Nowadays, with the online teaching platforms springing up like mushrooms, anyone who speaks English can become an EFL teacher. Even though having a teaching certificate can give you leverage over other unqualified teachers, it doesn't mean that you can't be successful with it. For many, teaching online is a side hustle and an easy way… Continue reading Do online platforms promote ‘lazy’ teaching?
Tag: tefl
The horror of teaching Young Learners
I feel like this post needs a little disclaimer, so here it goes. Disclaimer: all the stories and opinions written below are my own and come from my personal experience teaching in Spain. Teaching (very) young learners can be rewarding and a lot of fun, but it's not for everyone! We need to remember that… Continue reading The horror of teaching Young Learners
The oversaturated market of ESL teaching
The Internet is full of websites for potential ESL teachers. There's an ever-growing demand for English teachers, but the market is so oversaturated that it seems almost impossible to stand out from the crowd. Demand for ESL teachers in Spain is constantly growing. Unfortunately, so is the number of teachers fighting to get the students.… Continue reading The oversaturated market of ESL teaching
Halloween-themed B2 speaking
Happy October! As an ESL teacher, you know what that means - themed lesson plans! I'm not a fan of conducting the standard History of Halloween lessons. Instead, I like to have the best of two worlds: exam preparation and Halloween. Last year I was working with the second year of the B2 Cambridge exam preparation group.… Continue reading Halloween-themed B2 speaking
New chapter: becoming a freelancer
This post was meant to be about something else. However, as I was enjoying what I thought were my last few days of holidays, I received a news so unexpected that it changed my way of thinking and motivated me enough to change my current work ambitions. Let me tell you a story about teaching… Continue reading New chapter: becoming a freelancer
First class – what can you do?
Dear ESL teachers! You've got less than a month of holidays left. Time to mentally prepare for the first day and introduction classes. Do you know what you're going to do this year? I've said it a million times before, and I will say it again - I do NOT like first lessons. In fact,… Continue reading First class – what can you do?
Is it possible to plan for very young learners?
So you've spent the whole weekend crafting an ideal plan for your young learners. You are confident and excited to have this class but the second you enter the classroom, you feel that something is off. Does it mean you've wasted your time? I have immense admiration for all teachers who are truly passionate about… Continue reading Is it possible to plan for very young learners?
Creating a classroom community
There's nothing better than having a group of students who enjoy each other's company. On the first day it is essential to build a safe space and create the feeling of community. Last year when I was combing through the internet for the perfect first class activity for young learners. I wanted something that will… Continue reading Creating a classroom community
JoannaESL 