5 Ways TEFL Teachers can Develop New Skills

No matter how much training you have received before you start to Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), there will be many things that you can only learn once you start doing the job. But for as long as you are willing to take on the challenges, there is nothing to fear. Here are some ways TEFL teachers can develop new skills.

Personal Development

Professional development for TEFL teachers is important, yet it is often overlooked. It helps to improve a teacher’s expertise, capability, and knowledge in the profession. The learning usually involves earning certain credentials through academic certifications and coursework. It may also include learning how to deal with stressful situations and building up confidence that will translate into your teaching. Professional development is important as it provides teachers with the opportunities to stand out among other teachers in this highly competitive field. If you are still an applicant, it can improve your chances of getting the job.

Volunteering

As a TEFL teacher, you will teach students from different parts of the world. Thus, it is to your advantage to learn about the culture of other nationalities, especially those that you are teaching. When it comes to this, you can check out some of the volunteer abroad programs. For instance, you can be a volunteer at elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, where you will have the wonderful opportunity to care for and feed the elephants and indulge in some fun adventures as well.

Safeguarding

TEFL teachers must be aware of social issues that affect younger people these days, by taking educational teacher cpd courses such as mental health issues, LGBTQ awareness, and E-safety teachers can stay on top of current classroom issues. By being aware of these social issues, you will connect more with your students and safeguard them from these social issues, wherever they may be in the world.

IT Knowledge

The rapid advancement of technology has made it easier and more efficient for TEFL teachers to teach their students. Thus, learning even the most basic use of computers is essential. With the help of technology, teachers can teach English to kids from several other countries, helping them to become more employable. The most significant advantage of using technology in TEFL is the overall changes in global communication. Thanks to the Internet, what was once not accessible is now within reach.

Placements

Another way in which TEFL teachers can develop new skills is through placement. Try to get a placement in a school and shadow teachers working with kids, not necessarily in the field of TEFL. In doing so, you can pick up a wealth of knowledge on communication and teaching skills, which can be a big help to your profession. Even if you have taken up a TEFL course and are ready to teach, it will be a different experience once you start teaching. To have an idea of what it is like to teach, you should consider shadowing another teacher. To shadow means to observe a more experienced teacher, so you can observe first-hand how tasks are done.