What you will learn While teaching English will improve your hands-on teaching knowledge and skills, help you build your confidence, and enable you to progress in your teaching career. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking of a career change, teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is one of the most rewarding professional journeys you can embark on. There are lots of reasons you might want to become an English language teacher. For a start, you can make a real difference in people’s lives. According to a 2019 survey by Wall Street English, 18% of professionals who have learned English report that they feel happier at work; 12% say they feel happier in general; and half of English speakers earn 25% more because of their language skills. What do English language teachers do every day? It probably goes without saying that language educators teach students English on a day-to-day basis. But there are plenty of other aspects to the job as well. English language teachers assess their learners through quick tests and official exams. They use this information to define learning objectives, and then plan courses and classes that meet their students’ needs. Language teachers use a range of coursebooks and English language teaching materials, including a variety of audio, visual and digital tools. At the same time, they find and create teaching and learning materials of their own. In the process of developing learners’ reading, listening, speaking and writing abilities, teachers also help students develop confidence in presenting and communicating ideas. Furthermore, language teachers encourage students to develop important 21st century skills, such as creativity, collaboration, leadership, autonomous learning and adaptability. These skills are transferable and will help learners in many areas throughout their lives. What do you need to become an English language teacher? Being a good English teacher requires more than just being able to speak the language fluently. You’ll also need a comprehensive knowledge of English grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary, combined with excellent communication skills. Teachers of young learners will also need to have an understanding of how to teach engaging, effective classes to children. It helps if you are comfortable speaking in front of other people, managing groups of learners, and able to plan and organise your time. And it’s important to have a friendly, sympathetic nature and a good degree of cultural sensitivity. After all, you’ll be working with people from all over the world and all walks of life. Where can you teach? Our school is in Italy, where you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn a new language too. In terms of teaching environments, there are opportunities to teach in private academies, public schools, universities, offices, private homes and online. Who do you teach? There is an extensive list of people who want to learn to speak English. However, most of our lessons are given to young learners in our language schools, or in state secondary/primary schools.