If you are passionate about language, literature and education, you might be wondering if Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a good career choice for you. Teaching English can be a rewarding and fulfilling profession that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of your students and society at large. But is it also a viable and sustainable career path in the long run? In this blog post, we will explore some of the benefits and challenges of teaching English as a career, and offer some tips on how to succeed and grow as an English teacher.
Benefits of teaching English
TEFL has many advantages that can make it an attractive and enjoyable career option. Some of these benefits include:
- You get to share your love of language and literature with others. Teaching English allows you to express your creativity and enthusiasm for your subject matter, and inspire your students to appreciate and enjoy it as well.
- You get to help your students achieve their goals. It can be very rewarding when you see your students improve their skills, confidence and opportunities in life. Whether they want to get a job, travel, study abroad, or make new friends, you can help them reach their potential by teaching them English.
- You get to learn from your students. Teaching English is not a one-way street; you can also learn a lot from your students’ perspectives, experiences and cultures. Teaching English can broaden your horizons and enrich your personal and professional development.
- You get to have variety and flexibility in your work. This type of teaching can offer you a lot of diversity and autonomy in your career. You can teach different levels, ages, subjects and contexts, depending on your interests and qualifications. You can also choose where, when and how you want to teach, whether it’s in a school, a university, a language center, online or abroad.
Challenges of teaching English
TEFL can also have some drawbacks that can make it a difficult and demanding career choice. Some of these challenges include:
- You have to deal with high expectations and standards. Teaching English requires you to have a high level of proficiency, knowledge and competence in your subject area, as well as pedagogical skills and strategies. You also have to meet the expectations and requirements of your students, parents, employers and accreditation bodies, which can be stressful and overwhelming.
- You have to cope with low pay and limited opportunities, at times. This career path can be poorly paid and undervalued in some contexts and countries, especially compared to other professions that require similar qualifications and skills. You may also face challenges in finding stable and secure employment, advancing in your career, or accessing professional development opportunities.
- You have to adapt to changing demands and trends. Teaching English is not a static profession; it is constantly evolving and influenced by various factors such as technology, globalization, research and innovation. You have to keep up with the latest developments and best practices in your field, and be ready to adjust your teaching methods and materials accordingly.
Tips for succeeding and growing as TEFL teacher
Despite the challenges, teaching English can be a long-term career if you are committed, motivated and adaptable. Here are some tips on how to thrive as a TEFL teacher:
- Seek continuous professional development and never stop learning. To improve your skills and knowledge as a TEFL teacher, you should seek opportunities for learning and growth throughout your career. You can do this by attending workshops, seminars, conferences or courses; reading books, journals or blogs; joining professional associations or networks; or engaging in peer observation, mentoring or coaching.
- Explore diverse and alternative career paths. Teaching English can open up many doors for you in terms of career options and possibilities. You can explore different roles and settings within the field of teaching, such as curriculum development, teacher training, educational management, or online teaching. You can also branch out into related fields such as journalism, publishing, editing, translation, or content creation.
Finally
TEFL teaching can be a rewarding and fulfilling profession that allows you to make a difference in the world. It can also be a viable and sustainable career path if you are passionate, qualified and adaptable. By pursuing relevant qualifications and certifications, seeking continuous professional development, and exploring diverse and alternative career paths, you can succeed and grow as an English teacher in the long run.
Interested in becoming a TEFL teacher? Check out our range of TEFL courses and start your own TEFL adventure!