Reasons For Being A Teacher

  Then, we have a set of objectives and aims. Here, the learner objectives relate to what we're hoping the students are going to be able to do by the end of your lesson and quite often, that can be a useful way of writing out what the objectives are. So, we would start the sentence "By the end of the lesson, students should be able to?" and then a list of two, three or four items that we're expecting the students to be able to do by completing this lesson. The learner objectives are different to the teacher aims the teacher aims are what you are expecting from that lesson itself. Now, when you first start teaching, quite a normal aim might be to complete the lesson successfully, to get through the whole thing without having any problems. As time goes on and you become more...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video Susie who teaches in Egypt talks about why she opted to complete ITTT's 120 hour online TEFL/TESOL certification course. She discusses the advantages of completing an online course. She also outlines some of the components of the course. Susie highlights how the course has enhanced her teaching. 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 lesson covers the basics of the various different teaching tools available for a...  [Read more]

Classroom disruptions can stem from various sources, such as student boredom, lack of engagement, cultural differences, or simply testing boundaries. It is crucial to identify the root cause of disruptions before implementing strategies to address them effectively. By understanding the underlying reasons behind disruptive behavior, teachers can tailor their approach to better manage the classroom environment. There are several proactive strategies that teachers can employ to prevent and manage classroom disruptions. These may include setting clear expectations, establishing routines, using positive reinforcement, implementing engaging activities, and fostering a supportive learning environment. By being proactive and consistent in their approach, teachers can create a structured and...  [Read more]

Yes, being a native English speaker is not a strict requirement for teaching English as a foreign language, but it can be beneficial. Non-native English speakers can also become successful English language teachers with the appropriate training and qualifications. Here are some points to consider: Qualifications and Training: Native English speakers have several advantages when teaching English as a second language: Yes, non-native English speakers can effectively teach English by demonstrating proficiency in the language, possessing strong teaching skills, and understanding the cultural nuances of the language. Non-native English speakers can be highly effective English teachers for several reasons: Fluency in English is important for non-native English teachers as it directly impacts...  [Read more]

It is definitely possible to teach English without a degree. There are plenty of language schools that will gladly hire you regardless of your educational background. Even though having a degree opens more doors and opportunities, there is no reason for not pursuing your dream of teaching English abroad if you don't possess a degree. The question of whether a degree is required to find a teaching job is arbitrary, as it is for many other occupations. There is no reason why a university-educated English teacher would be more effective than one who does not possess a degree. One might argue that certain characteristics, such as passion, commitment, and the ability to establish rapport with your students, are far more important than a college diploma in this career. These qualities should,...  [Read more]

  Anna took ITTT’s 120-hour TESOL course and our Certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners course. In this TESOL review video, Anna tells that during these courses Anna learnt a great deal about lesson planning and other aspects of teaching such as how to approach teaching students of different ages and abilities. Anna hopes to be able to put the knowledge she gained through studying with ITTT to use in a job working as an English 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]

  Should I take a TEFL course in the country where I want to work? Yes, taking a TEFL course in the country where you want to work can be beneficial for several reasons. Cultural Immersion: Being in the country where you plan to teach allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and language, which can enhance your understanding of the context in which you will be teaching. Networking: Taking a TEFL course in the country where you want to work can help you build a network of local contacts, including potential employers, fellow teachers, and expatriates, which can be valuable for finding job opportunities. Job Placement Assistance: Some TEFL course providers in the country where you want to work may offer job placement assistance or have connections with local schools or...  [Read more]

Yes, teaching English in Shanghai can be a rewarding experience due to the following reasons: The demand for English teachers in Shanghai is high due to several factors: To teach English in Shanghai, you typically need the following qualifications: A Bachelor's degree: Most schools and language centers in Shanghai require teachers to have a Bachelor's degree in any field. TEFL/TESOL certification: While not always mandatory, having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification is highly beneficial and can make you a more competitive candidate. Native-level English proficiency: You should be a fluent English speaker with a clear accent. Previous teaching experience: While not always required, having previous teaching...  [Read more]

  Is an in-class TEFL course a better option? Yes, an in-class TEFL course is generally considered a better option for many reasons: Interactive Learning: In-class TEFL courses provide hands-on, interactive learning experiences that online courses may not offer. This can include practice teaching sessions, group activities, and immediate feedback from experienced trainers. Real Classroom Experience: In-class TEFL courses often include practical teaching opportunities in real classrooms with actual English language learners. This gives you valuable experience and confidence before you start teaching on your own. Networking: In a physical classroom setting, you have the opportunity to network with other trainees and experienced teachers. Building a professional network can be...  [Read more]

Teaching English without a degree is, fortunately, possible. Regardless of your educational history, there are plenty of language schools that will be happy to employ you. True, having a degree opens up more doors and opportunities, but if you don't have one, there is no reason to let that stop you from pursuing your dream of teaching English abroad. The question of whether you need a degree to find a teaching position is arbitrary, as it is with many other occupations. There is no reason why an English teacher with a university degree would be more effective than one without. Certain traits (passion, commitment, and the ability to create rapport with your students, for example) are more important than a college diploma in this career, as they are in many others. It is important to note,...  [Read more]

In today's interconnected world, the ability to communicate in more than one language has become a valuable skill that can open doors to a wide range of global opportunities. Whether you are looking to advance your career, travel the world, or simply broaden your horizons, learning a second language can provide you with a competitive edge and enrich your personal and professional life in countless ways. The benefits of learning a second language are numerous and far-reaching. From improved cognitive function and increased creativity to enhanced communication skills and cultural awareness, the advantages of being bilingual or multilingual are well-documented. In an increasingly globalized society, being able to speak multiple languages can give you a competitive edge in the job market and...  [Read more]

If you don’t possess a university degree, it is still possible to teach English in a foreign country. Regardless of your academic background, there are countless language schools out there that will happily hire you. Even though a degree opens more doors and opportunities, there really is no reason to give up on your dream of teaching English abroad if you do not have one. We at ITTT believe that having a degree is not the most important thing when considering a career in language teaching. Instead, certain qualities, like passion, dedication, and the ability to establish a connection with your students, may be argued to be far more important in this career than a university degree. However, you should still possess the right skills and know-how for leading a successful classroom. This...  [Read more]

TEFL teachers have abundant opportunities to work with refugees and immigrants in various settings worldwide. As the global population continues to migrate for economic, political, or social reasons, the demand for English language skills among refugees and immigrants is on the rise. TEFL teachers can work in refugee camps, community centers, language schools, non-profit organizations, and even online platforms to help refugees and immigrants improve their language proficiency. To work effectively with refugees and immigrants, TEFL teachers should possess certain qualifications and skills. A TEFL certification is typically required, along with a Bachelor's degree in Education, Linguistics, or a related field. Additionally, cultural sensitivity, patience, adaptability, and strong...  [Read more]

Many thousands of people every year, of all nationalities and from all walks of life, make the decision to take a TEFL certification course for a wide variety of different reasons. For some it offers the chance to earn a bit of spending money while traveling in far-flung corners of the world, while for others it is a great way to make fundamental changes to their career and life plans. If you are one of the many thousands of others who have thought about studying TEFL, but are yet to act, here are some of the main reasons why we think you should take the leap. Most people have periods in their life when the job they are doing becomes dull, mundane, and all too repetitive. So what better way to shake things up and make a change to the same old same old than by taking a training course that...  [Read more]

In a TEFL classroom, encountering difficult students is not uncommon. It is essential to understand that students may exhibit challenging behaviors due to various reasons such as cultural differences, language barriers, learning disabilities, or personal issues. By recognizing the underlying causes of their behavior, you can approach the situation with empathy and develop effective strategies to address their needs. When dealing with difficult students, it is crucial to remain calm, patient, and consistent in your approach. Implementing proactive strategies such as establishing clear expectations, setting boundaries, and providing positive reinforcement can help prevent challenging behaviors. Additionally, incorporating engaging activities, varying teaching techniques, and offering...  [Read more]

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

Yes, teaching English is considered a skilled job due to the specialized knowledge and training required to effectively teach the language to non-native speakers. Here are some reasons why teaching English is considered a skilled profession: To teach English as a skilled job, you typically need the following qualifications: A Bachelor's degree: Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in any field, but degrees in English, education, or linguistics are particularly beneficial. TEFL/TESOL Certification: While not always mandatory, having a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification can greatly enhance your job prospects. These certifications provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach...  [Read more]

  Now let's take a look at how we go from traditional spellings into the phonemic spellings. The first step in this process is identifying each unit of sound or each phoneme within a word. Let's look at bet, bit, but, and bought. The only difference in each one of these words is in the vowel sound. We have bet, bit, but and bought. Each word simply uses three sounds. Now we have photo. That's four phonemes. Wow we have taxi. That's five phonemes. We have unite with a hidden phoneme in there being the ?y? sound before anything else. Those are five phonemes as well and now we have a longer word: chemistry. Let's give that a shot. That's eight phonemes used in the word chemistry. Now once we've isolated each sound we want to assign a phoneme for each one of those sounds let's do that...  [Read more]

The good news is there is no real age restrictions on who can take a TEFL course and then go on to teach English abroad. At ITTT we do require you to be at least 18 years old to enroll on our courses but there are certainly no upper age limits. Over the years we have successfully trained people of all ages, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers as English language teachers. As long as you are a native or near-native English speaker who is keen to learn new skills and is open to new ideas, then your age should be no barrier to your success. Although a large number of new TEFL graduates are in their 20s, it doesn't mean they are always the most sought after by employers. Yes, there are many employers around the world who are only interested in recruiting younger teachers...  [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 a TEFL classroom, encountering difficult students is not uncommon. Understanding the reasons behind their behavior is the first step in effectively managing it. Difficult behavior can stem from various factors such as language barriers, cultural differences, personal issues, or learning disabilities. By being empathetic and observant, teachers can gain insights into the root causes of the students' challenges. This understanding helps in tailoring strategies to address the specific needs of each student and foster a more conducive learning environment. When faced with challenging behavior, it is essential for TEFL teachers to employ effective strategies to manage the situation. One approach is to establish clear expectations and boundaries from the beginning of the course, emphasizing...  [Read more]

  Strictly speaking the answer is no, you do not have to possess a TEFL certificate in order to find work as an English language teacher. In some countries around the world it is still possible to secure employment simply by being a native English speaker. However, there are several reasons why we would strongly recommend that you complete a TEFL training course before you set off to teach English abroad. In recent years many popular destinations for EFL teachers have begun to tighten the requirements necessary for teaching English in schools and language centers. A recognized TEFL certificate is now required in order to secure a work permit in many countries, whilst the ever growing number of teachers with a TEFL qualification means that employers in the majority of countries...  [Read more]

There is no simple answer to this question as the reasons for teaching English are different for different people. For some it is the chance to help people who need English to improve their job status and to provide for their families. For others it is the adventure of heading overseas that is the real draw. With a TEFL qualification you can realistically look for work in almost any country you can think of. Another major benefit of teaching English that is often overlooked is that it provides a huge boost to the confidence and future careers of thousands of people who see it as a major step on their work and study journey. Whatever your own reasons for wanting to teach English, you will get to travel, help other people, and gain valuable work and life experience, all while exploring your...  [Read more]

  It also helps us form our tenses. Many of the tenses will use these auxiliary verbs; particularly we have our continuous tense and our perfect tense. There are additional tenses that use auxiliary verbs. We'll get into that when we talk about our individual tenses. Another important aspect of our verbs is that they generally tell us what tense the sentence has been formed in. Take for instance the verb "to live." We could use it as live, lives, living or lived. "I live" or "she lives in Bangkok," meaning the present. "I am living in Bangkok," still the present or "I lived in Bangkok," meaning the past. Another difference with our verbs has to do with whether or not the verb is regular or irregular. With the regular verbs, in order to conjugate the verb into the past, we simply...  [Read more]

When we look back on our own learning experiences, most of us will have strong memories of certain teachers, and in some cases this can be for all the wrong reasons. Some teachers might be remembered for being harsh disciplinarians, having a boring monotone delivery, failing to listen to the class, or any number of other negative traits. Thankfully, many of us will also have memories of the teachers who had a positive impact on our education, and this could be for a variety of reasons. If you are planning to teach English online or in a traditional classroom, there are several qualities that we think combine to make a great teacher. If you can develop your teaching strategy to include all these traits you are sure to be remembered by many of your students as a great EFL teacher. Although...  [Read more]

  Discrimination Laws and Health Conditions Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace Health Privacy Laws and Employee Rights Workers' Compensation for Health-Related Issues Impact of Health Issues on Job Performance FMLA and Health-Related Leave Disability Benefits and Health Conditions Occupational Health and Safety Regulations Mental Health Support in the Workplace Conclusion: Promoting a Healthy Work Environment Employment discrimination based on health conditions is prohibited by federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with health issues, ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace. ITTT is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity in ESL teaching around the globe....  [Read more]

I. Understanding TEFL certification II. Significance of TEFL certification III. Acquiring TEFL certification in Singapore IV. Advantages of TEFL certification in Singapore Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification equips individuals with the necessary training and skills to teach English to non-native speakers. This qualification covers various aspects like lesson planning, classroom management, language skills, and cultural awareness. It serves as a valuable credential for those aspiring to teach English either abroad or to non-native speakers locally. TEFL certification holds significance for multiple reasons. Firstly, many employers, both internationally and in English-speaking nations, mandate TEFL certification for teachers. It demonstrates that the teacher has...  [Read more]

EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language, while ESL stands for English as a Second Language. These terms are used to describe the context in which English is being taught and learned. Here is a breakdown of each: EFL (English as a Foreign Language): EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language, while ESL stands for English as a Second Language. Here are the key differences between the two: EFL and ESL teaching methods differ primarily in the context in which they are used. ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching methods are typically employed in countries where English is the primary language, such as the United States, Canada, or Australia. In these settings, ESL teachers work with students who are learning English as an additional language, often due to immigration or...  [Read more]

In today's increasingly interconnected world, the importance of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) cannot be overstated. As societies become more multicultural and globalized, the ability to communicate effectively in English is a valuable skill that opens up a world of opportunities for individuals. Whether it is for academic, professional, or personal reasons, proficiency in English can significantly enhance one's prospects and quality of life. The demand for English language education continues to rise, with English being the lingua franca of business, science, technology, and diplomacy. As a result, there is a growing need for qualified TESOL professionals who can help non-native English speakers develop their language skills. By obtaining a TESOL certification...  [Read more]

  Understanding Disruptive Behavior Establishing Classroom Expectations Implementing Positive Reinforcement Techniques Utilizing Effective Communication Strategies Managing Conflict Resolution Creating Engaging Lesson Plans Providing Individualized Support Seeking Assistance from Colleagues and Administration Implementing Self-Care Practices Reflecting and Improving Teaching Strategies Disruptive behavior in the classroom can manifest in various forms, such as talking out of turn, refusing to follow instructions, or being consistently late. It is essential for teachers to recognize the underlying reasons behind these behaviors, which could range from boredom and lack of engagement to personal issues or learning disabilities. By understanding the root causes, educators can better...  [Read more]