English as a foreign language teacher : Job description

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) involves teaching English, either in the UK or overseas, to students whose first or main language is not English. The term TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) is also used, but only when the students are in the UK.

TEFL teachers work in commercial language schools, schools and institutions of further and higher education throughout the UK and overseas. Some may also teach in industry, whilst others are self-employed. Students may be of all ages and levels and in various class sizes, depending on where you teach. Classes are usually taught in English, even with beginners.

Typical work activities

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), like any other teaching job, is about conveying information to students in an interesting way and communicating a love and passion for the English language. Teachers use a wide range of course books, other materials and a variety of audio-visual aids. There is a strong emphasis on dialogue and role-playing, but more formal exercises, language games and literature are also used.

Students learn English for a variety of reasons: to improve their conversational English; to prepare for examinations; to gain entry to an English-speaking college or university; or to use English in their work, so the content of lessons varies. The level of the students' ability may also vary, depending on the setting where the classes take place. The aim of each lesson is to encourage the students to communicate with each other using the structures and vocabulary they have learnt, and to improve the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Typical work activities include:

• teaching English;
• classroom management;
• planning, preparing and delivering lessons to a range of classes and age groups;
• preparing and setting tests, examination papers, and exercises;
• marking and providing appropriate feedback on oral and written work;
• devising, writing and producing new materials, including audio and visual resources;
• organising and getting involved in social and cultural activities such as sports competitions, schools parties, dinners, excursions and pricing events appropriately;
• booking coaches and travel for excursions;
• participating in marketing events for the school;
• freelance teaching on a one-to-one basis;
• running specialist courses for adults or business people, which may require knowledge of scientific, technical or commercial terms;
• basic administration such as keeping student registers and attendance records for starters and leavers.