Qualities In A Teacher

  There are a number of qualities that employers of ESL teachers are generally looking for. One of these is a qualification such as a TEFL certificate. Is it possible to get a job without such a certificate though and if so, where and how?  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding experience for individuals looking to immerse themselves in new cultures while sharing their language skills. While having teaching experience can be beneficial, it is not always a strict requirement for teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) in many countries. Many schools and language institutes around the world offer opportunities for individuals with no prior teaching experience to teach English. These programs often provide training and support to help new teachers develop the necessary skills and confidence to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. One popular option for aspiring English teachers with no experience is to earn a TEFL certification. A TEFL certification program provides training in lesson planning,...  [Read more]

  This video is part of our video series on "Evaluation and Testing of Students". In this video, we look at placement tests. This type of test is also referred to as a level test. Its goal is to find out the current level of the student tested. A placement test generally tests all four skills (reading, listening, writing and speaking) and progresses from easy to hard questions. 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. Unit one is about Teachers and...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word ilk. This word describes a person or a thing that is similar to a person or a thing previously referred to. Suitable synonyms for ilk are type, category, sort, and class. 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 is receptive skills which are reading and listening. The unit does deep down to cover the important points about the skill together with how to teach the skill to tthe students...  [Read more]

  Unit 10 provides students with the opportunity to see two real English language classes in progress one effective and one not so effective. During this unit you will analyze the two lessons and gain an understanding of how your attitude as a teacher and the way you interact with your students affects their ability and motivation to learn. 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 why it is so important to know the language English. I came...  [Read more]

  In this video we'll be looking at the international phonemic alphabet and how it's used in the classroom. There are other phonemic alphabets but this is the most popular and the system, which is most widely used. You may have seen some of these symbols before as any good dictionary will supplement standard English spellings with the phonemic spellings to aid in pronunciation practice. Here we have a situation where we have what are called phonemes and each phoneme represents a sound within the English language. How is this helpful? Well, what it does is help students understand how to say words rather than simply relying on the often archaic English spellings. To illustrate this point let's for a moment put ourselves in the shoes of our students when trying to understand how to...  [Read more]

Teaching English in international schools is a rewarding career path that offers a unique opportunity to work with diverse students from around the world. While specific requirements may vary depending on the school and country, there are some general qualifications and skills that are typically sought after by international schools. First and foremost, a Bachelor's degree is usually a minimum requirement for teaching English in international schools. Many schools also prefer candidates with a degree in education, English, or a related field. In some cases, a Master's degree may be required, especially for more senior or specialized positions. In addition to educational qualifications, most international schools require teachers to have a teaching certification or license. This could be a...  [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 perfect tense and suitable teaching ideas for this tense. We'll ask our students to describe what a person in a picture had just done before the photo was taken. 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. Testing is an important part of all English courses and must be included in all lesson plans, including the possibility of the student´s need or...  [Read more]

  This video covers the difference between 'defuse' and 'diffuse'. Their similar spelling and pronunciation make them a word pair that is often confused. The word 'defuse' refers to the action of making a situation less harmful or tense, whereas 'diffuse' means to spread over a wide area. Watch the video for detailed examples on the two words. 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 how important is it to know how to teach a new...  [Read more]

  In this lesson Iban teaches the meanings and differences of 'I wish' and 'if only'. He starts the lesson with a warm up activity before covering the lesson point. He ends the lesson with activities to give the students practice using the language point he has taught. 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 contained information about the qualities of a good teacher and good student.It discussed the roles of the teacher and the different...  [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]

  ITTT's courses are externally accredited. Our online courses are moderated by the Paris College of International Education. Our website contains further information on accreditation and course moderation. Our courses are widely recognized and highly respected within the industry. Our Facebook page is well worth checking out as it contains testimonials from past trainees. 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. In this unit I have learnt the...  [Read more]

  The future perfect continuous is not used a lot in everyday English usage. However, it does come up in when your EFL students get more advanced and if you plan to teach English overseas it is important to have an understanding of the less frequently used tenses. As the future perfect continuous is not often used it can be a struggle to think up teaching ideas for it. The trainer in this video shows us one idea that can be used for the tense. For this activity the students conduct a survey to find out how long someone will have been doing something by a certain point in the future. For example: Student A: How long will you have been learning English by the end of next month? Student B: I will have been learning English for three years. To find a course that will help you to...  [Read more]

What qualities and qualifications do employers of ESL teachers look for? First we need to say that there are no hard and fast rules to answer this question. There are a huge range of requirements worldwide, depending on the country, type of school, nature of the job, type of contract and so forth. The information given here is therefore general. There are a number of generally recognized requirements that employers are looking for from their teachers. You may need one, two, three or all of the following to get any particular job. It is unlikely you will find a job without any of these: Many ESL teaching jobs worldwide require the minimum of a TEFL certification from this list. As the nature of the job, or country specific employment requirements increase, so the need for other qualities or...  [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]

  This teaching idea is very similar to the activity we can use for the future continuous. We pair up our students, give them diaries and have them find the day on which both of them are free to meet. This video shows you exactly how to execute this activity in the classroom. 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. Being an English Teacher is a great opportunity to see the world, to know new things about different countries and nationalities. It is...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word captious. This word describes a person who likes to point out flaws and errors and enjoys raising objections to other people's statements or opinions. Common synonyms for captious can be critical, faultfinding, and judgmental. 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. The first unit can be divided into two parts. The first part explains what a good teacher should be like and what roles he or she...  [Read more]

  John is currently teaching in Seoul, South Korea in a local school and at his home. John completed the TESOL course with ITTT. In this TESOL review video, John tells us what he gained from taking the course. The knowledge he gained from the course has already helped to improve his lessons and he is getting positive feedback from his students. John runs all of his own classes and is responsible for creating and choosing the materials for his classes as well as planning the lessons. Having completed this TESOL course, John is now considering taking further courses including a TESOL diploma and possibly a master?s in TESOL. 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...  [Read more]

TEFL teachers can indeed work in senior centers, providing valuable English language instruction to older adults. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is not limited to traditional classroom settings, and senior centers can be a rewarding and effective environment for teaching English to seniors who are eager to learn or improve their language skills. Working in a senior center as a TEFL teacher offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of older adults. Many seniors are interested in learning English for various reasons, such as travel, socializing, or simply for personal enrichment. By teaching English in a senior center, you can help seniors stay mentally active, build confidence, and enhance their communication abilities. When teaching English to...  [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]

Teaching English in Malaysia can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to meet certain requirements to ensure you are qualified and eligible to work as an English teacher in the country. Here are the key requirements you need to consider: 1. **Educational Qualifications**: To teach English in Malaysia, you typically need a bachelor's degree in English, Education, or a related field. Some schools may also require a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. 2. **Teaching License**: In Malaysia, it is preferred that English teachers have a teaching license or certification from their home country. This demonstrates that you have received the necessary training and meet the standards required to teach in a...  [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 focus on useful teaching ideas for this tense. A great idea to practice this tense is a picture story. Here, the teacher provides the students with various photos or images and the students are asked to piece them together to make a story 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. How lessons are taught is...  [Read more]

To teach English in Hungary, there are specific requirements that you need to meet. Firstly, having a Bachelor's degree is essential, preferably in English or a related field. This demonstrates your proficiency in the language and your understanding of its complexities. Additionally, obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is highly recommended. This certification equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Moreover, having prior teaching experience, especially in a foreign country, can be advantageous. It showcases your ability to adapt to different cultural and linguistic environments, which is crucial when teaching English in Hungary. Familiarity with Hungarian culture and language can also be...  [Read more]

To teach English in Italy, there are several requirements that you need to meet. Firstly, having a Bachelor’s degree is essential. While it doesn't necessarily have to be in English or Education, having a degree is typically a requirement to obtain a work visa for teaching English in Italy. Additionally, many language schools and institutions prefer candidates with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. This certification provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Moreover, having a good command of the English language is crucial. As an English teacher, you will be expected to have native or near-native proficiency in English. This...  [Read more]

Yes, having a degree in sciences can still qualify you to teach English abroad. Many countries require a bachelor's degree in any field to obtain a work visa for teaching English. However, some countries or language schools may prefer candidates with degrees in English, linguistics, or education. It's essential to research the specific requirements of the country you are interested in teaching in to ensure you meet the qualifications. In addition to a degree, most countries require English language teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. This certification equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. There are various TEFL courses available, ranging from online certifications to in-person...  [Read more]

As a non-native English speaker, you may still have the opportunity to teach English abroad. Many countries are open to hiring non-native English speakers as long as they meet certain qualifications and requirements. It's important to note that being a native English speaker is not always a strict requirement, as long as you have a high level of proficiency in English and relevant teaching qualifications. One of the key factors that will determine your eligibility to teach English abroad as a non-native speaker is your level of English proficiency. Most schools and language institutes will require you to have a high level of fluency in English, typically demonstrated through standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS. Additionally, having a certification in Teaching English as a Foreign...  [Read more]

To teach English abroad, you will typically need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in any field, although a degree in English, Education, or Linguistics can be advantageous. Many employers also require a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification, which can be obtained through various online or in-person courses. Additionally, some countries may require a teaching license or previous teaching experience. Having a TEFL certification is highly recommended as it provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. There are different levels of TEFL certifications, including basic, advanced, and specialized courses. The number of hours required for a TEFL certification can vary depending on the program and the country where...  [Read more]

A TEFL certificate can be an invaluable asset when teaching English to underserved populations. As an expert in TEFL, I can attest to the numerous benefits that a TEFL certification can bring to those working with marginalized communities. First and foremost, a TEFL certificate equips teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a second language. This includes understanding language acquisition theories, lesson planning, classroom management techniques, and assessment strategies. When working with underserved populations, who may have limited access to quality education, having a solid foundation in TEFL can make a significant difference in the learning outcomes of students. Moreover, a TEFL certification demonstrates a commitment to professional...  [Read more]

A TEFL certificate can certainly be a valuable asset when teaching English to marginalized communities. Here are some ways in which it can benefit you in this context: First and foremost, a TEFL certificate equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. This includes understanding language acquisition principles, lesson planning, classroom management techniques, and assessment strategies. By having a solid foundation in these areas, you will be better prepared to support marginalized learners who may face additional challenges in their language learning journey. Moreover, many TEFL programs include specific training on teaching English to learners from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This cultural competence is essential...  [Read more]

Yes, having a background in social sciences can be a valuable asset when pursuing a career in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) abroad. While a degree in English or education is often preferred by some employers, many language schools and institutions also value candidates with diverse academic backgrounds, such as social sciences. Here are a few ways in which your background in social sciences can benefit you in the field of TEFL: 1. **Cultural Understanding**: Social sciences often focus on the study of societies, cultures, and human behavior. This knowledge can be particularly advantageous when teaching English to students from different cultural backgrounds. Understanding cultural nuances and societal norms can help you tailor your teaching methods to better connect with...  [Read more]