If you’ve just completed your online TEFL course, you might feel a bit lost as to what to do next. After studying for a certain amount of time, whether that be weeks or months, it can be daunting to enter the world of TEFL teaching. Putting your knowledge into practise finally can be a big step. You might already have some ideas about where you want to teach, but this can take time to achieve. One of the best things you can do to boost your CV is to get practical experience. This will show your potential employer that you are confident and ready to enter the classroom for them!

An important thing to note is that teaching is like learning to drive. You might learn a lot when studying the theories and trying them out, but where you start to take off on your teaching journey is in the (virtual) classroom. You might find that you do things differently than imagined and need some time to get used to things like classroom management. Don’t worry if you feel nervous or if your first few classes don’t go perfectly; it’s all about adapting and building up your experience and confidence. You’ll be a pro in no time!

Teach online

A wide variety of online TEFL jobs don’t typically have as high requirements for new teachers. Many are happy to take teachers with little to no experience and might provide opportunities for teaching feedback by offering observations. Many companies also provide teaching materials so this is perfect for a first job as you can take the pressure off planning too much, and get some ideas of what sort of things to use in the classroom. It’s not uncommon for some companies to not require a fixed set of hours, which is great for teachers looking to build up some experience flexibly. 

The hours you work or the pay you receive might not be your dream scenario but it can be worth doing for a short time in order to gain some practical experience. Once you have this, you will be able to be more selective about the conditions of the job you take and aim for higher-paying positions. 

10-hour teaching practicum 

If you’d like further guidance about applying your theoretical knowledge in the classroom and gaining practical experience, taking our 10-hour teaching practicum is a great way to do. The course takes place over two days with one of our experienced TEFL tutors, who will guide you in teaching in the classroom and putting your techniques into practice! It’s a way to ease yourself into the practical side of things whilst under the guidance of a top tutor!

Apart from trying out your teaching techniques, you’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about working in TEFL. It’s also an excellent chance to network with other newbie TEFL teachers who will be in a similar position to you. You can discuss your ideas and encourage each other along the way.

Private lessons

You can also start your teaching career by taking private lessons in your local area or online. All you need to get started is just one student; things can grow from there. Tutoring can bring transferable skills to the larger classroom and give you some teaching confidence as well as practical experience. It can also hone your attention to detail by focusing on one student or explaining grammar one-on-one.

If you gather enough students, you can start your own group lessons—this is also more lucrative in the long term. Organising and delivering your own group sessions looks impressive on your teaching CV, especially if you are planning the curriculum. 

Gathering reviews and good word-of-mouth are important for adding to your student list, so ensure to get reviews from your students or offer to teach any of their friends/family who might be looking for a tutor!

Volunteering 

Being able to teach TEFL and speak English at a higher level are skills that can truly be transferred to helping others. We live in a world where English is a highly desired language and can be essential for those wishing to progress in their careers or undertake further studies. 

There are many opportunities for volunteering in this field, such as working with refugees and migrants worldwide, and this is a wonderful way to gain practical experience. Many displaced people in 2024 have arrived in a new country, many in Ireland, who will benefit greatly from learning English as a second language. This can help them seek employment, communicate more easily to make new friends, and integrate into their host country. 

You can also search online for positions that require teaching people in other countries. Some of these are TEFL teachers who teach in areas without many resources. Helping them practise and improve their English language skills will then, in turn, help their local community when they teach their classes.

These positions usually only require 1-2 hours a week, but there are also more intensive courses that require more hours. The work is mostly unpaid, but it is important to commit to the agreed-upon time frame. Students need stability and consistency, especially if they have been through something traumatic or difficult, which is often the case when teaching refugees. 

Internships 

An internship can be a perfect start to gaining practical experience if you’re feeling nervous about getting your first teaching job. There is a lot of guidance to hand when you understand an internship, which takes the stress away. Your TEFL provider/ local employer will also help find accommodation and organise documents/ visas (if required), and there is often orientation to help you get settled. This can take a big weight off your mind if you’re nervous about moving abroad for the first time.

Internships are also ideal for testing the TEFL waters if you’re unsure of the route you wish to take. Moving abroad is a big step to take, so taking a 6-month internship can be a nice start to figuring out if it’s what you really want to do. You can even look for summer internships, which tend to be shorter.

As everyone is in the same boat, you will have a lot in common with your teaching peers. You can learn from each other and offer each other support. You can make some firm friendships along the way. We have internships everywhere, from Thailand to Germany, so check them out on our webpage!

Send CVs

When looking for a job, the typical thing is to check job adverts and apply once you see something that interests you. However, there is merit to being more proactive with your search, too. If you know you want to work in a particular area or city, research local schools or companies in that region. Send your CV and cover letter anyway. They can make an impact and some employers will be impressed with the initiative you demonstrate.

Although they might not have an opening at that moment, some will keep your CV on file and contact you when something comes up, so it’s always worth a try! If you don’t hear back and you end up seeing an advert for a position, it couldn’t hurt to apply anyway and show your enthusiasm for the school. Out of a pile of CVs, the director might remember your name and pick you out of the group for an interview.

Tips for your first class

Remember that the first class (or any class) might not go exactly as planned. This is perfectly normal. Teachers learn how to adapt and improvise constantly; the more experience you have, the more comfortable you’ll feel doing this.

1. Plan well – don’t go in unprepared. Students can tell if you’re new and have nothing planned!

2. Plan extra activities – it takes a while to learn how to manage the timings of the class. You don’t know which activities won’t take long or which students fly through an exercise. Prepare some extra tasks just in case – even if it’s something as low-prep as conversation questions.

3. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Rarely a first lesson doesn’t have any hitches at all. Give yourself time to get used to things and learn the classroom tricks!

4. Make sure the students learn something. Your first class sets the tone for the rest of the classes. It’s understandable that you might do some “get-to-know-you” activities and learn about your students, but try to make sure they at least learn one new thing. This will leave them eager to return and keep learning with you! We never want our students to feel that the class has wasted their time.

Starting your TEFL journey can be a big step, especially if you’ve never taught before. As the old saying goes, everyone has to start somewhere. If you’re having difficulty getting a job, consider other options to get you started. Even if it’s something you do for 6 months to prove you have experience, it can be greatly beneficial to undertake some voluntary hours or online classes. 

Once you build up your hours and profile, you can be more selective about the work you want to take on and will work towards your dream TEFL job! Have some patience and knuckle down and you’ll be in full teacher mode before you know it.