Teaching As A Profession

  The teaching profession is well known for its use of acronyms. English teaching is no exception, with examples such as, ELL, ELT, TEFL and TESOL. What do these all mean and why are they needed? In particular, what is TEFL teaching?  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a rewarding profession that offers exciting opportunities around the world. For teachers who enjoy working with adult learners, there are several countries that stand out as ideal destinations to pursue a career in TEFL. These countries not only offer a high demand for English language instruction but also provide a rich cultural experience for teachers. One of the top countries for TEFL teachers who enjoy working with adults is Japan. Known for its strong economy and high value placed on education, Japan offers numerous opportunities for TEFL teachers to work with adult learners. Adult students in Japan are often highly motivated to learn English for career advancement or personal enrichment, creating a dynamic and engaging teaching...  [Read more]

The worldwide market for teaching English abroad covers dozens of countries and many types of employer. In some situations it is normal to complete the recruitment process before leaving home, including an interview conducted via Skype or phone. However, in many of the most popular destinations employers prefer to recruit their teachers via face-to-face interviews on the school premises. While each interviewer will have their own criteria for choosing the right candidate, there are a few simple steps you can follow to give yourself the best chance of securing the job. It is said that it only takes seven seconds to form a first impression, so it is vitally important that you get the basics right to avoid blowing the interview before it has even got going. Rule number one is simple:...  [Read more]

  Teaching English to speakers of other languages is a highly regarded and well rewarded profession. Teaching salaries are typically more than enough to live comfortably on as qualified ESL teachers are often paid handsomely for their skills and the benefit that they bring to their students.  [Read more]

  The teaching of English as a second or foreign language is a major part of the teaching profession. It is a serious undertaking for which the consequences of inadequate teacher training can be unfortunate for those wishing to learn English. A certification in TEFL is therefore crucial for EFL teachers.  [Read more]

  One of the great things about EFL teaching is the variety of backgrounds that the people who enter the profession have. This includes the range of ages, ethnicities, teaching experience and qualifications. There are numerous opportunities available to those with a TEFL certificate to gain EFL jobs. Here we look at how.  [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]

  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]

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and ESP (English for Specific Purposes) are both specialized fields within English language teaching, each with its own focus and methodology. Understanding the differences between the two can help teachers and learners choose the most appropriate approach for their language learning needs. TEFL refers to the teaching of English to non-native speakers in a general context, typically focusing on the four main language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. TEFL courses and programs are designed to provide teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to teach English effectively to students of all levels and ages in a variety of settings, such as schools, language institutes, and online platforms. On the other hand, ESP is a more...  [Read more]

TEFL certification is not always a strict requirement for teaching English in private institutions, but it is highly recommended and can provide numerous benefits. While some private institutions may hire teachers without TEFL certification, having this qualification can make you a more competitive candidate and open up more opportunities for employment. One of the main advantages of obtaining a TEFL certification is that it equips you with essential teaching skills and techniques that are crucial for effectively instructing non-native English speakers. These skills include lesson planning, classroom management, and understanding language acquisition principles. With a TEFL certification, you will feel more confident and prepared in the classroom, which can lead to a more successful...  [Read more]

Definition of TEFL: The acronym means the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language, usually in a country where the first language is not English. It could therefore be applied to any teaching situation where the English Language Learner (ELL) has a first language which is not English. The profession of teaching is regulated throughout the world, although the level of regulation varies from country to country. This is also true of the EFL teaching sector, however, there are some differences. The teaching of EFL has two main sectors, public and private. The public sector mainly includes government institutions such as schools and higher education institutions. The private sector includes private schools and language centers and a large number of self employed freelance teachers. Each of...  [Read more]

Many fully certified teachers decide to head overseas to teach rather than stay in their home country. For some newly qualified teachers it can be hard to find a suitable job so they go abroad to gain valuable classroom experience, while others might simply be looking for a change of direction. Whatever your reasons, teaching is one of the few professions that allow you to develop your skills and knowledge and increase your experience and employability, while travelling the world and exploring new countries and cultures. If you think this is the right path for you, the next step is to think about how your CV/resume will stand out when applying for the best jobs in the most exciting locations. In many cases, qualified teachers do need a TEFL certificate. While searching for jobs online you...  [Read more]

Many fully certified teachers choose to teach abroad rather than stay in their home country. Some newly qualified teachers may find it difficult to find suitable employment, so they travel abroad to obtain useful classroom experience, while others may simply be looking for something different. Whatever your motivation, teaching is one of the few professions that allows you to develop your skills and knowledge, gain experience, and increase your employability while traveling the world and seeking out new countries and cultures. If you believe this is the right path for you, the next step is to consider how you will differentiate your CV/resume when applying for the best opportunities in the most exciting locations. A TEFL certificate is required in many cases, even for qualified teachers....  [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. This tense is used to express completed actions in the past. In this video, we focus on the structure of the past simple. 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 we look at different ways of evaluating students levels and progress, as well as some of the common external exams that you may need to prepare your student for. I...  [Read more]

  In this episode, Linda takes on the pronunciation of the word "estival". Enjoy the episode! 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 focused on how to introduce new vocabulary and new grammatical structures to students, in particular showcasing how to do so in the confines of the previously discussed ESA lesson structure. I found the text's connecting ESA to teaching vocabulary and grammatical structures very useful; I could see how what I'd...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a rewarding profession that offers numerous benefits for both teachers and students. One of the most rewarding aspects of TEFL teaching is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students. As a TEFL teacher, you have the chance to help students improve their language skills, gain confidence in their abilities, and achieve their academic and career goals. This sense of fulfillment that comes from seeing your students progress and succeed is incredibly gratifying. Another rewarding aspect of TEFL teaching is the cultural exchange that takes place in the classroom. TEFL teachers often work with students from diverse backgrounds and countries, providing them with a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures,...  [Read more]

  The qualifications required to start teaching ESL are typically: having a good knowledge and use of the English language and a minimum TEFL certification of 120-hours. There are very few other professions where such a quick entry to the job market is available.  [Read more]

In order to be a regular subject teacher in a state school in most countries throughout the world a teaching degree is required. Such degrees are usually three or four years of study dedicated to gaining subject knowledge and teaching skills. The same two areas are covered in any TEFL or TESOL certification course, the timeframe however is greatly reduced. Typically a course may take 120-hours. The teaching of EFL is therefore fairly unique in that it offers you the opportunity to enter the teaching profession in a very short time, compared to the regular teacher training process. There are a number of ways in which TEFL certification can be obtained and these fall into three different categories. Online courses: As the name implies these courses are done via a computer or similar device....  [Read more]

The TESOL profession in Australia enjoys a constant influx of students from Asia wishing to take intensive English courses. Added to this, there are numerous governmental programs aimed at helping the indigenous Aboriginal community gain the English skills they need to integrate into a more modern society. This being said, the TESOL profession in Australia is highly regulated and standards are high in both private and public sectors. The national pay scale for ESL teachers is AUD 18,000-30,000 per year. British, Irish and Canadian citizens under 31 years of age might like the possibility of a working in Australia on a holiday visa. This is a 12-month, non-renewable visa that allows you to work in any one job for a maximum of three months. This could prove convenient for any...  [Read more]

Teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is a specialized branch of English language teaching that focuses on teaching English to students who have specific goals or needs in their learning. In order to effectively teach ESP, it is important to tailor the language lessons to meet the specific needs and interests of the students. Here are some key strategies and tips for teaching English for Specific Purposes: Before designing an ESP course, it is essential to conduct a thorough needs analysis to identify the specific language needs, goals, and interests of the students. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or questionnaires to gather information about the learners' professional backgrounds, language proficiency levels, and the specific skills they need to develop. In ESP,...  [Read more]

More and more employers now expect their English teachers to have a minimum of a 120-hour TEFL certificate. Gaining a TEFL certificate shows your commitment to the profession and gives you an introductory preparation to the knowledge and skills needed to teach English. There are three main routes to a 120-hour TEFL certification. There are two main areas covered in a TEFL course, 1) Teaching skills 2) Language awareness A good TEFL course will give you a solid grounding in the basics of the English language. You will learn how English grammar works and how you can explain it. Topics covered will typically include; Depending on which type of course you undertake, onsite, combined or online, the topics presented throughout the course will be tested to ensure an adequate level of...  [Read more]

When it comes to the validity of an individual course it is not really the method of study that is the main issue, it is the overall quality of the course itself. Whether you complete your TEFL training online or via an in-class course is in many ways unimportant. What is really important is the quality of the training that leads to the TEFL qualification awarded. Essentially, the validity of a TEFL qualification is based on the standard of the course and not the method of study. A good quality TEFL course should include a number of essential topics relating to the theory of language teaching, teaching methodology, classroom management techniques, as well as a range of grammar subjects. However, as it is almost impossible to judge an individual course by its syllabus alone, how can you...  [Read more]

When it comes to teaching English in language immersion programs, the requirements can vary depending on the program and country. While a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certification is not always mandatory, having one can be highly beneficial for both the teacher and the students. One of the main advantages of obtaining a TEFL certification is that it equips teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. This includes lesson planning, classroom management, and understanding language acquisition principles. These skills can greatly enhance the quality of instruction provided in language immersion programs. Additionally, many language immersion programs prefer or require teachers to have a TEFL certification as it...  [Read more]

Joining a TEFL association can offer numerous benefits for both new and experienced English language teachers. One of the main advantages is the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field. By connecting with fellow teachers, you can share ideas, resources, and best practices, which can help enhance your teaching skills and effectiveness in the classroom. Another benefit of joining a TEFL association is access to professional development opportunities. Many associations offer workshops, conferences, and seminars on a variety of topics related to English language teaching. These events can provide valuable insights and new teaching techniques that can benefit your students and improve your overall teaching practice. Additionally, being a member of a TEFL association can...  [Read more]

If you are considering a career change and wondering if a TEFL certification can help you secure a job in a different field, the answer is yes, it can be beneficial in various ways. While TEFL certification is primarily geared towards teaching English as a foreign language, the skills and knowledge gained during the certification process are transferable to other fields. First and foremost, obtaining a TEFL certification demonstrates to potential employers that you have strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people. These are valuable skills in many professions beyond teaching English. Additionally, the process of earning a TEFL certification often involves lesson planning, curriculum development, and classroom...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a rewarding profession that offers opportunities worldwide. North Africa is a region with a growing demand for English language teachers, making it an attractive destination for educators with a TEFL certificate. In countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, there are various options for teaching English with a TEFL certification. Morocco, known for its diverse culture and stunning landscapes, has a strong demand for English teachers. Cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech are popular destinations for TEFL teachers. The demand for English teachers is also high in Algeria, particularly in cities like Algiers and Oran. In Tunisia, cities such as Tunis and Sousse offer opportunities for TEFL teachers in language schools,...  [Read more]

As a TEFL teacher, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies and trends in the field of English language teaching. There are several ways in which TEFL teachers can ensure they are continuously learning and growing in their profession. One of the most effective ways for TEFL teachers to stay updated is by attending professional development workshops and conferences. These events provide valuable insights into new teaching techniques, approaches, and resources that can enhance classroom instruction. By networking with other educators and experts in the field, teachers can exchange ideas and stay informed about best practices. Additionally, TEFL teachers can take advantage of online resources such as webinars, podcasts, and forums dedicated to English language...  [Read more]

TEFL certification plays a crucial role in enhancing job placement opportunities for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. Most reputable language schools and institutions worldwide require teachers to have a TEFL certification to ensure that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Here are some key ways in which TEFL certification can help with job placement: 1. **Global Recognition**: TEFL certification is globally recognized as a standard qualification for EFL teachers. Having a TEFL certificate signals to employers that you have received training in teaching English specifically to non-native speakers, making you a more attractive candidate for teaching positions around the world. 2. **Enhanced Skills**: A TEFL...  [Read more]

Ethical considerations play a crucial role in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Educators must be mindful of various ethical principles to ensure a positive and respectful learning environment for their students. Here are some key ethical considerations in TEFL: 1. **Cultural Sensitivity**: One of the most important ethical considerations in TEFL is being culturally sensitive. Teachers should respect and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and cultures of their students. Avoiding stereotypes and promoting cultural awareness can help create an inclusive classroom environment. 2. **Respect for Students**: Teachers in TEFL must treat their students with respect and dignity. This includes listening to their ideas, valuing their contributions, and providing constructive...  [Read more]

A TEFL certification is specifically designed to qualify individuals to teach English as a foreign language. While the skills and knowledge gained from a TEFL course can be valuable in a variety of professions, it may not directly lead to a job in a completely different industry. However, there are transferable skills that can be acquired through a TEFL certification that may be applicable to other fields. One of the key benefits of obtaining a TEFL certification is the development of strong communication skills. As a language teacher, you will learn how to effectively convey information, provide feedback, and engage with students from diverse backgrounds. These communication skills are highly sought after in many industries, such as customer service, sales, and marketing. Additionally, a...  [Read more]