How to Become a TEFL Teacher: Tips and Advice

So, you’re interested in becoming a TEFL teacher?

You’ve come to the right place! In 2023, alongside my full-time job, I became a qualified TEFL teacher and managed to get 5+ students in my first month.

This allowed me to save enough money to quit my job, travel the world, and teach while on the go. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become a TEFL teacher and get your first student!

What is a TEFL Teacher?  

First, let’s start with the basics. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Essentially, you're teaching people who don’t speak English how to communicate in the language. It's not about teaching English in the same way you may have learned it in school—it’s more about building conversational skills and practical language use.  

You may also come across other terms like TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or ESL (English as a Second Language). Don’t worry—these are all very similar concepts, just with different contexts or locations for teaching.

What Qualifications Do I Need?  

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a degree or years of training to start teaching English! That said, it’s highly recommended to take a 120-hour TEFL masterclass to get certified, as many platforms prefer or require it. Some platforms may even require a university degree, but there are plenty that don’t.

How to Get a TEFL Certification  

There are many online TEFL courses available, with prices ranging from £5 to £200+. I found my course on Groupon for £5 through Alpha Academy, and it provided everything I needed, including a recognized certificate. The course covered the basics, and while you do have a test at the end, it’s not too difficult, and you can retake it if needed.  

Ultimately, most of the knowledge I use now comes from actual teaching experience, practice, and self-study. The course you choose doesn’t have to be expensive, but it’s a good idea to complete a basic certification for credibility.

How Do I Start Teaching?  

Once you’re ready, it’s time to apply to online teaching platforms. You’ll need to create a profile, which includes making an introductory video. It might feel a little awkward at first, but just be yourself and use simple, clear language. After you’ve submitted your profile, it usually takes a few days for approval.  

A word of caution: don’t be discouraged if your profile isn’t approved on the first try. I applied to five different platforms and was only accepted by two. You can always reapply later.

What Platforms Can I Sign Up For?  

There are plenty of platforms to choose from. Be sure to check their specific requirements, as each one varies. I personally use Classgap and Preply, and I’ve had positive experiences with both. They’re easy to use, and I’ve never encountered any major issues.

Tips for Getting Started  

- Don’t oversell yourself in your profile. While it might seem like a good idea to attract more students, you don’t want to end up with students who speak zero English if you’re not ready. When you’re just starting, I recommend offering lessons to students at B1 level and above to build confidence.  

- Start with one platform. When I began, I signed up for two platforms and found myself juggling multiple students on both, which was overwhelming. Focus on one platform at first, get comfortable, and then expand if you want.  

- Use online teaching resources. I wish I’d known this from the start, but there are so many free resources available—from single-page worksheets to entire lesson plans. These can save you time and make lesson planning much easier.  

- Most students want conversation practice. This might put your mind at ease: 90% of my students just want to practice speaking and listening. Don’t stress about complex grammar lessons right away; focus on having meaningful conversations, and you’ll do just fine!

Becoming a TEFL teacher is not as daunting as it seems. With a basic certification, some perseverance, and a little practice, you’ll soon be on your way to teaching English and maybe even traveling the world while doing it! Just start small, be patient, and focus on building your confidence. Before you know it, you’ll have students signing up for lessons and enjoying your classes.

Good luck on your TEFL journey!