How I became a TEFL teacher

With no prior teaching experience, I completed the 120-hour course in September 2018 and immediately applied for jobs online, teaching English to Chinese children. That same weekend I was successful and booked in for an interview.

The application process was easy, and having two young children allowed me to use their toys as props and posters as a good teaching background!

Reflections and future plans

Here’s what I’ve learned while working as a teacher:

• When preparing for an interview, research and watch demo lessons online. There are often example demos on YouTube, and I watched these several times before my mock interview lessons. Learn from the best, then adapt to your own teaching style.
• Print off the company logo and display it on your background wall. Write down five reasons why you would be a great teacher for that company and what attracted you to apply.
• It is very important to be child-friendly at all times! You should wear appropriate clothing, have a colourful background and use lots of props during class.
• TPR (Total Physical Response) is extremely important. For example, point to your mouth when you are speaking and cup your ear when you want the student to repeat. Use the tips in the TEFL course, especially the module about teaching online.
• You MUST have a good and stable network connection. A Suitable Wi-Fi and/or 4G network is essential. The company is paying for reliable teachers around the world, and aside from hurricanes, storms, power outages, and other random events, you must be available to teach.
• Be punctual and fit to work. You must enter the classroom early and be prepared for the lesson. Although the lessons are pre-planned, you should review the slides before the class and have extra activities or suitable props prepared.
• Chinese children are super bright! Don’t be surprised if you have a class with both a 4-year-old and an 11-year-old or a 5-year-old who is almost fluent in English. Have some topics prepared in case you finish the sides early!
• Don’t be surprised if your lessons involve the parent. They are often present during classes and sometimes tell the child what to say. While this can be frustrating, draw on your teaching experience and focus on the child. At times, multiple siblings may be present, which can be very noisy and unruly! Expect the unexpected. You are teaching children in their own surroundings, not in a classroom environment, so anything can happen!

Good luck to all teachers looking to complete their TEFL course and apply for online work. It is rewarding, fun, and provides a great work/life balance. In the summertime, I’ll reduce my hours to fit in around the campsite and enjoy the balance between outdoor and indoor work - bliss!

Are you eager to start teaching online just like Laura? Start a 120-hour TEFL course today and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your new career can begin!

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