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| Are you a '''new teacher needing advice''', or just thinking of starting out in [[TEFL]]? This page aims to give you some pointers to web resources on [[teacher training]], [[lesson plan|planning lessons]], and so on here. | | Are you a '''new teacher needing advice''', or an individual thinking of starting out in TEFL? We attempt to give you some pointers to web resources here. |
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| ==Qualifications== | | ==Qualifications== |
| A number of [[TEFL Qualifications]] are available, albeit at some cost, but obtaining one is highly recommended. The language-teaching sector is highly competitive and most "serious" schools will expect you to have such a qualification, or at least a university degree in some subject. But if you don’t have one of these you still might find a place, although it will probably entail more looking. If you want to get some idea of the sort of things you’ll have to learn then [[TEFL Boot Camp]] will probably be of interest. | | A number of [[TEFL Qualifications]] are available, albeit at some cost, but obtaining one is highly recommended. If you want to get some idea of the sort of things you will have to learn then [[TEFL Boot Camp]] will probably give you some idea. |
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| Take care when choosing your school if you are thinking of obtaining a certificate abroad as there are a number of unscrupulous operators. <ref>[http://www.tefl.net/alexcase/teaching/teach-abroad/tefl-certificate-rip-offs-part-1/ TEFLtastic - 6 Ways TEFL Certificate Courses Try to Rip You Off]</ref>
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| ==Moving to another country== | | ==Moving to another country== |
| Many people may wish to move to another country to work - indeed, this may be their primary motive. [[Justlanded]] provides a wealth of information which will be invaluable to new residents. | | Many people will wish to move to another country to work - indeed, this may be their primary motive. [[Justlanded]] provides a wealth of information which will be invaluable to new residents. |
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| Although countries vary, it really is best to avoid working illegally. On the other hand, it is very difficult to get employment in European Union countries unless you are prepared to be taken advantage of by [[cowboy outfit]]s.<ref>[http://reflectionsofaworldcitizen.blogspot.com/2007/08/working-as-language-teacher-in-spain.html A reality check for the wide-eyed]</ref>
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| ===Culture shock===
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| ''See main article [[culture shock]].''
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| Although moving to and living in a new country may seem like an adventure at first, most expatriates suffer some level of [[culture shock]] at some point. The best way to mitigate its effects is to understand what it is and how it progresses.
| | For those wanting to get a feel for the life of an English teacher, [[Thepaininspain]] is an amusing and informative blog. |
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| ==Getting advice== | | ==Getting advice== |
| You are most welcome to ask for advice here (click on the [[{{TALKPAGENAME}}|{{Boxword|r=0|col=blue|<tt>discussion</tt>}}]] tab above), but other, external, resources include the very helpful [[ESL HQ]]. | | You are most welcome to ask for advice here, but other resources include the very helpful [[ESL HQ]] and [[Tefldaddy]]. |
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| ==Acronyms== | | ==Acronyms== |
| The [[TEFL]] world is rife with [[acronym]]s and you will need to learn quite a few. Our ever-growing list is [[:Category:Abbreviations, acronyms and initials | here]]. | | The [[TEFL]] world is rife with damn [[Acronym]]s and you will need to learn quite a few. Our list is [[:Category:Acronyms | here]]. |
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| ==Other useful sites== | | ==Other useful sites== |
| We can also recommend: [[Spokenskills]], [[Englishraven]] and, for your students, [[English-online]] and [[Manythings]]. Our list of sites which provide [[:Category:Free lesson sites | free lessons]] will certainly interest you as well. | | We can also recommend: [[Spokenskills]], [[Englishraven]] and, for your students, [[English-online]] and [[Manythings]]. Our list of classes which provide [[free lessons]] will certainly interest you as well. |
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| | Clearly you should also take a look at [[Dave's ESL Cafe]] - the granddaddy of them all along with its associated job discussion forum; and also sign up for the free TEFL newspaper at [[English language gazette]]. |
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| Clearly you should also take a look at [[Dave’s ESL Cafe]] - the granddaddy of them all along with its associated job discussion forum; and also sign up for the free TEFL newspaper at ''[[English language gazette]]''.
| | If you want something quick and easy for a class then our article on [[conversation questions]] for TEFL classes has some good advice and links. |
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| ==Placement tests== | | ==Placement tests== |
| Once you have new students you will want to know their level. There are some [[on-line placement test]]s which claim to help you with this. | | Once you have new students you will want to know their level. [[Languagesystems]] claims to be able to help with this. |
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| ==Working for a school or freelance==
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| Working for a [[school]] and working [[Freelance teacher|freelance]] have different advantages and disadvantages as our [[School v freelance]] article discusses. However, as that article points out, schools are often the best place for new teachers starting out.
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| Before you start working for a school, have a look at our article on [[cowboy outfit]]s.
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| ==Salaries==
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| Salaries depend on many variables but [http://www.worldsalaries.org/education.shtml this link] will give you a very broad picture for various countries.
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| ==Creating your own classes== | | ==Creating your own classes== |
| If you feel really adventurous then you could follow our guidelines about [[Create a topical class | creating your own topical class]]. | | If you feel really adventurous then you could follow our guidelines about [[Create a topical class | creating your own topical class]]. |
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| ==Conversation classes==
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| Many students, especially those at higher levels, are pretty much fed up with formal language classes and may be looking for an opportunity for conversation. If you want something quick and easy for a class then our article on [[conversation questions]] for TEFL classes has some good advice and links.
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| ==Other ways of teaching==
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| There are more ways of teaching students than in a classroom. Our article [[other ways of teaching]] talks about these.
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| ==References==
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| <References/>
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| A selection of links which give advice to prospective TEFL teachers.
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| *[http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0801/teaching_english_spain_teachers_guide.shtml Advice on starting up in Spain]
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| *[http://www.i-to-i.com/tefl-explained.html TEFL Explained]
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| *[http://www.huntesl.com/finding-a-tefl-job.shtml Finding a TEFL Job Abroad]
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| *[http://www.tesol.org/s_tesol/sec_document.asp?CID=562&DID=385 Frequently Asked Questions about Starting A Career in TESOL]
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| *[http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-9216/abroad.htm Information of interest to citizens of the USA]
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| *[http://www.teflnewbie.com/ Teflnewbie, great blog with lots of advice]
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| [[Category:Essay index]] | | [[category:advice for new teachers]] |
