World Teachers Day - 5th October 

World Teachers Day - 5th October 

World Teachers Day is held annually in celebration of teachers around the globe - and with good reason; where would we be without teachers? 

International House Bristol has over 20 years' experience in training teachers to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) and during that time, we have produced hundreds of qualified teachers who have gone on to find jobs around the world, and helped hundreds of others to upgrade their existing skills.  

We’re very proud of the services we offer and the outcomes our students have achieved – whether they are studying with us as a student of English, or a student of teaching English – and we love what we do! 

We spoke to a few of IH Bristol’s longest-serving teachers and teacher trainers about what they love about their job, and advice for those thinking of choosing TEFL as a career path: 

Joe, Assistant Director of Studies & CELTA Course Coordinator 

I love the variety you get in the classroom. No one class is the same, so you’re always trying to work out the puzzles of what your students need, how to maximise their understanding, how to engage the individuals you’re working with and how to help them learn most effectively.  You also meet people from such a huge range of backgrounds, each with their own motivations, passions and life experience. It’s a privilege to work with them and to help them improve a skill that can be genuinely life-changing. 

For people considering doing a CELTA course, get into a language school and observe real teachers in action to work out if English language teaching’s for you. Make sure you’ve got a good basic grasp of grammar, so that you’re not playing catch-up once the course starts. 

Charlie, CELTA Teacher 

With all the juggling of grammar, vocabulary, printed material and technology, the most important thing for me has always been keeping the students in the centre of my work. As I find out more about the students that I’m teaching, I always feel like I am connecting better and I am better equipped to bridge the understanding gap and help them really move forward. 

Patrick, English Teacher

I enjoy being a teacher of English because it's a job where I get to meet people from all over the world and, hopefully, contribute to them improving their skills. It's an extremely rewarding and enjoyable job. If anyone is thinking of training to become an English teacher, I'd definitely recommend it - it's a great way to meet interesting people. My advice would be to share ideas with fellow trainees as much as possible. 

Pete, Principal & Director of Studies 

I love seeing my students in class working well together on a task in pairs or groups; there is that great combination of students having fun, learning and practising the new language from the class, while interacting with their international classmates through English – all at the same time! It’s wonderful when my students find the classes useful for their everyday lives, and for their careers and international opportunities – which is always my aim! 

If you are considering becoming an English teacher yourself, and you like the idea of working with people to help improve their prospects, I would encourage you to apply for a CELTA course. Don’t forget, the skills you learn on this course are not only essential if you want to teach English as a foreign language well, but they are also likely to help you in other ways such as improving your overall confidence, your presentation skills, your ability to stand up in front of groups of people, and dealing with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. 

Are you considering a career in TEFL? Come along to our next CELTA introductory course on 26th and 27th November 202, or speak to us directly and we'll be happy to advise you. Alternatively, if you are already set and ready to apply, see upcoming CELTA dates and apply here