Cool Link: ESL Lounge

ESL Lounge has two different levels on their site: free and subscription.  The free section will give you access to the basics and the subscription will allow you access to extra things, such as PDF lessons, flashcards, Business English and more.

The site has activities arranged by levels ranging from beginners to proficiency.  You can also find other material such as board games, songs, and kids' songs.  If you're looking for resources such as ESL books, teaching guides or quizzes you can also find them here.


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How I started TEFLing

Over the years people have asked me how I got into TEFL, so here's my story.

I had orginally wanted to teach literature and was going to declare secondary education as my major in university. However, after my first semestre I decided to study Studio Arts, which was my choice, as well as Business Management, which was my father's.

I had enough credits through CLEP tests, studying at a community college while I was homeschooled, and taking summer classes that despite have a double major and a minor and spending 3 semestres at other universites and 2 summers abroad, I still graduated early and with honours to boot. 

While at university I had the chance to spend a semestre studying in California, Spain, and did an internship in Washington DC. While in California I was able to spend Thanksgiving break in Venezuela and winter break in Taiwan teaching English in both places and I was hooked. That summer I went to China to teach English as well. The following summer after I studied in Spain, I worked in Scotland. I had caught the travel bug and the TEFL bug.

I had a job lined up after graduation to teach in Venezuela, but things were very bad at that time: embassy stuff and missionaries were being evacuated. In addition, there was a mass transport strike so I could get to the capital, but there was no transport to where I was supposed to work , which was on the other side of the country. Even though I had my flight and visa, 10 days before I was supposed to go I cancelled.

I decided to take a one month intensive TEFL course instead and booked a flight to the Czech Republic. The course was great and I was able to do a short internship in a small town afterwards. The woman who owned the TEFL programme was expanding to China and I was offered a job to teach in a small town there. I went back to the US for about 6 weeks to wait for my visa and then was on my way to China.

I took the course in January 2003 in the Czech Republic and in March 2003 was in China teaching English. I've been TEFLing since then and have taught in Peru and Korea as well. I've done things I never thought I'd do; I got married in 2006, became a Peruvian citizen in 2009, and will be having a baby next month. Over the years I got a Masters in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and a Masters in Professional Education and Training. I've published a couple of articles, given presentations, and attended workshops and conferences. My next goals are to do the Trinity Diploma and take the SIT Training course.

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Cool Link: ESL Tower

ESL Tower has lots of exercises, such as grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. It's a simple site and easy to navigate.

Their games section has games arranged by grammar, vocabulary, and parts of speech, so you can easily find what you're looking for. The games section is also integrated into their lesson plans for kids so you don't have to look for supplementary material. Simple, but a great site.

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Hot Topic: Moving Every Year

Many TEFL teachers look at TEFLing as a way to see the world.  While that's true, some people enjoy moving to a different country every year.  They like to experience new cultures, customs, learn a new language, and to be able to say that they've lived in X number of countries.

Other teachers say this is a bad idea since often when you move country you have to start over because employers want teachers to have teaching experience in that country.  Moving costs can also be high if you have to keep buying stuff only to get rid of it a year later and then buy things again when you get to another country. They also say that by staying in one country you can network and get better jobs.

What do you think?
Is it worth moving every year or so or is it best to stay in one place for a while?


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How to Get Good Reference Letters

Updated 15 November 2012

Try to get reference / recommendation letter before you leave your current job. First, your boss will be more likely to remember details about your position. Second, your boss is still working there. Third, you're still working there and can remind your boss to give you a reference letter.

International School Review has some more tips on how to request reference letters. If you've left your job and need to ask for a reference letter try following the form below. You might also try reading ISR's What do YOU Want in Your Letter of Reference?


Asking for a Reference Letter
Dear (Name)
My name is (name) and I worked at your institute from (dates) as a (job title). I am currently applying for a position in/at (country or institute). In order to apply for this position I must submit reference letters and I would like to know if you would be able to write a reference letter for me. If possible, could you please include two copies: one for my application and one for my personal records. I really appreciate your help. Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
(Your postal address so they can snail mail you.)

What a Good Reference Letter Should Contain

• How you know me, ex. employer, students, etc.
• What I did and when.
• Why I am a good candidate for the position.
• Any additional responsibilites: workshops, newsletters, level coordinator, student placement, etc.
• Write the letter on professional letterhead with the name of the institution at the top.
• Should include contact information (address, phone, and email).
• Include job title (mine and yours)
• Sign using ink. Don't just type your name.
• Stamp it with the school's stamp.
• Date it.

Also published in . . .
This article has been published in the ELT Times.

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