For New Teachers
This page is for those who have never taught English but wish to enter the profession.
1. EFL or ESL
There are many acronyms describing the teaching of English. EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language. For example, if you teach English in Korea, China, Japan, it is referred to as EFL. If you teach English in the USA, Australia, etc to persons whose mother tongue is not English, it is called English as a Second Language. Teaching English use to be the domain of those persons from Australia, Canada, USA, UK, New Zealand, but now a major change is occurring. English teachers are coming from the Philippines, India and Pakistan. For example, the Korean government is now hiring Indian and Pakistan teachers as well as persons from Australia, etc, to work in government schools.
2. Prerequisites to Teaching
Most countries require that you have completed a university degree before you can teach English. The degree can be in any major. Some people undertake TESOL studies or Ma TESOL studies before taking up teaching. (TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.) Very few countries legally require any formal English education degree to teach English. However, if you wish to work in a university, the requirements are far more stricter. Korea, for example, is an exception. You can work in a university with no formal English teaching qualifications.
3. Applying for a job
There are many places to find job vacancies. For legal information about working in a new country see EFL-Law. One of the most well known job finding sites is called Dave's ESL Cafe.
4. Your first time in the class-room
Skills are developed over time. Many English teachers note it takes the first year to 'find your way' and then in the second year teaching becomes easier and you understand many more principles and issues. The first year can be difficult, but by being prepared for each lesson (have a lesson plan) it will help your classes go well. The Internet is replete with sample
Lesson Plans. According to Ellis (1998:573) "Teachers
plan their lessons by making selections with
regard to what to teach (syllabus), how to teach
(method), and perhaps, also the nature of the
social relationships they want to encourage
(atmosphere). When acted on, their plans result
in 'classroom interaction.'
5. Developing your skills
By undertaking TESOL studies, going to TESOL conferences, joining a local TESOL
organization, you will learn and further your skills. Teaching English involves a vast field of knowledge. There are four major skills - speaking, listening, writing and reading. Each
area involves its own vast area of knowledge. There are two major sections in the Asian EFL Journal you should read. Section 1, Teaching Articles involves practical information and advice written by professionals. Section 2, the Quarterly issues, is more complex and involves research into second language acquisition. You will also find international EFL conferences held in most countries, You should try to attend these. You should also read Ellis, R. (1998) The Study of Second Language Acquisition by Oxford University Press.
6. Your long term future
About 60% of native English speakers (EFL ESL teachers) stay in the profession for one year. 40% stay in the profession longer. It is estimated that about 20% of native English speaking teachers make it a life long profession. As EFL becomes a major field in the Social Sciences, it is anticipated more teachers will make this their life job. It is very rewarding and can involve you in teaching in many countries.
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