My Kelsey Online

If you do not want to be tied to an individual English teaching platform and would prefer to be your own boss, you can potentially set up your own online teaching business. There are many different ways to set up your own online teaching service, although it obviously helps if you have some previous experience in the field of online language teaching. Former ITTT alumna Bri did just that and shared her story and top tips with ITTT on our TEFL blog: How To Start Your Own ESL Teaching Service  [Read more]

The best teachers I remember in my life were respected by their students, and seen as mentors and role models. I hope to be such a teacher. My class is a place of mutual discourse, where students feel comfortable speaking their minds, a place where discussion and cooperation are encouraged. I believe learning is a social-cognitive interactive process.My classroom is not a classroom of rules. Students assume the responsibilities for many of the tasks that need to be done. These responsibilities are rotated among all students on a regular basis. Discipline in the classroom hopefully follows from the students' interest in the subject matter, and a sincere desire to learn.Learning in my classroom is collaborative. While I do see a role for the traditional lecture, where I impart my...  [Read more]

  Massir is from Tunisia and has been teaching English in Omar when he decided to take our 120-hour online TEFL certification to advance in his career. He was able to use the techniques learned in his classroom and saw significant improvements. 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 about classroom management. It is not necessary to be an extrovert to be a good teacher. A teacher should be able to motivate learners. Classroom management...  [Read more]

The following paper is a variation on the “What I wish I had known before the course” topic. I have decided to focus on what I can do with what I have learned. I am not certain I will enter into the field of English instruction. In my traditional business courses, and if I enter into English instruction I plan to focus on the following three areas.•Advocate for the use of high quality, Standard English•Use grammar instruction carefully•Encourage writing proficiency in all subjects/courses When teaching English—Quality CountsAdvocating for Standard English The launch speech of Professor Koh Tai Ann, Chairman of the Speak Good English Movement of Singapore is a wonderfully crafted document that spells out the economic and social advantages of...  [Read more]

All canny religions and TEFL is no exception, offer confession and then redemption. Confess your sins of grammatical omission and TEFL will grant absolution with a certificate to prove it. Also, like most religions, it has branches everywhere. This is how most potential worshippers are recruited. For example, if you go online, you will find the cryptically named, 'Dave´s ESL Cafe´s Teacher Training Forum.' It is packed with attractive bite sized pieces of information and the usual testimonials by the Stepford Student's. From the inevitable, "Better than I could have hoped." To the unintentionally funny, "My head is now full of ideas." Further up or down the advertising food chain, is the 'workabroad' website which tries to attract its TEFL worshippers in the...  [Read more]

Congratulations if you have recently completed a TEFL certification course and are now looking for that all important first teaching position. As learning English is commonplace in the majority of countries around the world, qualified TEFL teachers rarely find it difficult to secure a good job. However, the level of demand can vary greatly from one place to the next, which also means the level of requirements can vary. What is required in one country might be completely different to the requirements in its immediate neighbor. As mentioned above, the demand for qualified TEFL teachers varies considerably and can have a big effect on where you might end up working in your first teaching position. Certain countries also have stricter rules and regulations than others, as do individual...  [Read more]

All canny religions and TEFL is no exception, offer confession and then redemption. Confess your sins of grammatical omission and TEFL will grant absolution with a certificate to prove it. Also, like most religions, it has branches everywhere. This is how most potential worshippers are recruited. For example, if you go online, you will find the cryptically named, ?Dave´s ESL Cafe´s Teacher Training Forum.? It is packed with attractive bite sized pieces of information and the usual testimonials by the Stepford Student?s. From the inevitable, "Better than I could have hoped." To the unintentionally funny, "My head is now full of ideas." Further up or down the advertising food chain, is the...  [Read more]

The following paper is a variation on the ?What I wish I had known before the course? topic. I have decided to focus on what I can do with what I have learned. I am not certain I will enter into the field of English instruction. In my traditional business courses, and if I enter into English instruction I plan to focus on the following three areas. ?Advocate for the use of high quality, Standard English ?Use grammar instruction carefully ?Encourage writing proficiency in all subjects/courses When teaching English?Quality Counts Advocating for Standard English The launch speech of Professor Koh Tai Ann, Chairman of the Speak Good English Movement of Singapore is a wonderfully crafted document that spells out the economic and social advantages of English mastery. The...  [Read more]

A TEFL course will enhance your teaching skills by providing you with the necessary knowledge and tools to be a successful English language teacher. Here's how: Yes, TEFL courses are recognized internationally, providing teachers with the necessary skills and qualifications to teach English as a foreign language in various countries. Here are some key points to consider:  [Read more]

The age, background, and motivation of the students in your ESL classroom will vary greatly depending on where you are teaching and the school or institute you work for. You could have a class full of university students, hotel workers or even high flying business executives. Alternatively, you might work in a government school teaching a class of children aged anywhere from five to sixteen. Each of these groups has its own characteristics, and different teachers have their own preferences. Just remember that by completing a reputable TEFL certification course before you head off abroad, you will learn all the skills required to deliver effective and enjoyable lessons to almost any group of learners. A large percentage of teachers working in ESL classrooms overseas will find their...  [Read more]

There are many reasons why people take a gap year and there is no particular best time to do it. You might have just finished high school or university and are unsure what you want to do next. You might already be in work, but are bored of the daily routine and looking for a break. Whatever your reason for taking a few months, a year, or even longer away from your existing life, it could be the best decision you ever made. After being away for a while you should find you have time to reflect on the past, enjoy your present, and most importantly, make well thought out plans for your future. Initially many people assume that teaching English during a gap year is simply a good way to earn some cash while traveling from place to place. However, there are many reasons why teaching abroad is a...  [Read more]

The age, background, and motivation of the students in your ESL classroom will vary greatly depending on where you are teaching and the school or institute you work for. You could have a class full of university students, hotel workers or even high flying business executives. Alternatively, you might work in a government school teaching a class of children aged anywhere from five to sixteen. Each of these groups has its own characteristics, and different teachers have their own preferences. Just remember that by completing a reputable TEFL certification course before you head off abroad, you will learn all the skills required to deliver effective and enjoyable lessons to almost any group of learners. A large percentage of teachers working in ESL classrooms overseas will find their...  [Read more]

Verifying your TEFL certificate is important for several reasons: Verifying a TEFL certificate is important for various reasons: To verify the authenticity of your TEFL certificate, you can follow these steps: Check for Accreditation: Ensure that the institution where you obtained your TEFL certificate is accredited by a recognized accrediting body in the field of English language teaching, such as ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training) or TESL Canada. Verify with the Issuing Institution: Contact the institution or organization that issued your TEFL certificate and request verification directly from them. They should be able to confirm the authenticity of your certificate and provide any necessary documentation. Online Verification: Some institutions offer online...  [Read more]

Yes, you may need some equipment for your TEFL course, depending on the format of the course and the requirements of the provider. Here are some common items you might need: Essential equipment items required for a TEFL course: Yes, there are specific technology requirements for a TEFL course. Yes, there are some common materials and tools recommended for a TEFL course.  [Read more]

Options for your children's education can vary depending on your preferences and location. Here are some common choices available for your children: There are several types of schools available for children's education, each with its own characteristics and focus: To choose the best educational option for your children, consider the following factors: Homeschooling vs. Traditional Schooling for Children: Homeschooling and traditional schooling both have their advantages, and the choice between the two often depends on the individual needs and preferences of the child and their family. Here are some benefits of homeschooling compared to traditional schooling:  [Read more]

For your children's education, you will have various options to consider. Each option caters to different learning styles, preferences, and needs, providing flexibility and diversity in education. Here are some common options available: Yes, there are alternative education options besides traditional schooling. Alternative education options offer different approaches to learning outside of the traditional classroom setting. These options can cater to various learning styles, preferences, and needs of students. Some common alternative education options include:  [Read more]

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

The business world has been my world throughout my career. I've been involved in virtually every aspect of it: from being a laborer digging ditches in the hot sun, to giving major presentations before company brass in elaborate boardrooms while wearing a 3-piece suit. I've been on both sides of the desk, with domestic and international firms, large and small. There have been many things learned, and one of them is the importance of 'relationship'. In the sales arena, it is well known that a purchase is made from a friend. That is, relationship is key. After all, business is all about money, about survival of the company, and that means making a profit. It's a simple arithmetic dynamic:Income less expenses = 'the bottom line'That bottom line must be a positive number for...  [Read more]

In many countries, the typical contract length for TEFL teachers varies depending on the type of institution and the local regulations. Here are some general guidelines to consider: Contract renewal options in TEFL teaching contracts vary depending on the employer and the specific terms of the contract. Here are some common contract renewal options available: Contract length can impact employee benefits in various ways. Here are some key points to consider: Yes, the contract length can often be negotiated with the employer before accepting a teaching position. Negotiating the contract length can be beneficial for both the teacher and the employer, as it allows for a more tailored agreement that meets the needs of both parties. Here are some key points to consider when negotiating the...  [Read more]

Yes, cultural awareness and language skills can significantly help you find a job in the TEFL/TESOL field. Cultural awareness and language skills are highly valued in the TEFL/TESOL industry due to the diverse nature of English language learners worldwide. Here's how these skills can benefit you in finding a job: Cultural awareness can benefit you in your job search in the following ways: Language skills play a crucial role in securing employment, especially in a globalized world where communication across borders is essential. Here are some key points to consider: Language skills are often listed as a requirement in job postings across various industries, showing the importance employers place on candidates being able to communicate effectively. Proficiency in a second language can open...  [Read more]

Yes, there can be consequences if you cancel your TEFL contract early. Terminating a contract before its completion may lead to various repercussions, depending on the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement. Here are some common consequences of canceling a TEFL contract prematurely: If you terminate your TEFL contract before it ends, there are several potential consequences to consider: Penalties for ending a TEFL contract prematurely can vary depending on the terms of your specific contract and the policies of the institution you are working for. Here are some common penalties you may face: Yes, there can be repercussions for breaking a TEFL contract before its completion. When a teacher breaks a TEFL contract before its completion, several repercussions may occur, depending on...  [Read more]

If you are thinking about teaching English abroad, you may well have wondered whether you should take a TEFL certification course at home or wait until you head overseas. There are pros and cons relating to either choice, but here we look at the main arguments in favour of completing your TEFL training before leaving your home country. Yes, in many of the most popular countries for teaching English abroad jobs are routinely organized from within your own country. In this scenario you will have an interview via phone or webcam from home. If you are then offered the job you will often have to send off a range of documents that are required for the employer to organise your visa, or you may organise this on arrival in some cases. This method of recruitment is most popular in Asia, where it is...  [Read more]

  The first part of my study phase is going to be the board work and I'm going to use the information that I generated in the elicitation part of my engage phase to move on to the actual board work. What I'm going to do is to show the structure of this particular tense. So, the phase study I'm expecting to take about ten minutes on this particular part and, again, the interaction will mainly be the students talking to me. So, how am I going to achieve that with this information? Well, we could ask the students to have a look at the sentences themselves and to tell us what they can see. If we look at each of the first words in here, then at this level, I should hopefully be able to elicit from my students what each of these words have in common and they may well give an answer that...  [Read more]

Yes, typically teachers are responsible for covering their own airfare when teaching English abroad. When considering teaching English abroad, it's important to keep in mind that airfare expenses are usually the responsibility of the teacher. Here are a few key points to consider regarding airfare when teaching English abroad: Employers typically cover a range of expenses when hiring teachers to teach English abroad. These expenses can vary depending on the employer, country, and specific job contract, but some common ones include: Airfare inclusion in a teaching contract abroad can be influenced by various factors: Yes, there are several ways to offset the cost of airfare when pursuing a teaching opportunity abroad.  [Read more]

Yes, having a TEFL certificate can help your CV/resume stand out, especially for English language teaching positions. Obtaining a TEFL certificate demonstrates to potential employers that you have received specific training in teaching English as a foreign language, which can set you apart from other candidates. Here are some reasons why a TEFL certificate can enhance your CV/resume: A TEFL certificate is highly important for teaching English abroad as it provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. Here are some key points to consider regarding the importance of a TEFL certificate: Having a TEFL certificate on your CV/resume can significantly enhance your qualifications and open up various opportunities in the field of English...  [Read more]

Once you have secured a place on one of our in-class TEFL certification courses you will receive extensive information regarding all aspects of the course, including accommodation. The course fee does not typically cover your accommodation, so you will need to factor the cost of housing for the four weeks of your training into your overall budget. Your options will vary from one location to the next, but you can rest assured that we only recommend accommodation providers that have been thoroughly checked for comfort and value for money. Details of our recommended options can be found on each individual course location page, however, below is a brief overview of the most common options available. One of the more common options is to stay in an apartment that is shared with other trainees on...  [Read more]

Yes, you will get real-world teaching experience during your TEFL course in Thailand. During a TEFL course in Thailand, you can expect to gain practical teaching experience through various means, such as: Real-world teaching experience in Thailand can significantly enhance your TEFL training in several ways: Yes, there are opportunities to practice teaching with local students as part of a TEFL course in Thailand. TEFL courses in Thailand often include practical teaching components where trainees can gain valuable hands-on experience working with local students. This teaching practice is typically conducted in real classroom settings, allowing participants to apply the teaching theory they have learned in a practical context. Here are some key points regarding teaching practice in a TEFL...  [Read more]

Yes, your gender may impact where you can get a TEFL job. Gender may play a role in the availability of TEFL jobs in certain regions or institutions due to cultural norms, societal expectations, or legal regulations. Here are some points to consider: Gender diversity can have an impact on TEFL job opportunities in various ways: Yes, some TEFL positions may have gender-specific requirements, especially in certain cultural contexts. In many countries, gender norms play a significant role in education, leading to specific preferences for male or female teachers. Here are some common gender-specific requirements for TEFL positions: Certain countries may have restrictions on hiring based on gender for TEFL jobs due to cultural, societal, or legal reasons. While gender discrimination is...  [Read more]

The program in Israel covers various locations throughout the country for teaching English as a foreign language. Here are some key points to consider regarding locations and placements in Israel: In Israel, there are various placement options available for TEFL/TESOL program participants, providing a diverse range of teaching experiences. Here is an overview of the different placement options in Israel: The program determines the placement locations in Israel based on various factors to ensure a successful teaching experience for participants. Here is how the placement process typically works: Yes, it is possible to request a specific location for your placement in Israel when completing a TEFL/TESOL course. However, it is important to note that the availability of placements in specific...  [Read more]

Yes, having a TEFL certificate can enhance your CV/resume and make you a more competitive candidate for English teaching positions both domestically and internationally. Obtaining a TEFL certificate demonstrates to potential employers that you have received training in teaching English as a foreign language, which can set you apart from other candidates. Here are some ways in which having a TEFL certificate can benefit your CV/resume: Yes, a TEFL certificate is a valuable addition to your CV/resume. Obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate can significantly enhance your CV/resume and provide you with various benefits in the field of English language teaching. Here are some reasons why a TEFL certificate is a valuable addition: A TEFL certificate can...  [Read more]