How I became a teacher

Firstly, the course is split into three sections: grammar, TEFL methodology, and videos (these are examples of classes conducted by TEFL teachers for you to analyse). The modules are relatively challenging but incredibly thorough, so don’t worry if you’re slow on the uptake (you can take as long or as little as you like, which means there is plenty of time to revise between modules!). Small end-of-module tests and the occasional assignment test your knowledge. These are marked by your personal tutor, who is there to grade your work and advise on many teaching practices. My tutor was Thomas, who I can sincerely say pulled out all the stops to guide and support me (cheers, dude!)

How did I find the course? Even though I am a native English speaker, I would say that I found some modules difficult to retain. English is complicated, and if you are at the disadvantage of not knowing another language, it can be quite confusing. I invested in a small but necessary notebook which has aided me well throughout the TEFL and will be portable to the schools when I start teaching.

In addition to the 100 hours of online tuition, the course includes a 20-hour face-to-face teaching weekend. Hand on heart, I found this weekend totally and utterly inspiring: our teacher, Alex, was enthusiastic, clear and organised. You have the option to do these 20 hours at any point in your 6-month course, but I recommend taking the classes after you have completed the 100 hours online. 

The practical teaching time forced me to draw on the knowledge I had already acquired and consolidate my understanding rather than reveal that I had no idea what a gerund was. The group I was with for the 20 hours was fun, bubbly, and supportive, which certainly helped! A few numbers and email addresses were swapped at the end, so who knows when we may meet again!