We spoke with one of our graduates, Oleksandra, a litte over 1 year after completing the TEFL course. She talks about her experience since graduating.
As I reflect on my journey as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher, I can’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment and pride in what I’ve achieved. My career as an English teacher has been both challenging and rewarding, and today, I’d like to share my story with you.
Finding My Path in TEFL
Teaching English wasn’t always on my radar. Like many of us, I embarked on my TEFL journey with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. I started my teaching career in a traditional school setting, dedicating my time to shaping young minds. Alongside my school teaching job, I also began taking on private students. Balancing both roles, totaling around 30 hours per week, seemed like a daunting task at first.
The Perfect Balance
Surprisingly, I found that teaching this amount of hours per week was not only doable but also quite perfect for balancing work and free time. It allowed me to immerse myself in teaching while still having the space to enjoy life outside the classroom. Of course, there were challenges along the way, particularly in terms of lesson planning.
Managing Lesson Planning
When I initially started teaching, lesson planning was a time-consuming task, often taking up to an hour for each lesson. However, as time went on and my experience grew, I became more efficient in crafting engaging lesson plans. This positive transformation was largely thanks to the incredible resources and techniques I gained from my TEFL trainers.
Diverse Resources and Techniques
My TEFL training provided me with a treasure trove of resources and teaching techniques. These tools not only made my lessons more interesting but also significantly more engaging and productive. From interactive games to multimedia presentations, I had an array of options to keep my students excited about learning.
Overcoming Obstacles with TEFL Support
Despite the rewarding nature of teaching, my TEFL journey wasn’t without its share of obstacles. However, the support I received from my TEFL trainers and the TEFL community was unwavering. They were always there to lend a helping hand, offer advice, and share their own experiences, which made overcoming challenges much easier.
A Word of Advice to New Teachers
To new teachers considering a career in TEFL, I offer this advice: Don’t be scared of new opportunities. Trust the process and relish the teaching experience. It may appear intimidating at first, but rest assured, it’s not as terrifying as it may seem. Teaching is a journey of growth and discovery, and the rewards far outweigh any initial fears.
Challenges as a Non-Native Speaker
If you’re not a native English speaker, you may face additional challenges initially. I, too, faced this obstacle, but I’m living proof that it’s possible to overcome it. As long as you’re passionate about what you do and committed to your students’ success, you’ll find that the job is incredibly rewarding.
In conclusion, my TEFL journey has been a fulfilling one, marked by growth, learning, and incredible support from the TEFL community. Balancing school teaching and private students, managing lesson planning efficiently, and overcoming challenges were all part of my path. Today, I stand as a testament to the idea that with dedication and passion, the world of TEFL teaching is open to all, and the rewards are immeasurable.
