Teaching English in Izmir, Turkey: Bianka’s story
This journey is of immense value to me, and I am eager to share it with you, especially my experience in acquiring the TEFL certificate
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Introduction
I am Bianka, an English teacher and teacher trainer. With over a decade of experience, my profound interests lie in teaching English and playing volleyball. This journey is of immense value to me, and I am eager to share it with you, especially my experience in acquiring the TEFL certificate.
Why I chose TEFL
Reflecting on my teaching journey, I discovered my passion for teaching at the age of 10, using dolls as pretend students.
I decided to pursue a TEFL certification despite having extensive teaching experience because my teaching style underwent a complete transformation after the COVID-19 pandemic. As a self-employed teacher, I established my own Instagram page to conduct online English classes through various platforms, engaging with students globally through placement tests and interviews.
While the idea of getting a TEFL certification had crossed my mind before, the cost had always been a deterrent. However, one day, I took the leap and applied for the certification with the main motivation of becoming a recognised international English teacher. I aimed to utilise the latest teaching methods and share my knowledge with fellow teachers and students.
Ultimately, my venture into teaching English in Turkey unfolded as I pursued my dream of teaching abroad.
How I became a TEFL teacher
It all began when I decided to obtain my TEFL certification after 11 years of teaching experience.
Before I got TEFL certified, I had a completely different perspective on teaching. I used to think that I had a thorough knowledge of teaching and was up-to-date with the latest techniques. However, I realised that this was not entirely true when I started the TEFL course.
It served as a wake-up call and made me realise that I had forgotten a lot about teaching methods and needed to update my knowledge and skills. The TEFL course helped me to re-learn and update my teaching knowledge and techniques, which has been extremely valuable in my career.
Where I went and what I did
In April 2023, while studying for my TEFL certification, an intriguing incident occurred during my hotel stay. Some teenagers approached me speaking Turkish, and upon learning I was an English teacher, expressed a desire for physical English classes. Teaching them became a fascinating and challenging experience.
Our English classes started three times a week, in the evenings. The experience was amazing; the students were eager learners, and our group expanded from two to seven within a week. Delighted with our growing community, I gained valuable teaching experience while earning money.
Upon completing my TEFL certification, I chose to stay in Izmir for three more months, teaching both online and physical English classes. Unfortunately, some students left Izmir, but we continued our classes online. Teaching for three months in Turkey was an interesting and rewarding experience. Eventually, I had to return to Iran, but I maintained contact with my students, continuing our classes online.
Reflection and future plans
A significant benefit of obtaining my TEFL certification was the increased opportunities it opened up for teaching in different countries. I even began receiving recognition as an international English teacher, achieving my primary goal. I also commenced teaching online classes for companies worldwide, spanning countries likenTurkey, Canada, China, and Korea. My heightened social media visibility facilitated more collaborations and opportunities to create educational videos with fellow teachers too.Previously, I was not actively engaged in my professional development as an English teacher. This means that I wasn't seeking out new methods of teaching, reading teaching books, or adopting new approaches to teaching. However, after taking the TEFL course, I realised the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. I started to schedule time to read teaching books and research new teaching methods, which has had a very positive impact on my teaching abilities. This experience was truly beneficial for me as an English teacher.
I also noticed significant improvements in my understanding of essay writing. As an educator, it's easy to overlook the importance of keeping certain skills and knowledge up-to-date, such as essay writing, punctuation, and grammar. However, the TEFL course effectively reminded me of the necessity to continually refresh and refine these competencies. It enhanced my comprehension of essay writing structures, techniques, and best practices, along with proper punctuation and grammar usage. This not only benefits my professional development but also ensures that I can effectively guide and support my students in their learning journey.
You can find me on Instagram at @englishbianka and on LinkedIn. Feel free to reach out on either platform if you have any questions or would like to connect.
Are you interested in taking your teaching talents overseas? Find out more about teaching English abroad through The TEFL Org.
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