Teacher Job Description Template

At ittt we are dedicated to providing all the support you need throughout your TEFL career. We are always available to offer advice on everything from which course to apply for, right through to the application process for the jobs of your choice. Our support services are available for as long as you need us, even after you have completed your certification. Once you have earned your TEFL certificate and find yourself teaching in your own classroom, we will still be available for support and advice wherever you are in the world. You can contact us at any time for help on any subject, including practical assistance with things such as lesson plans and job contracts etc. As practicing teachers ourselves we are well aware of how intimidating your first job in an unfamiliar country can be....  [Read more]

There are a number of EFL teaching scenarios that involve tutoring. The most obvious is that of one-to-one teaching. This can take place in a school, a language center, at a business or privately. Regardless of the teaching scenario, the route to becoming a TEFL tutor is basically the same as becoming a TEFL teacher. In general there are three ways to gain the certification required to become a TEFL tutor. They all involve a course with a minimum of 120 hours of training. This can be done from anywhere in the world with a computer and an internet connection. Typical 120-hour courses give you up to six months to complete the course, working at your own pace. These courses will cover the main aspects of EFL teaching, those being, learning about teaching methodology and learning how to teach...  [Read more]

After completing a TEFL certification course and working as an English language teacher, some people look to branch out into other avenues of the teaching profession in order to gain more experience or to earn a higher salary. One such route is to become a TEFL trainer. Teaching people to become classroom teachers can be a very rewarding and well paid job and a route into management positions or even setting up your own language school. The first and most obvious requirement is to successfully complete a TEFL course. This experience will give you the basic knowledge you need to teach English and also a valuable insight into what it takes to be a good teacher trainer. Crucially, it is not necessary to be at the top of the class when taking your course, as many of the best teacher trainers...  [Read more]

If you want to teach English in Europe you will find that most jobs are secured following a face to face interview. If you would like to have a teaching job organised before you leave home, a government placement program might be a good option for you. The following are the most popular programs of their kind in Europe. The TAPIF Program, short for Teaching Assistant Program in France, is a government initiative that places applicants into French state schools to work as teaching assistants. The program provides a great opportunity to live and work in a country where long-stay visas can be difficult to secure for non-EU citizens. For those who meet the necessary criteria, the TAPIF Program could be the perfect way to fulfil your dream of living and working in France. The program is...  [Read more]

The worldwide market for English language teaching is huge, with over 250,000 teachers employed every year. The level of pay and other benefits varies considerably from job to job, however, there are some countries where employers routinely pay for your flight up-front or reimburse the fare once you arrive. In some cases you might be expected to complete a probationary period before receiving any cash, but if you see out your contract you should also have your return flight taken care of or at least a large portion of it. This vast and diverse country is home to the largest and fastest growing English teaching job market in the world, with over 50,000 positions taken by foreigners every year. A large percentage of these positions are likely to come with a benefit package that includes...  [Read more]

Bulgaria is one of several countries in the Central and Eastern European region that have developed their infrastructure substantially since joining the EU in recent years. The market for English language teachers has also grown to cater for the high demand for English language skills that are essential for many local people who want to climb the career ladder in a wide variety of professions. Among the country’s many attractions are its famous Black Sea coastline, very affordable ski resorts, and its stunning natural scenery. No one would suggest that Bulgaria is a good destination for saving money or living a lavish lifestyle on a language teacher’s salary. However, that doesn’t stop people coming to explore the country’s culture, history and natural surroundings, while also...  [Read more]

Teaching English in South Korea has become increasingly popular over the last decade and it is no secret that the country offers some of the best salaries for foreign teachers to be found anywhere in the world. English teachers in Korea can expect to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 US per month and it is certainly possible to save up to half of this depending on your lifestyle. On top of the basic salary you can also expect other benefits such as paid airfares, free housing and an end of contract bonus. Unsurprisingly, the high salaries and good benefits on offer have led to a high level of competition for the best jobs. If you have any teaching qualifications and experience in the classroom, you will find you have the pick of the available jobs. However, thanks to a continually high...  [Read more]

Many fully certified teachers choose to teach abroad rather than stay in their home country. Some newly qualified teachers may find it difficult to find suitable employment, so they travel abroad to obtain useful classroom experience, while others may simply be looking for something different. Whatever your motivation, teaching is one of the few professions that allows you to develop your skills and knowledge, gain experience, and increase your employability while traveling the world and seeking out new countries and cultures. If you believe this is the right path for you, the next step is to consider how you will differentiate your CV/resume when applying for the best opportunities in the most exciting locations. A TEFL certificate is required in many cases, even for qualified teachers....  [Read more]

Job interviews are notorious for causing anxiety, but if you know what to expect and you prepare accordingly you should find they are not as bad as you are expecting. The essential nature of any interview is to show that you are confident in your teaching ability, keen to get started, and able to fit into the existing workforce. By doing some research and planning in advance, you should be able to demonstrate all of this and land the job on the spot. The worldwide market for teaching English abroad covers dozens of countries and many types of employer. In some situations it is normal to complete the recruitment process before leaving home, including an interview conducted via Skype or phone. However, in many of the most popular destinations employers prefer to recruit their teachers...  [Read more]

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a global center of trade, finance, and travel, thanks to its vast oil wealth, major ports, and thriving tourism industry. With cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi offering lavish shopping, world-class dining, and some of the most stunning architecture in the world, the Emirates have become a popular tourist and investment destination. These attractions, combined with some of the most lucrative salaries and benefits in the world, make the UAE one of the most desirable destinations for teaching English abroad. Generally speaking, simply having a TEFL certification does not guarantee you a job in Dubai or the rest of the UAE. If you want to teach English in Dubai with a TEFL certificate, make sure you meet the other requirements, such as a degree and relevant...  [Read more]

Although teaching jobs can be arranged in Asia once you arrive in your destination of choice, in many countries it is common for jobs to be arranged in advance from within your own country. One area where this is certainly true is if you join a government run placement program. The following are the most popular programs of their kind in Asia. EPIK stands for the English Program in Korea, a scheme run by the South Korean government that places foreign teachers into schools across the country to work as English language instructors. EPIK is one of the largest and most popular schemes of its kind as it offers a competitive salary, a good range of extra benefits, and the chance to experience living and working in a unique cultural environment. If you meet the specified criteria then you...  [Read more]

Congratulations if you have recently completed a TEFL certification course and are now looking for that all important first teaching position. As learning English is commonplace in the majority of countries around the world, qualified TEFL teachers rarely find it difficult to secure a good job. However, the level of demand can vary greatly from one place to the next, which also means the level of requirements can vary. What is required in one country might be completely different to the requirements in its immediate neighbor. As mentioned above, the demand for qualified TEFL teachers varies considerably and can have a big effect on where you might end up working in your first teaching position. Certain countries also have stricter rules and regulations than others, as do individual...  [Read more]

The Czech Republic has been a popular destination for teaching English abroad for many years as it offers a unique cultural experience, a low cost of living, and a very healthy job market. Prague is the most popular destination, boasting an eclectic mix of architecture and a fascinating history that draws huge numbers of tourists from around the world every year. The city also has one of the largest demands for ESL teachers in the whole of Europe. Cities such as Brno, Ostrava, Liberec, and Plzen, which is world famous as the birthplace of Pilsner beer, are also popular locations. As there is a huge number of employers across the country offering a wide range of positions, the average salary can be anywhere from 18,000 to 30,000 CZK (currently US$700 to $1,200) per month. Many private...  [Read more]

Hungary is a teaching destination that is rapidly growing in popularity due to a strong demand for English language proficiency, a low cost of living, and the friendly local population who are both welcoming and laid-back in their approach to life. The country’s location right in the heart of Central Europe is also a draw is it allows easy access to dozens of other countries across this fascinating region. As the demand for teachers is very high, it is possible to get a job without any qualifications or experience. However, the more you can offer employers, the better chance you have of getting the most sought after jobs that pay the best salaries. A TEFL/TESOL certificate is generally expected by most decent employers, particularly one that included practical teaching experience. If you...  [Read more]

Before discussing the demand of different TEFL teachers we must first be aware of the different roles that these teachers can take. Perhaps the first distinction or grouping would be between online and onsite teachers. What are the different roles TEFL teachers take? For online teaching there are a few types of teaching jobs that you can undertake. These include: For onsite teaching there are also a few types of teaching jobs available, such as: There is no single answer to this question as it depends very much upon whether you want to work online or onsite and if so, which country you are considering. It will also depend to a certain extent on your qualifications and experience. In general, the minimum qualification is a 120-hour TEFL certificate and this immediately gives you access to...  [Read more]

The NET (Native-speaking English Teachers) Scheme is a recruitment program initiated by the Hong Kong Education Bureau that places qualified teachers from overseas countries into state run schools. The scheme recruits hundreds of teachers every year to work in either primary or secondary level schools across the territory. The stated goal of the scheme is to share and promote innovation in teaching practice, and to provide an authentic classroom environment for local students. Participants on the scheme will receive a generous salary and extra benefits, as well as a unique opportunity to live and work in one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan parts of Asia. To be eligible, you must be a native-English speaker or possess an exceptionally high standard of English language competence....  [Read more]

China is without doubt the largest market for English language teaching in the world. With a population in the region of 1.4 billion people spread across a vast area, there are a huge range of opportunities to suit all tastes. Whether you prefer big city life, the peace of rural living, tropical or seasonal climates, China has it all. However, one big question is often asked by teachers who want to live and work in the country: Until quite recently the answer would have been yes, as schools in China generally don’t care whether their teachers have a degree or not, and this still hasn’t changed. What has changed is the government has tightened the rules on who is eligible for a Z (work) visa which is what every teacher needs to work legally in the country. The simple truth is that you...  [Read more]

Vietnam is one of the most thriving Southeast Asian English teaching destinations. Teachers have been in high demand in recent years and salaries have increased as a result of higher competition among schools looking to hire the best teachers. Teachers who have spent time in Vietnam unanimously agree that it is a wonderful place to live and work, so how do you go about finding out for yourself? To obtain a work permit to legally teach English in Vietnam you must be a native English speaker with a bachelor's degree. Many employers will also require a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours. Some jobs at the top of the pay scale will also require some classroom experience, though these are few and far between. Even if a job is advertised as requiring experience, it is not always required if...  [Read more]

Around the world there are always a huge number of EFL teaching jobs waiting to be filled which means there are potential opportunities for almost everyone. So what qualifications, background or characteristics do you require to take a TEFL course? First and foremost, anyone thinking about earning their TEFL certification with ITTT needs to be enthusiastic, motivated and determined as every course requires a considerable amount of commitment in terms of both time and effort. If you are fully committed to becoming an English language teacher, either at home or abroad, then you should have little trouble successfully completing the course and becoming a qualified EFL teacher. In order to be an effective English language teacher you do need to have a thorough understanding of the...  [Read more]

If you are looking for the widest choice of English language teaching jobs, look no further than Asia. Across the continent you will find countless opportunities in a wide range of fascinating countries, although the requirements do vary from one to the next. Some countries are only open to native English speakers and others will require a university degree, however, there are still plenty of jobs out there for anyone with a TEFL certification. Teaching English in South Korea has become increasingly popular over the last decade and it is no secret that the country offers some of the best salaries for foreign teachers to be found anywhere in the world. English teachers in Korea can expect to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per month and it is certainly possible to save up to half of this...  [Read more]

Due to a rapid increase in job numbers and fewer restrictions on who can legally work as a teacher, the Eastern European region is now beginning to catch Western Europe in terms of popularity. Typically, the balance between income and cost of living means that many teachers find they are better off financially in a country such as the Czech Republic than they are working in a traditional teaching hotspot such as Italy. The monthly income of foreign teachers in Russia varies hugely depending on many different factors such as location, qualifications, experience, and number of contracted hours. Private language schools generally pay an hourly rate which averages around $650 per month for a first-time teacher. This figure can rise substantially with relevant experience. Many positions...  [Read more]

Turkey is famous as a crossroads between Europe and Asia and it is fast becoming known for its booming market for foreign English language teachers. Demand is very high in all the big cities and tourist resorts as English language skills are becoming more and more important in many fields of employment. It is no exaggeration to say that Turkey offers more opportunities for TEFL qualified teachers than any other country in the region. Although it is possible to find a teaching job with no qualifications, these positions are likely to be with less than reputable employers who pay at the bottom end of the local scale. Most good teaching jobs will require a TEFL/TESOL certification, while some may also ask for a degree and/or previous experience. It is worth noting that many employers prefer...  [Read more]

Presuming that you have already done a bit of research into teaching English as a foreign language, you will probably already be aware of the basic role of an EFL teacher, i.e, to teach non-native speakers to speak, read, and write in the English language. However, there is a whole lot more to the role of an EFL teacher than simply standing in front of the class and teaching vocabulary and grammar. Your exact role will depend on the individual employer and the environment where you are actually working, but there are several things that will be expected of you in most situations. For many teachers the most time consuming aspect of the job is planning and preparing lessons in advance. While teachers with plenty of experience can often get by with minimal planning as they will have taught...  [Read more]

Yes, you can start a new career teaching English abroad without any form of teaching experience. Due to a huge demand for English language teachers in countries all over the world, tens of thousands of English speakers head overseas every year to work in a variety of different classrooms. Of this number, approximately 90% will have never worked in any kind of teaching role before. Wherever you find yourself living and working as an English language teacher, you will most likely teach your students using a method known as total immersion, whereby no other language is used in the classroom besides English. As most learners are not in a position to move to an English speaking country in order to be surrounded by the language, it is the teacher's job to bring this immersion to the student...  [Read more]

If you are tired of dark, cold winter nights and grey, windy days, then why not get TEFL certified and start a new life as an English language teacher in a tropical country? Every year, thousands of everyday people do exactly that and for most it will be one of the best decisions they ever make. So where exactly can you teach English in the tropics? Although it is only a small country by area, Costa Rica has one of the best job markets for TEFL qualified teachers in Central America. The most common form of employment are private language schools that can be found in most built up areas. There is also a good market for private tutoring, either part time on top of a regular teaching job or full time once you have found enough students. The majority of positions are filled following an...  [Read more]

While teaching English abroad you are unlikely to face any type of discrimination from fellow teachers as most are like-minded people who are easy-going and accepting of the world in all its diversity. However, it can be a different story when it comes to employers. In some parts of the world, including some of the most popular teaching destinations, traditional, conservative views and opinions are still commonplace and this can lead to some uncomfortable situations. Many people still have the mistaken belief that all you need to teach English is to be a native English speaker and those that aren’t will never be as good at it. However, this view on teaching couldn’t be more wrong. To be an effective TEFL teacher you need to have a solid understanding of the workings of the language...  [Read more]

Poland has a huge demand for ESL teachers in many parts of the country making it an ideal destination for first-time teachers looking to gain valuable classroom experience. As Poland is a member of the EU it is very easy for other EU nationals to simply turn up in their city of choice and quickly find work as there are no visa restrictions. While it is not impossible for non-EU citizens to acquire a work permit from within the country, it is often more convenient to secure a position via an online job site and then apply for the appropriate visa from a Polish Consulate within your own country. Jobs can be found in almost every part of the country; however, major cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, Lodz, and Wroclaw offer the most numerous options. Although teaching jobs are plentiful across...  [Read more]

Although it is theoretically possible to teach the English language without any form of training or qualifications, something that was quite common in years gone by, it is now almost universally accepted that the ability to speak a language has little bearing on an individual’s ability to teach it effectively to others. This change of attitude among school directors and education departments has led to the development of TEFL certification courses that are designed to give native and non-native English speakers the skills and knowledge they require to provide effective language instruction to their future students. So what does a TEFL course actually teach you? The mere mention of English grammar is often enough to strike fear into the hearts of potential EFL teachers. Ask any native...  [Read more]

When it comes to teaching English in Latin America, countries such as Chile, Costa Rica, and Mexico tend to get the most coverage. However, there are several other countries in the region that have seen a significant growth in demand for foreign teachers in recent years, including Ecuador. Boasting a wide range of fascinating environments to explore, from the Andean Mountains to the Amazon rainforest, Ecuador is a truly unique destination for teaching English abroad. Teaching positions can be found in abundance in big cities such as Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, as well as in smaller numbers in other towns and cities across the country. As is the case in much of Latin America, salaries for foreign teachers in Ecuador are quite low in comparison to many other parts of the world....  [Read more]

Due to a government backed scheme to improve English language proficiency across the country, Vietnam has seen a boom in ESL teaching jobs in recent years. As well as having plenty of teaching positions, Vietnam also offers a great mix of cosmopolitan cities, laidback beach resorts, and lush tropical countryside. The relaxed way of life is another reason why an increasing number of teachers are deciding to move here, particularly those who are used to working in other Asian countries with a more strict approach to life and work such as South Korea, China, and Japan. With so much in its favour it is no surprise that Vietnam is currently one of the fastest growing destinations in the world for teaching English abroad. The average salary for ESL teachers in Vietnam is around $1,000 USD...  [Read more]