Placement Overview

This VIP works as an English Teacher at the English School in London. He teaches English to foreign students from all over the world.

Generic Job Description for an English Teacher

English teachers are often referred to as ‘Teacher of English to speakers of other languages’ or ‘TESOL’. They teach English to those whose first language is not English, either in the UK or overseas.

TESOL takes place in different settings, such as commercial language schools, further education colleges, and language centres.

The content and structure of these lessons is dependant on the class’s reason for learning English. They may wish to improve their conversational English; to improve their standard of English in preparation for school exams; to improve their English to gain entry to an English speaking university; or in order to be able to use English in their job.

Teachers will use a wide range of course books, other materials and a variety of audio-visual aids.

Skills:

• Exceptional English language and grammar
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Patience
• Confidence
• Creativity 

Pay:

• Entry from £13,000 - £18,000
• Senior positions with experience £18,000 - £25,000
• Salaries for overseas positions tend to be lower 

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Hours vary depending on employer
• Evening and weekend classes are common 

Environment:

• Typically classroom based

Qualifications:

• No set entry requirements
• Degree in English or Modern Language related subject is favoured
• Most degree courses require five GCSE’s grades A-C and two A-Levels

Training:

• Specific training is essential and offered at some colleges
• Training can be taken over eight weeks full-time or several months part-time 

Opportunities:

• Most people train in order to work abroad
• Opportunities exist in commercial language schools, government departments, voluntary organisations and large companies
• Self-employment is common 

Links:

www.baselt.org.uk  - British Association of State English Language Teaching (BASELT)

www.iatefl.org-  IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language)

www.trinitycollege.co.uk - Trinity College London