How To Become An English Language Teacher

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

  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]

The simple answer is no, you do not need to have any knowledge or experience of languages other than English to take a TEFL course or to become an EFL teacher. The ability to speak other languages is not required as the vast majority of TEFL classrooms around the world rely on the communicative approach to English teaching that specifies that English is the only language used in the classroom. In multilingual classrooms where the students could have a dozen or more different first languages, being able to communicate in one or two of them would obviously be of no particular advantage. In monolingual classrooms you may also find that students are more inclined to revert to their mother tongue during the lesson if they are aware that the teacher can understand what is being said....  [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]

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]

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]

A TEFL certificate can be a valuable asset for those looking to teach English in international schools. Many international schools require their English teachers to have a TEFL certification as it demonstrates that the teacher has received training in teaching English as a foreign language. Having a TEFL certificate can also help you stand out from other candidates during the hiring process. It shows potential employers that you are committed to your professional development and have the necessary skills to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Additionally, some countries may require English teachers to have a TEFL certificate in order to obtain a work visa. In terms of teaching opportunities, having a TEFL certificate can open doors to teaching positions in a variety of...  [Read more]

Our training center in Buenos Aires, argentina welcomes you to join our TEFL/TESOL in-class training course. Train how to become a confident and competent teacher in a small group of like-minded individuals. All courses are led by professional teacher trainers who are ready to pass on their knowledge and skills to recruit the best English language teachers in the field.   [Read more]

Feel free to click on the links below for information regarding TEFL jobs in specific countries and regions. Many of the most popular teaching destinations are listed and we literally have thousands of employers on file from countries all over the world. Once you have earned your TEFL certificate, you will be qualified for a huge range of TEFL related jobs. There are many online resources with hundreds of vacancies listed and you will be provided with a comprehensive list of these resources after you have enrolled in the course. Throughout your teaching career, we will help guide you into the right job that meets your needs. With our well established reputation around the world, you might even be hired before you finish the course. With our assistance, our graduates have a head start on...  [Read more]

  "In this video, our OTP trainee Richard introduces the topic of quantifiers to his students in Florida. He talks about quantifiers and how the related vocabulary is used in everyday conversation. ITTT's Observed Teaching Practice courses (OTP) are ideal for teachers wanting to improve their teaching skills remotely from anywhere in the world." 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. this is the last but not the least unit. this unit focuses on the...  [Read more]

  The idiom "green thumb" refers to the ability to grow plants well, for example: Whenever I buy a plant, it always dies shortly after. I really don't have a green thumb. Because my plants always die, I don't have the ability to grow plants well, hence, I don't have a green thumb. 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. This unit´s content is about raising awarenes of the needs different aged students have and what it means to be a good teacher. Also...  [Read more]

While it is true that the vast majority of newly qualified EFL teachers start out by working in a mainstream job, either online or in a traditional classroom abroad, there are other options out there for those who are looking for something a little different. Some of these options require a certain level of experience, while others are open to anyone regardless of their work history. Teaching English in your own country: Your TEFL certificate is valid worldwide, so you can also teach English as a second language in your own country. If there are a lot of non-native speakers, for example, immigrants in your area then this can be a good teaching opportunity. Volunteer English language teaching: Some volunteering jobs are available which pay a stipend and offer food and accommodation...  [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]

  This TEFL review was recorded by ITTT graduate Surangi. Surangi took the TEFL course with ITTT because she wanted to become an English teacher. She found the course introduced her to aspects of teaching that she was unaware of such as interaction between the teacher and students, lesson planning and discipline. The course also gave her the chance to refresh her knowledge of English grammar. Surangi is currently teaching children in her local neighbourhood and is looking forward to taking the Certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners course with ITTT to help her be a better teacher for her students. 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...  [Read more]

  Amanda from Brazil is currently living in Ankara, Turkey. Amanda completed her TEFL course with ITTT and found a job just two weeks after graduating. In this TEFL review video Amanda recommends ITTT?s TEFL course for those wanting to teach English abroad. Amanda liked how the course not only covered grammar but also taught methods and techniques that can help you become a great 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. This unit shows the...  [Read more]

Before starting a TEFL course, there are several key factors to consider in order to ensure a successful and fulfilling experience. Firstly, it is important to research and choose a reputable TEFL course provider. Look for programs that are accredited by recognized bodies such as TESL Canada or the British Council, as this ensures that the course meets certain quality standards and will be recognized by employers around the world. Additionally, consider the format of the course - whether it is online, in-person, or a combination of both - and choose the one that best fits your learning style and schedule. Next, it is essential to have a strong command of the English language. While you don't need to be a native speaker, you should have a high level of proficiency in English in order to...  [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...  [Read more]

A TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) course is designed to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English to non-native speakers. Here's what you can expect from a typical TEFL course: 1. **Curriculum**: A comprehensive TEFL course will cover essential topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), and teaching methodologies. You will also learn about cultural awareness, teaching techniques for different age groups, and how to adapt your teaching to diverse learners. 2. **Practical Teaching Experience**: Many TEFL courses include a practicum component where you will have the opportunity to observe experienced teachers in action and practice your teaching skills in a real classroom setting. This...  [Read more]

TEFL certification can definitely help you teach English in your home country. While TEFL certification is often associated with teaching English abroad, it is also valuable for teaching English to non-native speakers in your home country. Here are some ways in which TEFL certification can benefit you as an English teacher in your home country: 1. **Enhanced Skills and Knowledge**: TEFL certification provides you with essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. You will learn about language teaching methodologies, lesson planning, classroom management, and more. This knowledge will make you a more competent and confident English teacher. 2. **Credibility**: Having a TEFL certification adds credibility to your teaching credentials. It shows...  [Read more]

  The teaching idea in this video is for the past continuous involves students miming an action; however, unlike the mime activity for the present continuous students will not be doing the mimes for others to see. Instead they will stop the mime before the other students open their eyes. The students will then have to say what their classmates were doing before they stopped. For example: You were driving a car. You were eating a sandwich. Being able to come up with interesting teaching ideas for what students often see as boring grammar points is an important skill for any English teacher. Taking an online TEFL course with ITTT will give you an understanding of the grammar points that you need to teach when starting out as a new teacher of English and will also give you some great...  [Read more]

If you have decided to pursue a career in teaching English abroad, it is now time to figure out what the requirements are to get you started! While there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to teaching abroad, the most commonly required qualifications to become a TEFL teacher are: Although it may seem self-evident, fluency in English is a prerequisite for TEFL instructors. If you don't speak English well, we recommend looking for another job. Non-native English speakers with fluency in the language can find work in many areas, including South and Central America, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. In some regions of the world, though, being a native English speaker is almost a necessity. If English is not your first language, countries like China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia are probably no...  [Read more]

YES. Teaching English to private students is a very common practice for thousands of teachers who live and work abroad. For many it offers a great way to earn extra income on top of a salary earned from working in a language school, while for others it becomes a full-time job once they have found enough clients. In certain situations, working as a private tutor is the most common form of income for foreign teachers. In some large European cities where language schools tend to only hire teachers from within the European Union, you will find large numbers of American teachers working as private tutors due to the high demand for English language instruction. Whether it is your main income or just to top up your salary, working as a private English language tutor can be a perfect option for...  [Read more]

A TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certificate is a valuable asset if you are considering teaching English online. Online teaching has become increasingly popular, and many platforms and employers require or prefer their teachers to have a TEFL certification. Here are some reasons why a TEFL certificate can help you in teaching English online: 1. **Enhanced Job Opportunities**: Having a TEFL certificate can open up more job opportunities for you as an online English teacher. Many online teaching platforms specifically look for candidates with TEFL certifications as it demonstrates that you have received proper training in teaching English to non-native speakers. 2. **Increased Credibility**: A TEFL certificate enhances your credibility as a teacher. It shows potential employers...  [Read more]

  This video is part of our series on the past tenses in English. We start off the series with the past simple tense. In this video, we show you how to execute a mill drill activity for this tense. Here, the teacher provides the students with a survey or questionnaire with statements in the past simple tense. The students then go around the classroom and ask other students about their past experiences. 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. This is...  [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]

  This TEFL review was recorded by Volodymyr from Kiev in Ukraine. He is currently working as an English teacher in the Ukrainian Dance Academy. Having completed his 120-hour online TEFL course with ITTT Volodymyr wants to move to China to teach English and is looking forward to learning more about China as he pursues his English teaching career. 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. This unit covers various ways to teach different aspects of a...  [Read more]