How to become a professional English teacher?

Summary

In this teacher training video, Steve emphasizes the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for English language teachers. He explores various CPD activities, such as reading articles, attending seminars, and completing courses, to enhance teaching skills. Steve recommends several resources, including websites like TeachingEnglish.org.uk, Cambridge.org, and ELT.oup, and encourages teachers to join associations and engage in peer feedback and reflection to improve their practice.

Takeaways

• 📝 **Professionalism in Teaching**: Teachers are considered professionals as they undergo specific training to meet educational standards set by institutions and countries.
• 📚 **Importance of CPD**: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is crucial for teachers to enhance their skills and adapt to changes in the field, such as the shift to online teaching due to the pandemic.
• 📞 **Evolution of Teaching**: The teaching landscape is constantly evolving, necessitating the adoption of new skills and methodologies, especially in the context of online education.
• 📝 **CPD Activities**: Engaging in various CPD activities like reading educational blogs, attending seminars, enrolling in courses, and listening to podcasts can significantly contribute to a teacher's professional growth.
• 📞 **Valuable Resources**: Websites like TeachingEnglish.org.uk, Cambridge.org, and ELT.oup offer a plethora of free resources, lesson plans, and courses to aid in teaching English as a foreign language.
• 📝 **International Recognition**: Qualifications such as Cambridge CELTA, Trinity Cert TESOL, Cambridge DELTA, and Trinity Dip TESOL are internationally recognized and demonstrate a teacher's commitment to professional development.
• 📚 **Online CPD Courses**: Providers like IH World, Oxford TEFL, and FutureLearn offer online CPD courses that are practical, assessed, and relevant to teaching contexts.
• 📞 **Local Opportunities**: Local universities and colleges may provide CPD courses for teachers, which can be a valuable resource for professional development.
• 📝 **Networking and Associations**: Joining associations like IATEFL and TESOL Arabia can facilitate networking, resource sharing, and learning from the broader teaching community.
• 📚 **Practical Collaboration**: Collaborating with colleagues, seeking advice from experienced teachers, and incorporating student feedback are practical ways to improve teaching methods and materials.
• 📞 **Reflection and Journaling**: Maintaining a CPD journal to reflect on teaching practices and experiments in the classroom is essential for evaluating effectiveness and guiding future improvements.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this teacher training video?

The main focus of this video is to discuss different ways to help individuals become professional English language teachers.

Why are teachers considered professionals?

Teachers are considered professionals because they work in various contexts, follow courses, and adhere to standards set by institutions and countries they work in.

What does CPD stand for and why is it important?

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It is important for teachers to engage in CPD activities to continue improving their professional skills and adapt to evolving teaching methods.

How has the pandemic affected the teaching profession?

The pandemic has revolutionized the way teachers teach, making online teaching a prominent and essential part of the profession.

What are some examples of CPD activities mentioned in the video?

Examples of CPD activities include reading blogs, attending seminars, courses, listening to podcasts, and discussing with colleagues.

What are some recommended websites for English language teachers to improve their skills?

Recommended websites include teachingenglish.org.uk, cambridge.org, elt.oup, ihworld.com, etprofessional.com, eltlearningjourneys.com, and peachypublications.com.

What types of courses are suggested for English teachers to complete for CPD?

Courses such as Cambridge CELTA, Trinity CertTESOL, Cambridge DELTA, and Trinity DipTESOL are suggested, along with online CPD courses from providers like IH World, Oxford TEFL, and FutureLearn.

Why should teachers join associations like IATEFL or TESOL Arabia?

Joining associations allows teachers to network, make contacts, share resources, and learn from each other, which is beneficial for their professional development.

How can teachers benefit from feedback and peer observations?

Teachers can benefit from feedback and peer observations by gaining insights into their teaching methods, understanding student preferences, and improving their teaching practices.

What is the importance of keeping a CPD journal as suggested in the video?

A CPD journal allows teachers to document their learning, reflect on their experiences, evaluate what worked and what didn't, and plan for future improvements.

What is the role of student feedback in a teacher's CPD?

Student feedback plays a crucial role in CPD by providing direct insight into the effectiveness of teaching methods and materials from the learners' perspective.