Becoming an English teacher can open doors to an incredibly fulfilling career—whether you’re teaching literature in your home country or helping students abroad build their confidence in English communication. But the path to becoming an English teacher depends heavily on what type of teacher you want to be, where you want to work, and what age group or skill level you’d like to teach.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know—whether you're dreaming of teaching English abroad, online, or in your local school system.
English teaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all profession. You might find yourself helping kindergarteners learn their first English words in South Korea, coaching business executives in Germany, guiding high school students through Shakespeare in the UK, or running your own online tutoring business from a beach town in Thailand. The possibilities are diverse—and so are the job titles.
Here are the most common roles to consider:
TEFL/TESOL Teachers
Teach English to non-native speakers in countries where English isn’t the primary language. Most commonly found in Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. These roles typically require a TEFL or TESOL certificate and a sense of adventure.
ESL Teachers
Work with immigrants or international students within English-speaking countries like the US, UK, Canada, or Australia. You'll support learners in adapting to life and work through language.
Certified English Teachers
Teach English language or literature in public or private schools in your own country. This path usually requires a formal degree and teacher training.
Literature or Linguistics Professors
For those who love academic life, teaching English at the university level involves deeper analysis, research, and often advanced degrees (like a Master’s or PhD).
Private Tutors
Ideal for those who want flexibility. You can teach online or in-person, set your own rates, and work with students of your choosing—whether they’re kids, teens, or professionals.
No matter which route you choose, you’ll be helping others access opportunities, express themselves, and connect across cultures. And you might just learn as much as you teach along the way.
Your qualifications will depend on the teaching path you pursue. While some roles require formal degrees and licenses, others are more flexible—especially if you're teaching English as a foreign language abroad or online.
This is the most accessible path for those who want to teach, travel, and live abroad—especially in countries where English isn't the native language.
Some programs, like EPIK in South Korea or JET in Japan, have specific eligibility rules. Others, like schools in Cambodia or online platforms, may be more flexible.
If your goal is to teach in your own country’s school system—whether primary or secondary—you’ll need formal qualifications.
This is a longer, more structured route—but it opens doors to stable, long-term teaching careers.
Teaching English at the college or university level typically involves academic specialization.
Choose your training path based on where and how you want to teach. Each path requires different preparation—but all offer rewarding ways to make an impact through education.
Being a great English teacher takes more than just knowing the language. Whether you're standing in front of a classroom or teaching students online, the right skills will help you connect, inspire, and make a real impact.
It might sound obvious, but communication is the heart of teaching English. You need to explain things clearly, adjust your tone and pace depending on your students, and be confident in your delivery—especially when breaking down tricky grammar or pronunciation.
And it’s not just about speaking. Good teachers also know how to listen, observe body language, and create space for learners to express themselves without fear of mistakes.
No two students are the same. Some learn visually, others by doing. Some grasp concepts quickly; others need more support. Being able to adapt your teaching style, materials, and expectations to suit different age groups, cultures, and learning levels is key.
This is especially true when you’re teaching English abroad or online, where expectations, language barriers, and classroom behavior can vary widely from place to place.
From lesson planning to grading assignments and preparing materials, teaching requires solid organizational skills. It’s not just about keeping things tidy—it’s about creating a smooth learning experience for your students.
Well-structured lessons help learners build confidence. Consistent assessment helps you track progress. And thoughtful preparation keeps your classes engaging rather than chaotic.
English isn’t just rules and vocabulary. It’s stories, conversations, ideas, and expression. Creative teachers bring this to life—through games, songs, roleplays, media, or storytelling.
Whether you're finding new ways to teach phrasal verbs or designing a lesson around a viral video, creativity keeps your students engaged and helps them remember what they’ve learned.
When teaching internationally or working with diverse groups, cultural awareness goes a long way. Simple gestures, idioms, or classroom norms might not translate the way you expect.
Being culturally sensitive helps you avoid misunderstandings, build trust, and create a respectful, inclusive learning environment. It’s not just about being polite—it’s about being effective.
The best English teachers aren’t just instructors—they’re mentors, motivators, and lifelong learners too.
Once you know which teaching path fits your goals, the next step is getting qualified. Whether you're aiming for a flexible international career or a classroom job in your home country, certification is your ticket in.
These certifications are essential for teaching English as a foreign language abroad or online. They focus on practical classroom skills and language teaching methodology.
A good TEFL or TESOL course not only boosts your resume—it gives you the confidence to teach in real-world settings.
If you’re pursuing a career in your home country’s school system, you’ll need a formal teaching credential.
This path takes longer but leads to more structured teaching roles, often with job security, pension plans, and clear advancement opportunities.
The beauty of becoming an English teacher is the sheer variety of paths you can take. Whether you're craving adventure, flexibility, or long-term stability, there’s an option for you.
If you’ve got a TEFL certificate and a taste for travel, the world is open.
You’ll find roles in kindergartens, public schools, language centers, and even universities or businesses.
Perfect for digital nomads, side hustlers, or anyone who wants to work from home.
As online education grows, teaching English virtually is becoming a full-time career path for many.
For those with formal teaching qualifications, local schools offer a structured and reliable option.
This path is for teachers who want to dive deep into language, literature, or research.
If you're academically minded and enjoy adult learners, this can be a fulfilling, well-respected career.
Whichever path you choose, English teaching can take you places—literally and professionally.
Everyone starts somewhere—and when it comes to English teaching, you don’t need years of experience to begin. What matters is showing initiative, practicing your skills, and learning how to teach real students, even in small ways.
Check with community centers, refugee support organizations, or language exchanges in your area. Many offer free English programs and are often in need of volunteer teachers or assistants. This gives you hands-on experience, especially in working with learners from different backgrounds.
Start by teaching friends, language exchange partners, or beginner learners via platforms like Preply, iTalki, or social media. You can even promote your services through Facebook groups or Reddit threads. Every session you teach builds confidence—and gives you examples to include in your teaching portfolio.
Some TEFL courses include optional teaching practice or an observed module. If your course doesn’t, you can still set up mock lessons with peers or record short sample classes. These practice sessions help solidify your skills and look great to employers.
Several platforms (like Cambly or PalFish) accept teachers without prior experience. They’re not always the highest paying, but they’re a great way to start building experience and developing your teaching style in a real-time, low-pressure setting.
Experience doesn’t always mean paid—start small and build your portfolio.
First impressions matter—especially in a global job market. Your teaching CV and application should reflect not just your qualifications, but your personality and professionalism as a teacher.
Tutoring a friend? Volunteering? Leading a conversation group? It all counts. Be specific about what you taught, how often, and what tools or materials you used. Employers want to see that you’ve worked with learners—even in a non-traditional context.
Strong communication, writing ability, public speaking, or intercultural experiences (like study abroad or travel) are relevant. Even if you're new to teaching, these show that you can connect with others and understand the challenges of learning a new language.
Your TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, or other certifications should be front and center. Include the number of hours completed, any specializations (e.g., young learners, business English), and whether the course included teaching practice.
Many TEFL jobs—especially online—ask for more than just a resume. Include:
Tailor your application to each job—employers can tell when you’ve made the effort.
Once you’re trained and ready to teach, the next step is landing a job—and there are more options than ever before. Whether you want to work from home, teach in a classroom overseas, or join a public school system, the key is knowing where to look and how to present yourself.
Most TEFL positions are listed on dedicated job boards, school websites, or through recruitment agencies. Some of the best places to start include:
These jobs range from kindergartens and private language schools to universities and corporate training roles. Make sure your application includes your TEFL certificate, CV, intro video, and professional references when requested.
Teaching English online is one of the most accessible ways to get started, especially if you want flexibility or plan to travel.
Don’t overlook active Facebook groups for ESL teachers and freelancers—many job leads are shared informally there.
If you're certified to teach in your home country, look for roles through:
Tailor each application to the job—use keywords from the job post, and keep your tone professional but warm.
Salaries for English teachers vary widely depending on your qualifications, location, and type of job. Here’s a rough breakdown:
Keep in mind cost of living, benefits, and job security—not just base salary.
Teaching English isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. It takes patience, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose. But for the right person, it offers incredible freedom, cultural immersion, and the chance to genuinely impact lives.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.