Being An English Teacher

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]

One of the starkest contrasts in ESL instruction is the difference between the adult and the adolescent class. Teachers must become versed in the very different motivational factors, learning styles, and pitfalls associated with each group to effectively instruct English. First, the kids. The most important thing to remember when working with adolescents (and by adolescent let's consider anyone of secondary school age) is that the student would probably rather be doing something else. This is not always the case, but teenagers are assaulted by myriad social, familial, and societal influences. Their attention and priorities vary on a daily basis. Whether in a one-to-one or group class setting, the student(s) is/are probably being required to attend by their parents or...  [Read more]

  The difference between the active and passive voice is one of the more advanced topics of English grammar. Therefore, it is important for every English teacher to understand this concept. 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 learned the roles and responsibilities of being a good teacher from being a controller, organizer, assessor, prompter, facilitator and a model. Understanding the characteristics of the students and how to...  [Read more]

Teachers play an important role in today?s society, as they work hard to train the minds of the future. How can we know as parents and even teachers whether or not the needed skills are being developed? With almost any job or career that one would embark on, a level of training and observation is needed. Even jobs that a student may take during a summer break from school require some level of training and observation. The observation of ones teaching practice and skills as a teacher are equally if not more crucial. Even though the benefits seem to be obvious there is also a dark side to the practice of observing other teachers. Peer observation may be used by an institution as part of its quality assurance procedures. In this model, teachers are asked to ...  [Read more]

Mistakes are the portals of discovery. Perhaps, James Joyce had the learners in mind when he wrote this. It being an inevitable aspect of humanity, then students should never be anxious to commit mistakes because if grasp the right way, mistakes should better every man' teach him' mold him. One very critical issue that ESL teachers ever face is when and how to correct mistakes committed by students in learning the language in a way that fosters willingness to do better and furthers motivation. Needless to say, correction needs to take place at some point or another. Therefore, how a teacher corrects students holds the greatest responsibility to either make or break the students' interest. If effectively done, then students will always have the insatiable thirst for...  [Read more]

'Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun.' ' Colleen Barrett. (President and Corporate Secretary for Southwest Airlines Co.)A quote I had read as a preteen which stuck with me through the years. How we learn really does depend on our attitude. Lot's of learners, especially young learners, do not look at their tasks in this light. Students either learn because they have to, or simply don't. As humans, we rarely ever try to enjoy ourselves as we go through the process of learning something that does not necessarily interest us. It is usually not easy for anyone to approach work this way. 'Nothing is interesting if you're not interested.' ' Helen McInnis (Author ' best-seller).We cannot expect students to want to learn if they simply are not ...  [Read more]

  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 projects two videos recorded during a lesson being taught twice ,In the first video the teacher made a huge number of errors as the lesson was completely teacher centered, his attitude towards students wasn’t nice at all which actually left students frustrated and consequently hampered their interest in the lessons .In the second video the teachers approach was indeed nice, he made the lesson...  [Read more]

The 19th century witnessed the onset of the industrial revolution, given rise through a symbiosis with advanced means of conducting intercontinental trade. For the most part, it was British explorers, pioneers and entrepreneurs who were opening the gates to the outside world in search of cheaper and more exotic resources and raw materials. Today, the colonization of these bountiful regions of the globe which formed the British Empire has not only left the imprint of our culture and civilization, but also the English language. Further promoted by the economic and cultural influence of the U.S, post WWII, English has progressively become the most widely recognized international language. In our current, globalized world, the access to recourses such as technology,...  [Read more]

Mastering essential skills for teaching English in Russia is crucial for any aspiring English teacher looking to make a meaningful impact in the country. From understanding the unique cultural nuances to effectively engaging students in the learning process, there are several key skills that can help you succeed in the Russian classroom. At ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training), we offer comprehensive courses that are specifically designed to equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel as an English teacher in Russia. Understanding the Russian education system and cultural context is essential for any English teacher working in the country. Russia has a rich history and a unique cultural identity that greatly influences the way English is taught and learned. By...  [Read more]

Teaching grammar can be one of the most frustrating aspects of an English teacher’s job description. Teaching grammar can be divided into two categories, declarative knowledge and procedural knowledge. Declarative knowledge can be summed up as knowledge about a thing such as the rules of grammar whereas procedural knowledge is being able to apply the knowledge to communicate effectively. To illustrate the difference declarative knowledge would be being able to understand the instruction manual on how to assemble a bicycle where as procedural knowledge would be what you demonstrate when you actually put the bicycle together. Being good at one does not necessarily make one good at the other. Many of us native English speakers can use our native tongue correctly but...  [Read more]

Discipline is a complex issue to handle in the classroom--occasions will always arise when it is necessary, and a teacher who is unfamiliar or unskilled in discipline does a disservice not only to himself, and to the students, but to the parents, the school administrators, and, in a far distant future, society in general. Discipline is not just intended to put a stop to a currently occurring behaviour, but to teach the misbehaver why it was wrong and to show him to prevent its repeat himself. Several different methods of discipline exist, from the strictest to the most lenient, and there is a delicate balance in being an authority figure who is capable of holding discipline and having the rapport with the class that is so useful for teaching: authority must be joined to ...  [Read more]

Becoming an English teacher in Nepal is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that requires a combination of qualifications, skills, and personal attributes. Whether you are a seasoned educator or someone looking to start a new career in teaching English as a foreign language, there are certain requirements you need to meet to be eligible for teaching positions in Nepal. In Nepal, English teachers are in high demand due to the growing importance of the English language in the global context. To qualify for teaching English in Nepal, you typically need to have a bachelor's degree in English, education, linguistics, or a related field. Some schools and institutions may also require a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)...  [Read more]

1. Introduction 2. Benefits of a Flexible Schedule for ESL English Teachers 3. How ITTT Supports ESL English Teachers 4. Conclusion Are you an ESL English teacher looking for a flexible schedule that allows you to work at your own pace? Look no further! ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) offers a range of courses and support for ESL English teachers who value flexibility in their work schedules. With ITTT, you can enjoy the freedom to create a work schedule that fits your lifestyle while still pursuing your passion for teaching English as a second language. One of the key advantages of having a flexible schedule as an ESL English teacher is the ability to balance work and personal commitments effectively. With a flexible schedule, you can choose when and where you work, allowing...  [Read more]

Becoming a TEFL teacher is a rewarding and fulfilling career path that allows individuals to travel the world while teaching English to non-native speakers. In order to become a successful TEFL teacher, there are several qualifications and requirements that need to be met. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the qualifications needed to become a TEFL teacher, including the necessary certifications, skills, and experience required to excel in this field. Before diving into the qualifications needed to become a TEFL teacher, it is essential to have a clear understanding of what TEFL teaching entails. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, and it involves teaching English to students who do not speak English as their first language. TEFL teachers work with students...  [Read more]

  Gleb took the 120-hour online TEFL course with ITTT. After researching which course would be the best for him to take, Gleb chose the course from ITTT as it offered the best value for money. In this TEFL review, he mentions that the course has a lot to offer beginner teachers with teaching tips and different methodologies covered. Gleb was pleasantly surprised at the practical nature of the course and highly recommends it. 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....  [Read more]

Teaching EFL online involves all the same skills and knowledge as teaching face to face, with the added requirement of being confident with technology. Many online teaching companies have their own platforms on which you teach your students or they may require you to use proprietary software such as Google Classroom or Zoom. There are a number of different teaching scenarios that you may be involved with which include teaching Kindergarten all the way up to adults. You may teach one to one or groups and it is also possible to teach specialized courses such as business English. As you do all the same things as face to face teachers, the qualifications required are basically the same. It is true to say, however, due to the large numbers of private online EFL companies that the qualification...  [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]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word armada. This word refers to a large fleet of warships. The word has been in use ever since the Spanish naval forces lost against England in 1588. 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 the importance of proper pronunciation, despite being typically overlooked in an English language class. This includes the importance of intonation and word stress, the usage International...  [Read more]

As computer technology overtakes the world and EFL resources develop to keep up with these changes, it is important to evaluate these resources that are being used in the classroom. Teachers need to decide whether these materials are necessary or helpful in the teaching process or are they being used simply because they are available and the teacher feels pressurised to use them by students and schools alike. In this short article, I will evaluate the resources I use in the classroom to support young EFL learners and discuss their use and value.Two of the commercial resources used by the school I work in are 'Shine' and 'Way Ahead'. Both of these CD-Roms have been produced to develop not only vocabulary teaching, but also grammatical structures of the English language. Both of...  [Read more]

One of the most important ideas that teachers need to embrace is how to use large class groups as an advantage, rather than viewing them as a challenge. A teacher normally does not have any choice regarding the actual class size, although private tutoring would be the exception. In teaching classes of 40 or more, students could effectively learn together more easily by providing a humorous and cohesive class structure. Students who are comfortable and happy in their surroundings tend to be eager, excited and more interested in the learning process, which is the ultimate goal. Many discussion topics are relevant to the teaching of large classes, various types of seating arrangements being one of them. Each has a specific advantage depending on the class and the subject ...  [Read more]

1. Overview of Teaching Opportunities in the Philippines 2. Benefits of Being a CELTA Certified Teacher 3. How ITTT Can Help You Secure Teaching Positions in the Philippines 4. Conclusion The Philippines is a country with a high demand for English teachers, making it an attractive destination for CELTA certified professionals looking to teach English as a foreign language. With a growing economy and a strong emphasis on English language proficiency, there are abundant opportunities for qualified teachers to find rewarding positions in schools, language centers, and online teaching platforms across the country. Being CELTA certified opens up a world of opportunities for teachers in the Philippines. CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a globally...  [Read more]

Unlocking the World with a TEFL/TESOL Certification 1. The Importance of TEFL/TESOL Certification 2. Benefits of Being a Certified English Teacher 3. Opportunities for TEFL/TESOL Certified Professionals 4. How ITTT Can Help You Achieve Your Teaching Goals In today's interconnected world, the demand for English language skills is at an all-time high. Whether you dream of teaching English abroad, online, or in your home country, obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification is the key to unlocking a world of opportunities. As an internationally recognized qualification, a TEFL/TESOL certification not only equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of English language teaching...  [Read more]

While teaching English as a foreign language it is very important that the teacher or instructor take on board the cultural differences and discrepancies that occur between different societies. As may appear obvious, teaching English in Asia will be significantly different to teaching English in the Middle East. This is due to the religious, social and all round societal differences between the regions i.e. the cultural differences. As pointed out by Kenneth Barre in his online article, cultural differences from a teacher?s standpoint can affect a variety of key teaching planning, methodology and structure. Cultural Differences Affects: ?What students expect to hear in a conversation ?Vocabulary and set phrases students try to use ?Degrees of formality / informality ...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word meticulous. This word refers to the action of showing great attention to detail, as well as being very careful or precise. Some synonyms for meticulous include careful, diligent and conscientious. The word comes from the Latin meticulosus meaning fearful. 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 content of this unit consisted of characteristics of the different groups in a classroom, and the...  [Read more]

Teaching grammar can be one of the most frustrating aspects of an English teacher?s job description. Teaching grammar can be divided into two categories, declarative knowledge and procedural knowledge. Declarative knowledge can be summed up as knowledge about a thing such as the rules of grammar whereas procedural knowledge is being able to apply the knowledge to communicate effectively. To illustrate the difference declarative knowledge would be being able to understand the instruction manual on how to assemble a bicycle where as procedural knowledge would be what you demonstrate when you actually put the bicycle together. Being good at one does not necessarily make one good at the other. Many of us native English speakers can use our native tongue correctly but...  [Read more]

Empowering individuals with the ability to communicate effectively in a globalized world is essential for personal growth and professional success. In Nepal, there is a growing emphasis on promoting language proficiency through various teaching initiatives. These efforts not only aim to enhance the English language skills of individuals but also contribute to the overall development of the country. Language proficiency plays a crucial role in facilitating communication across borders and cultures. In today's interconnected world, being able to effectively communicate in a language such as English opens up a myriad of opportunities for individuals. Whether it is for academic pursuits, career advancement, or simply for personal enrichment, having strong language skills can significantly...  [Read more]

Becoming an online English teacher as a non-native speaker is a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity. While some may assume that only native English speakers can teach the language effectively, the truth is that non-native speakers can be just as successful with the right qualifications and dedication. In this guide, we will explore the qualifications needed for non-native speakers to teach English online and provide valuable insights into how you can achieve your goal of becoming an online English teacher. To teach English online as a non-native speaker, having the appropriate qualifications and certifications is essential. One of the most recognized certifications in the field of English teaching is the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers...  [Read more]

This marks my thirteenth week as a new teacher of sixth and seventh grade students, ages eleven to thirteen. I teach history and my class sizes range from twenty-three to twenty-seven, with a total of one hundred and fifty students throughout the day. As one can imagine, classroom management and discipline are extremely important with groups this size and with children in general. In an effort to improve the effectiveness of my current teaching position and to set the tone for my future ESL/EFL classrooms, I consulted the Phi Delta Kappan, an excellent resource for teachers both beginning their careers and those who are seasoned veterans in the field. Metzger, Margaret (2002). Classroom Management: Learning to Discipline. Phi Delta Kappan 84, 77-84. Metzger is a life-long...  [Read more]

The technology Era has transformed the options for teaching in the classroom. Gone are the days when the teacher only had a blackboard and a chalk. If available or possible the possibilities of having a computer in the classroom are infinite. There are many activities and software to aid the students in their challenge of learning a new language. With just a computer, the students can practice the alphabet by looking at the keyboard, see words used when opening a program and interact with them. As Bernie Poole stated in What Every Teacher Should Know about Technology, 'Every teacher should be proficient in the use of productivity tools. Teachers have to process many different types of data. Productivity tools (word processor, spreadsheet) are available on all computers and are...  [Read more]

Teaching English in Asian countries is a rewarding experience that offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a different culture while making a positive impact on students' lives. To qualify for teaching English in Asia, individuals must meet certain requirements and possess specific skills. In this article, we will discuss the qualifications needed to teach English in Asian countries, including the role of TEFL certification, academic qualifications, language proficiency, and cultural awareness. 1. **TEFL Certification** 2. **Academic Qualifications** 3. **Language Proficiency** 4. **Cultural Awareness** One of the primary qualifications needed to teach English in Asian countries is a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. TEFL certification demonstrates that...  [Read more]