If you’re considering doing a TEFL course, this blog post is for you.
Or maybe you’re already TEFL-qualified and you’re looking for a TEFL internship, volunteer placement or a full-time teaching job. This post is for you too!
So let’s get to it!
Many people wonder if they would be a good TEFL teacher. Do I have the right educational background? Do I have the right temperament? Am I told old to be a TEFL teacher?
Everyone has different motivations and reasons for becoming a TEFL teacher. Some seek adventure upon graduation. Some are looking for a career change later in life. Some have always had a passion for the education profession.
No matter who you are, maybe you have some of the top qualities that make a great TEFL teacher!
Read more: Is It Easy To Find A TEFL Job?
What qualities should a good TEFL teacher have?
Do you have any of the characteristics of a good language teacher? Ask yourself these questions and find out:
- Are you a people person?
- Are you genuine?
- Are you open and communicative?
- Are you usually prepared?
- Are you flexible and adaptable?
- Do you have a good sense of humour?
- Can you be a cheerleader?
Of course these are not the qualities of every teacher, but saying yes to a fair number of these questions definitely sets you on the right path to being an incredible TEFL teacher.
But let’s explain.
No man is an island
Being an individual who enjoys the company of others and working in a social environment is a great reason to teach TEFL.
You’ll need to be able to communicate well if you want to teach English as a foreign language. The ability to explain topics clearly and constructively is essential for students’ ability to learn. Good teachers must have strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with colleagues. They ask for help from colleagues and use constructive criticism as an opportunity to grow as a teacher.
The genuine article
Be real.
If you can be yourself in the classroom, your students will love you for it.
Students are naturally interested in you as a person. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Students want to find out about you as a person.
And it goes both ways.
They appreciate it if you want to find out about their lives and interests. Showing an interest in your students and being genuinely interested will create a good, comfortable relationship between you and your students.
An open book
Being a TEFL teacher means juggling the personalities, interests and learning needs of all your students. No easy task! A teacher should be open and communicative.
Being open means being culturally aware and culturally sensitive, too. As an EFL teacher teaching English abroad, you are immersed in a foreign culture. Being aware of the differences between cultures is a necessity for maintaining a mutually respectful environment.
Make your lessons as student-centred as possible. Give your students autonomy in the classroom. It will make them feel more valued. As a bonus, it’ll make your job easier!
A Plan B in your pocket
Creating a solid lesson plan is vital for any effective TEFL lesson. But it doesn’t have to take up all your time.
Being prepared will give you more confidence as a teacher and help you think on your feet. Having an organised lesson will help you manage your time effectively so you don’t struggle to fill in the time or finish the lesson too quickly.
Any internationally recognised TEFL course will prepare you adequately for any challenges you may face in the TEFL classroom.
Be the change you want to see in, uh, your life
Being an EFL teacher is different to other teaching jobs.
The theories of learning are different to other subjects because English is taught as a means of communication. As such, the format of your EFL lessons will differ to Science or Maths lessons, for example.
As an EFL teacher you need to think on your feet to deal with any deviations in your lesson plan. Working in a language school you might be teaching a variety of class levels and sizes throughout the week. If you work for yourself, you could have an even wider range of students.
You must be flexible with your lessons and be able to adapt methods for each class. Teaching a group of 20 young learners in a class will be different than teaching 12 adult intermediate learners.
Being able to embrace and adapt any situation into a chance to learn will help you be the best EFL teacher. In addition to adapting to each situation, EFL teachers abroad should be willing to embrace new situations as a learning experience.
Dad-jokes for the win!
Learning a foreign language can be dull – there, we said it!
One thing we need to be sure of as teachers is that our students are motivated to come to class. Bringing your sense of humour and a sense of fun into the classroom will mean your students enjoy coming to class and are open to the learning experience.
Incorporate a balance of fun games and activities that require participation to inspire and motivate students.
A cheerleader
A good TEFL teacher not only has confidence in themselves, but instills confidence in their students.
When you first begin teaching English as a foreign language you’ll probably feel nervous. If you look confident teaching then your students will feel confident too. You know, the fake-it-til-you-make-it vibe.
You’ll become more comfortable the more you teach. But if your students meet you as a confident teacher, they will always think of you as a confident teacher. They will trust you to help their English skills improve.
Building students’ confidence helps boost self esteem and learning outcomes.
There are many qualities that a TEFL teacher should have to be an effective teacher. These are by no means the only qualities you need to have, but these will provide a good foundation for any TEFL teacher.
Don’t think that if you don’t have these qualities that you’re not a candidate for teaching. As long as you’re ready to work hard and have your own motivation then nothing should stop you.
Teaching is a learning experience on its own —you might discover some qualities you neverknew you had!
Read more: How To Find The TEFL Job Of Your Dreams
