TESOL Planet | TESOL Articles

10 Easy Tips to Communicating Across Cultures

Ten Tips for Cross Cultural Communication As our world becomes smaller through innovative technology and international business, effective cross-cultural communicating ski

Effectively Engaging Teachers - 5 Strategies For Successful Staff Deve

Effectively Engaging Teachers - 5 Strategies For Successful Staff Development I really enjoy working with teachers. They are creative, and most teachers absolutely love to learn.

Schools and the Need For Educational Indicators

In considering schools, we need to value the fact that they are not on the regular platform of making and delivering goods or services to the public and hence are

Warmers for Adult Classes

‘Always do a warmer’ is a standard part of the EFL mantra, but why should we do them and what type of activity should they be? The rationale for doing a warmer: * The ice breaker. Often recommended with new students and classes but it actually applies to all students. People will communicate mor

Reflections on Standard English in EFL CLassrooms

Reflections on Standard English in EFL classroom To be unable to write Standard English or to use its spoken forms in appropriate public contexts is to be disenfranchised, to be deprived of true citizenship…. Where it is appropriate to use the standard, you see it but there are many uses wher

Financing Your Future: How to Economize and Save in Modern China

How to save for the future on an English teacher's salary.

TESOL - Teaching English as a Second Language

So, how do you become a TESOL teacher? The answers are many and various and range from strapping on a backpack and buying a plane ticket to an exotic destination, or choosing a TESOL Training course to better prepare, all the way through to taking a Master's degree.

Regardless of your route, you will learn that TESOL teaching is a practical skill that is continually improved as you teach. As such, you will find that no matter how in-depth your TESOL training was, you will feel pretty overwhelmed when you encounter your first real learners. Don't panic, you'll quickly get better with teaching practice. And don’t get discouraged because even these most experienced TESOL teachers have bad days.

The key to effective TESOL teaching is to develop an awareness of how a TESOL lesson is being received. Is the topic too easy or too difficult? Are the students interested or bored? You should have some sort of plan for every TESOL lesson. In other words, have a plan as to what you want to achieve and what you want your students to take away from their TESOL lesson. However, if a lesson isn't working, don't be afraid to improvise according to the needs of the moment. It is always a good idea to have a backup plan in case things don’t go as expected!

TESOL Teacher Training

I can't over-emphasize that TESOL teaching is something you learn by doing. However, TESOL teacher training courses are useful, as they will introduce you to a range of techniques that you can employ to help your English language learners succeed. A good TESOL course will also teach you about the more technical aspects of language such as rules of grammar, phonetics etc. In other words, all the things we do as native English speakers without thinking, but can't necessarily explain why its done that way. If you've completed a recognized TESOL Training Course it will make you much more marketable to potential employers and private students, simply by showing you're serious about TESOL teaching. There are many TESOL training options out there, both online and face-to-face. Pick the teacher training option that is best for you. TESOL courses which include actual teaching practice with real TESOL students is a benefit. This is helpful because when you graduate you are not only qualified but experienced too.

Finding a TESOL Job

TESOL teachers have several TESOL employment options. They can be employed by a school, teach privately or - as many do - combine the two.

There are different kinds of TESOL schools. These include private English schools, schools and colleges in mainstream education. When applying for TESOL jobs, try to sell yourself as much as possible with your resume. Don't only state your TESOL qualifications and experience, but include absolutely anything that may be relevant, such as previous training experience, private tutoring, or teaching assistant. Be prepared to do some sample teaching, or even give a free, observed, trial lesson when you attend a TESOL school for interview.

Teaching English should be fun. As an English teacher you have the opportunity to travel anywhere, giving back to the people you meet. You will meet many interesting and wonderful people (and a few difficult ones too). Language is learned best when the learners are having fun, and learners are most likely to have fun when the teacher is enjoying what they do. Enjoy yourself and your TESOL Planet adventure!