living and working in the UK and many see teaching English as a way to achieve that dream. However, non-UK citizens need to consider a few things before booking a flight to London. There is plenty of demand for English language instruction across the UK as the country has relatively high levels of immigration and a significant refugee population. Government, private, and charity run organizations operate in many areas where they help newcomers and their families to improve their English skills so they can get by on a day to day basis. However, most of these positions will go to local...  [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]

Becoming a proficient TEFL teacher varies for each individual, depending on factors such as prior teaching experience, language proficiency, and the intensity of the training program. Generally, completing a standard TEFL certification course takes around 4 to 6 weeks if taken full-time, with intensive programs lasting 120-140 hours. However, part-time courses can take longer, typically around 10-12 weeks. During the course, you will learn about teaching methodologies, classroom management, lesson planning, and language assessment. You will also have the opportunity to practice teaching in front of peers and receive feedback from experienced instructors. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing your teaching skills and building confidence in the classroom. After completing the...  [Read more]

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]

Becoming a successful TEFL teacher is a journey that varies in length depending on several factors. Here is a breakdown of the steps involved and the estimated time it may take to achieve success in this field. First and foremost, obtaining a TEFL certification is a crucial step towards becoming a successful TEFL teacher. This can typically be done through completing a TEFL course, which can range from 120 hours to 250 hours in length. The time it takes to complete a TEFL course can vary depending on whether you choose to study full-time or part-time. Full-time intensive courses can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, while part-time courses may take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to finish. After obtaining a TEFL certification, gaining practical teaching experience is key to becoming a...  [Read more]

  The difference between a tutor and a teacher is that a tutor tends to be a personal teacher. A tutor usually teaches one-to-one, whereas a teacher has a class of students. Often the role of a tutor is defined in terms of what is to be taught to the student.  [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]

  Romania has become increasingly popular in recent times due to its rapidly expanding market for qualified teachers. The average salary is between $500 and $1000 per month which is enough to enjoy a good lifestyle, but you are unlikely to save a great deal during your stay.  [Read more]

  Although teaching English abroad offers unlimited potential for travel and adventure, many teachers find that after a while they want to move into another area of the teaching profession that offers better pay, more responsibility, and more stability. One option is to become a teacher trainer.  [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]

The bottom line is that teaching English abroad is just a job like any other. If you are unhappy with your employer or things simply aren't going as you had hoped, you are free to quit and return home or look for another job at any time. Of the tens of thousands of ESL teachers working in countries all over the world, the vast majority do see out the length of their contract. However, there are always going to be some teachers who decide that the best course of action is to terminate their contract early. Whether it's due to an emergency at home, problems with work colleagues or poor working conditions, if you feel you have to leave you are perfectly at liberty to do so. For teachers who are employed on an hourly contract there should be few consequences to worry about. This would...  [Read more]

  Also in the 1970s la señal came up with a new methodology called "Suggestopedia". As psychological theory was developing, one of the ideas that came up was something called ?the effective filter?. Basically, the effective filter is a barrier to learning. It's the reasons why we inhibit our learning of a particular language. There are two main elements to the effective filter, two sets of factors, if you like, those are known as internal and external factors. The external factors to learning, the reasons why we have barriers to learning, may be just simple things such as external noise. So, people talking to us while we're trying to learn and so on and so forth. Perhaps more important are these internal factors and the internal factors one of the main things here is our previous...  [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]

  The acronym TEFL stands for teaching English as a foreign language. TESOL is teaching English to speakers of other languages. Today, both terms have much the same meaning are generally used interchangeably in the EFL field. In the early days, TEFL was more of a UK-based qualification and TESOL was more of a North American-based qualification. ESL is English as a Second Language, and is usually used when teaching English in an English-speaking environment. Some people argue that TESOL encompasses both EFL and ESL. In reality there is very little difference, if any. As the need for English language training has developed worldwide, the two terms have almost become synonymous. They are both used to describe the field of English language teaching and one of them is stated on...  [Read more]

Hong Kong – A cultural melting pot Sign up for our intensive TEFL course in Hong Kong and become a certified English teacher, ready to teach around the world. Hong Kong is a true melting pot where east meets west. The former British colony has the modernity of a western metropolis while Chinese traditions culture are anchored in its people. You won’t regret joining our training course in Hong Kong. Impress globally with Hong Kong work experience The city is of great economic importance in today’s business world due to Hong Kong’s colonial past. Major companies are opening up Hong Kong offices and benefit of the proximity of cheap labor in China and the modernity and close business relationship to western countries. Many people come to Hong Kong for business, which leads to a high...  [Read more]

Mexico is a hugely popular destination for teaching English abroad due to its booming job market, vibrant culture, diverse and beautiful landscapes, and the worldwide popularity of its cuisine. The country’s close ties to its neighbour the USA, also ensures Mexico has a very strong demand for the English language in every town and city, no matter how big or small. Although a teacher’s salary is much less than you would earn in the US, the low cost of living means that what you earn goes a whole lot further. Your income will vary depending on the type of job you secure and the location in which you choose to live and work. On average, you can expect to earn between $500 and $1,000 USD per month. When looking for a job, it is best to shop around to find the best deal as hourly rates can...  [Read more]

In recent years, Jordan has definitely joined the list of countries that are good places for teaching in the Middle East. It has one of the most progressive school systems in the region and is on target to become a fully bilingual country in the not so distant future. As almost one third of the population is under 15, there is a particularly strong demand for teachers who are qualified and experienced in teaching young learners. As well as plenty of jobs, Jordan offers stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and a warm welcome from the local population. Although it is not yet competing with top destinations in the region such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia in terms of salaries, Jordan’s lower cost of living means that your pay will stretch much further. Monthly salaries in a standard tutoring...  [Read more]

When looking for English teaching jobs overseas you will find plenty of options at any time of the year. However, to give yourself the widest choice of opportunities it is important to be aware of any times of the year that are considered peak hiring seasons in the country that you are interested in. Wherever you dream of living and working it is best to start applying for jobs at least three months before your intended start date to give enough time to make all the necessary arrangements, such as sending in applications, interviewing, applying for entry visas and work permits, etc. Hiring seasons are when a large number of teaching jobs become available at one particular time, due to the start of a new school year or semester. The exact timing of hiring seasons can vary from region to...  [Read more]

Presuming that you have already done a bit of research into teaching English as a foreign language, you will probably already be aware of the basic role of an EFL teacher, i.e, to teach non-native speakers to speak, read, and write in the English language. However, there is a whole lot more to the role of an EFL teacher than simply standing in front of the class and teaching vocabulary and grammar. Your exact role will depend on the individual employer and the environment where you are actually working, but there are several things that will be expected of you in most situations. For many teachers the most time consuming aspect of the job is planning and preparing lessons in advance. While teachers with plenty of experience can often get by with minimal planning as they will have taught...  [Read more]

Bulgaria is one of several countries in the Central and Eastern European region that have developed their infrastructure substantially since joining the EU in recent years. The market for English language teachers has also grown to cater for the high demand for English language skills that are essential for many local people who want to climb the career ladder in a wide variety of professions. Among the country’s many attractions are its famous Black Sea coastline, very affordable ski resorts, and its stunning natural scenery. No one would suggest that Bulgaria is a good destination for saving money or living a lavish lifestyle on a language teacher’s salary. However, that doesn’t stop people coming to explore the country’s culture, history and natural surroundings, while also...  [Read more]

It is possible and even routine for TEFL course graduates to start a new career teaching English online without any previous classroom experience. Due to a huge demand for online English language teachers that is set to grow year-on-year, it is perfectly normal to set foot into a virtual classroom as a teacher despite having never worked in any kind of teaching role before. As an online English teacher, students from all over the world will want to connect with you and knowing their native language is in no way necessary. As with most English language classrooms, online teachers teach their students using a method known as total immersion. This teaching methodology simply implies that no other language other than English is used between the teacher and the student for the duration of...  [Read more]

  Cilene from Portugal has been an English teacher for 12 years teaching children, teenagers and adults. She took the 120-hour online TEFL course with tutor support and videos from ITTT and in this TEFL review video Cilene tells us how, despite her prior experience as a teacher, she was able to use the course to revise topics she already knew and also learn new things to enhance her classes. While taking the course she was working with a company teaching groups of students of different levels which allowed her to implement the things she was learning into her lessons. 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...  [Read more]

  Paul from Australia is currently living in Manila in the Philippines. Paul took the 120-hour online TESOL course without tutor from ITTT. In this TESOL review video, Paul tells us that he found the course to be challenging and rewarding and had a great time completing but feels it would have been better to take the course with tutor support. Since completing the course Paul has been able to observe ESL lessons at the local international school and is looking forward to starting his new career as a TESOL 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...  [Read more]

Yes, you can start a new career teaching English abroad without any form of teaching experience. Due to a huge demand for English language teachers in countries all over the world, tens of thousands of English speakers head overseas every year to work in a variety of different classrooms. Of this number, approximately 90% will have never worked in any kind of teaching role before. Wherever you find yourself living and working as an English language teacher, you will most likely teach your students using a method known as total immersion, whereby no other language is used in the classroom besides English. As most learners are not in a position to move to an English speaking country in order to be surrounded by the language, it is the teacher's job to bring this immersion to the student...  [Read more]

Chile’s economy is relatively healthy compared to other Latin American countries, and the demand for TEFL Jobs in Chile has grown along with the economy. The market for positions teaching business English is thriving, and there is a growing demand for teachers to teach younger learners of English. Chile has lots of private language academies, especially in Santiago, the capital. If you have a well recognized TEFL certificate, you shouldn’t have difficulty finding an adequate job. Schools advertise TEFL jobs in Chile frequently on major TEFL web sites. It’s a good idea to contact these schools six months before you plan to arrive in Chile. Make sure you provide them with a professional resume that is up to date and that emphasizes your education, TEFL experience and training and your...  [Read more]

  Linda updates us on her progress with ITTT's 120-hour online TEFL course. In the ninth part of her TEFL review video journal, Linda tells us about her progress with units 9 and 10 on the course. As Linda points out these two units are closely related with unit 9 covering lesson planning while unit 10 looks at two very different lessons, one good and one bad, taught by the same 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. Knowing the different...  [Read more]

As demand for ESL teachers is continually high in many parts of the world, there are several countries where you can realistically expect to find employment at any time of the year. However, some regions and individual countries have specific seasons when the majority of hiring is done. If you have particular areas where you want to work as an EFL teacher, it is important that you are aware of these seasons so you can plan your job hunting strategy effectively. Language school season: year-round: Across much of Asia there is such high demand for English language instruction that private language schools often hire throughout the year. This is generally the case with all the most popular destinations in the region for teaching English abroad such as China, South Korea, Thailand,...  [Read more]