English Teacher Articles

When it comes to English teacher salaries, the type of school you work at can significantly influence your pay. Whether you teach at a public school, private school, or international school, there are various factors that come into play when determining how much you earn. In this article, we will explore the impact of school type on English teacher salaries and delve into the differences in pay between different educational settings. Public schools are funded by the government and typically follow a standardized curriculum set by the state or district. English teachers in public schools often have set salary scales based on their level of education and years of experience. While public school teachers may receive benefits such as pension plans and health insurance, their salaries may be...  [Read more]

In Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), reading and writing are fundamental skills that students must develop to become proficient in the language. Reading helps students to comprehend written texts, expand their vocabulary, and improve their overall language skills. On the other hand, writing allows students to express their thoughts and ideas effectively, enhancing their communication skills. By focusing on reading and writing, teachers can help students become more confident and competent English language users. When teaching reading in TEFL, it is essential to use a variety of strategies to cater to different learning styles and levels of proficiency. Some effective strategies include pre-reading activities to activate prior knowledge, such as predicting the content based on...  [Read more]

Online platforms are excellent resources for TEFL professional development. Websites like Coursera, TEFL.org, and TESOL International Association offer a wide range of courses, webinars, and resources for teachers looking to enhance their skills. These platforms provide convenient access to valuable information and can help teachers stay up-to-date with the latest trends and methodologies in language teaching. Attending TEFL conferences and workshops is another effective way to engage in professional development. Events like the TESOL International Convention, IATEFL Conference, and TEFLIN Conference provide opportunities for teachers to learn from experts in the field, network with other professionals, and gain new insights into teaching practices. These events often feature workshops,...  [Read more]

1. Understanding the French ESL Classroom 2. Effective Teaching Strategies 3. Incorporating Cultural Elements 4. Conclusion In a French ESL setting, understanding the cultural nuances and educational system is crucial for effective teaching. France has a rich history and a distinct approach to education, which significantly influences the ESL classroom dynamics. As an ESL teacher in France, it is essential to adapt and tailor your teaching strategies to meet the needs of your students while respecting the local culture. This article explores effective ESL teaching strategies in a French setting, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity and innovative approaches to language learning. The French ESL classroom is characterized by a diverse student population with varying levels of...  [Read more]

  If you want to find information on all aspects of the TEFL world in one convenient location, head straight over to the ITTT Blog. The blog is home to hundreds of fascinating articles written by a range of TEFL experts and our very own TEFL course graduates. Some of the most popular sections of the blog include tips on visas and work permits, information on salaries and budgets, heaps of great teaching ideas, as well as insight into the different TEFL course options. You will also find many posts related to different teaching destinations around the world that could help you make the right choice of location to suit your preferences. A large number of these articles are written by ITTT course graduates who are now working as EFL teachers in many different settings and locations. It...  [Read more]

In the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), staying updated on the latest trends and techniques is crucial for professional growth and effectiveness in the classroom. As language learning methodologies evolve and new technologies emerge, teachers need to adapt their practices to meet the changing needs of their students. By staying current, educators can provide high-quality instruction that is relevant and engaging, ultimately leading to more successful language acquisition for their learners. There are several effective ways for TEFL educators to stay informed about the latest trends and techniques in the field. Attending conferences, workshops, and professional development events can provide valuable insights and opportunities to learn from experts in the field....  [Read more]

  This video explores the structure and usage of the past simple tense. The different structures of this tense are: Positive: Add --ed or --d to the base form of the verb She worked last night. Negative: Add did not or didn't before the base form of the verb He didn't teach yesterday. Question: Add did plus the subject before the base form of the verb Did she drive yesterday? The past simple tense is used to talk about completed actions in the past. For example: I watched television last night. In order to be a confident and successful English language teacher in the classroom, it is necessary to have a good understanding of the various English language tenses such as the one shown above. The best way to achieve this understanding is to complete a high-quality TEFL course as...  [Read more]

  Before we go into looking at the actual receptive skills lesson, if we were thinking about what potential problems there could be in these lessons. So, what things could go wrong in a reading lesson? Well, firstly the students when they are reading in a language that is not their native language, they tend to read every word as a separate piece and by reading word to word it?s very difficult to get an overall impression of what that particular text is saying. Secondly, the sentence length in a lot of articles that we will get will be very long and many of our students will not be used to that structure of language. So, here it's important to have a think about the way in which the text has actually been written and will it be fairly easy to read. The final thing is the actual...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. TEFL teachers work with students who may have varying levels of English proficiency, different cultural backgrounds, and unique learning styles. This diversity can present challenges in the classroom that require patience, flexibility, and creativity to overcome. Some common challenges faced by TEFL teachers include language barriers, classroom management issues, cultural differences, and adapting teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse learners. In this article, we will explore these challenges in more detail and provide tips on how to effectively address them in the TEFL classroom. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) comes with a unique set of...  [Read more]

1. Significance of Reading Exercises in TEFL Programs 2. Techniques for Integrating Reading Exercises in TEFL Programs 3. Suggested Materials for Reading Exercises in TEFL Programs 4. Evaluation of Reading Proficiency in TEFL Programs Within the realm of TEFL programs, engaging in reading exercises holds a pivotal role in advancing language proficiency. Through reading, students enhance their vocabulary, grasp of grammar, comprehension skills, and critical thinking capabilities. Exposure to diverse writing styles, genres, and cultural contexts broadens learners' linguistic knowledge and perception. The integration of reading exercises is fundamental in fostering comprehensive language skills. Numerous effective techniques exist for the seamless integration of reading exercises in TEFL...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review Koichi from Japan describes his experience as a TEFL/TESOL student with ITTT. He took the combined course and completed the in-class component in Phuket. 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 liked learning about the different types of tests that teachers can use to challenge, place, and help students through their understanding and apprehension of English. While I find standardized testing daunting and usually problematic, I...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review, Ben from South Africa talks about his experience of taking an online TESOL course with ITTT and how he is looking forward to starting his teaching career overseas now he is a qualified English teacher. Earning a TESOL qualification with ITTT gives you the opportunity to see the world while also earning a living. 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. There are so many resources available to teachers. Some classes offer so many...  [Read more]

  Elias is from the United States and enjoyed working on our 120-hour online TEFL course. He enjoyed the 20 units and learned many new teaching skills. He is excited to start working abroad teaching English as a second language. 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 been teaching for sometime now. The different levels of teaching styles are very helpful. The European council framework is a new thing to me, as I have never heard about this...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video Kathryn describes her experiences as a TEFL/TESOL student at the training center in Phuket Thailand. Like Kathryn you can select the location that best suits you to complete your TEFL/TESOL course. No matter which international location you select you can be assured that the professional and most up to date level of training and the learning acquired on our course will enhance your employment prospects. 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...  [Read more]

  This teaching idea for the past perfect involves matching pictures of historical events with the appropriate sentence and describing what had just happened in the picture using the past perfect tense. For example: A picture of the Titanic would be matched with the sentence "hit an iceberg" and the student should say "It had just hit an iceberg". As the trainer notes in the video; the scenarios in this activity are western centric. When teaching English overseas it is important to bear in mind how you can adapt your activities to make them more suitable or more interesting to your students. Learning about the local culture and history can make your lessons more relevant to your students and therefore more engaging. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one...  [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. I learnt the importance of selecting the correct vocabulary to teach and when to teach it. There were some good ideas...  [Read more]

In the field of English language teaching, staying updated on the latest trends is crucial for educators to remain effective in the classroom. Language learning methodologies, technology, and teaching strategies are constantly evolving, and teachers need to adapt to these changes to meet the needs of their students. By staying informed about the latest trends, teachers can enhance their teaching practices, engage students more effectively, and ultimately improve learning outcomes. There are several ways for English language teachers to stay updated on the latest trends in the field. One of the most effective ways is to attend conferences, workshops, and seminars specifically focused on English language teaching. These events provide opportunities to learn from experts, network with other...  [Read more]

  Have you ever considered completing an online TEFL/TESOL certification course? Why not become one of the hundreds of people who each month do an online course with ITTT, just like Sacha from the United States. In this TESOL review video Sacha talks about her happy experience of studying the 120 hour tutor support course. She talks about how the course has given her a firm foundation on which to build her career as a successful English language 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...  [Read more]

II. Importance of Incorporating Current Events and Real-World Topics in TEFL Lessons III. Strategies for Incorporating Current Events and Real-World Topics in TEFL Lessons Importance of Incorporating Current Events and Real-World Topics in TEFL Lessons Incorporating current events and real-world topics into TEFL lessons is crucial for creating engaging and relevant learning experiences for students. By connecting language learning to real-life situations, students can see the practical applications of the language they are learning. This helps them develop their language skills in a meaningful context and increases their motivation to learn. Strategies for Incorporating Current Events and Real-World Topics in TEFL Lessons There are several strategies that TEFL teachers can use to...  [Read more]

  And now we'll take a look at a few teaching ideas for the present continuous tense. The present continuous tense is quite a visual tense. We use it to describe actions that are happening at the present moment. So, we could give our students a picture, such as the one seen here. It is important that in the picture there are many activities going on. The teacher can give a time limit to pairs or small groups. In that time limit, the pairs or small groups will make various sentences based upon what they see in the picture. These sentences may include 'He is taking a picture,' 'He is throwing a boomerang,' 'They are playing with the ball,' 'He is digging a hole.' At the end of the time limit, the teacher will ask for some feedback and get feedback from the pairs and the groupings to...  [Read more]

  This video reviews the four future tenses; the future simple, future continuous, future perfect and future perfect continuous. The future simple: Subject + will + base verb Used for predictions without evidence/threats/promises/spontaneous decisions. I'll have an orange juice. The future continuous: Subject + will + be + present participle Used for actions in progress at a particular time in the future. This time next year, I'll be teaching English in Thailand. The future perfect: Subject + will + have + past participle Used for actions completed before a certain time in the future. I'll have finished my TESOL course by the end of the month. The future perfect continuous: Subject + will + have + been + present participle Used for talking about the duration of an action...  [Read more]

  In this video Ben shares his thoughts and experiences at the end of the third week of his four week TEFL/TESOL course in Phuket Thailand. He talks about some of the course assessment components as well as his teaching practice work with the local Thai 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 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 was very insightful in how you are to engage with students for teaching vocabulary, grammar and language functions. It is important that a...  [Read more]

  This is a TESOL review video by ITTT course graduate Andreea. Andreea was unable to attend onsite classes and found that the online TESOL course was an ideal alternative. ITTT offers both online and in-class courses ensuring that there is a course to suit your schedule. 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 the English language, words can be considered as the smallest elements that have distinctive meanings. Based on their use and functions,...  [Read more]

  As mentioned earlier, our example sentence has used a regular verb 'to play'. With the regular verbs we simply add '-ed'. This spelling pattern changes for words that end with a consonant and a Y: 'cry' goes to 'cried', 'try' to 'tried'. Another spelling pattern we have to be aware of is our consonant plus vowel plus consonant. In these instances, we double the consonant used: 'shop' needs the double P; 'ship' needs the double P. With these spelling patterns, and most spelling patterns in general for the English language, there are always exceptions to the rules. So we have to be aware of those exceptions. We also have to impart those exceptions on to our students. We can do so through various exercises and various activities to end our class. To form the negative sentence here,...  [Read more]

Staying up to date with the latest trends in TEFL teaching is essential for professional growth and ensuring effective classroom practices. One of the most convenient ways to access current information is through online resources. Websites such as TEFL.org, TEFL.net, and the British Council's TeachingEnglish platform offer a wealth of articles, lesson plans, webinars, and forums where teachers can engage with new ideas and methodologies. Subscribing to blogs and podcasts dedicated to TEFL can also provide valuable insights and updates on industry developments. Engaging in continuous professional development is key to staying abreast of the latest trends in TEFL teaching. Many organizations offer online courses, workshops, and conferences specifically designed for English language...  [Read more]

--- Teaching Business English as a TEFL teacher requires a specialized approach that focuses on the language skills needed in professional settings. This includes teaching vocabulary related to specific industries, improving communication skills for meetings and presentations, and enhancing writing skills for emails and reports. Understanding the unique needs and goals of business professionals is crucial in tailoring your lessons to meet their requirements effectively. --- To specialize in teaching Business English, it is essential to have a strong foundation in general English teaching principles. Additionally, specific skills such as business writing, presentation skills, and cross-cultural communication are valuable in this field. Obtaining a TEFL certification with a focus on Business...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) offers a wide range of specialization areas, including Business English. Teaching Business English involves focusing on language skills needed in professional settings, such as communication, writing, and presentations. This specialization is ideal for teachers who want to work with adult learners in corporate environments, helping them improve their English language proficiency for career advancement. To specialize in teaching Business English, TEFL teachers typically need a combination of qualifications and skills. A TEFL certification is essential, with further specialization in Business English preferred. Additionally, experience in a corporate environment or knowledge of business practices can be beneficial. Strong communication skills,...  [Read more]

In a TEFL classroom, reading and writing skills play a vital role in language acquisition. Reading helps students improve their vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar skills. It exposes them to a wide range of texts and styles, enhancing their language proficiency. On the other hand, writing allows students to express themselves creatively, apply grammar rules, and practice spelling. Both skills are essential for effective communication in English, making them fundamental components of language learning. When teaching reading skills in a TEFL classroom, it is crucial to create a supportive environment that encourages active engagement with the text. One effective strategy is pre-teaching vocabulary to ensure students understand key words before reading. Additionally, using authentic...  [Read more]

For TEFL teachers looking to advance their careers, there are several opportunities within the classroom itself. Experienced teachers can take on leadership roles within their schools, such as becoming a head teacher or department head. These positions involve more responsibilities, such as curriculum development, teacher training, and mentoring newer teachers. Additionally, teachers can take on specialized classes, such as exam preparation courses or business English classes, which can lead to higher pay and professional recognition. Another way for TEFL teachers to advance their careers is by specializing in a niche area within the field of English language teaching. This could include teaching specific age groups, such as young learners or adults, or focusing on teaching English for...  [Read more]

Engaging students in the English language is a task that requires creativity and adaptability. As teachers, we are constantly seeking new ways to inspire and motivate our students to learn. With the advancement of technology and the changing landscape of education, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with innovative TEFL methods that enhance the learning experience. At ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training), we are committed to providing educators with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the classroom. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective and innovative methods for TEFL instruction. From utilizing gamification techniques to incorporating multimedia resources, we will discuss how these strategies can help teachers create dynamic and engaging lessons...  [Read more]