1. Talking Way Too Much
Imagine you turn up to a salsa lesson, but rather than partner up and start learning the moves, the teacher sits you down and spends the lesson 'showing' you how to dance the salsa. While you might pick up a few tips, it's not really the best way of learning how to dance is it? Well, that's what it's like in the classroom if the teacher rattles on and on. While students need your direction and guidance, the best way for them to learn is to practice, so make sure you give them the opportunity. As a rule of thumb, you should aim for more STT (Student Talk Time) than TTT (Teacher Talk Time), and make yourself available to help and provide feedback.
2. Not bothering with a TESOL course
So you speak English fluently and now you want to teach it. Easy right? Well it's not quite that straight-forward. While you can still find teaching work without a TESOL qualification in certain countries around the world, there are a few reasons why getting one is a very good idea!
Your first introductory lesson may consist of a few games and some chat about where you're from, but what about the next 6 - 12 months? Where are you going to start, how are you going to gauge their level of English and develop lessons around it, are you going to be able to explain the ins and outs of grammar? You're responsible for the learning and development of your students, so it's unfair to turn up unprepared. Having a TESOL course under your belt is also going to help you have a shot at the best jobs, earning more and often getting a bunch of other perks.
3. Being Too Nice
At the end of the day you're the teacher, they're your students, and while nobody wants to be the grumpy teacher you can't go too far the other way either. By maintaining a good balance, you put yourself in a better position to ensure a positive and productive learning environment for the students - no matter what age they are. You'll find that by being positive and supportive, but firm when you have to be, your students will be more productive.
4. Expecting an Amazing Experience from the Get-Go
Yes, teaching English overseas is exciting, fun and an experience of a lifetime - but you need to allow time to settle in. While some people can revel in big change, most people take a little while to adjust. You'll be leaving friends and family, doing something you may be completely new to and living in a new house in another country that has a completely different culture. Once you get used to the new lifestyle, you're probably going to love it and find it hard to leave, but just remember to expect some culture shock... and that it's completely normal.
5. Taking the First Job You're Offered
There are a lot of TESOL jobs out there, so don't jump at the first offer you get. Take time to go through the job conditions - working hours, holidays, sick pay, training, flight reimbursement, completion bonuses - it's this package that will make or break your experience teaching English overseas.
If you're not happy with what you see, negotiate with the employer, and if you don't reach an agreement, look elsewhere. For more information about what you need to check out, take a look at this blog post: http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/travel-guides/201-6-Things-to-Check-Before-Accepting-Your-TEFL-Job.
6. Leave your lesson planning for free time during the day
After completing your TESOL qualification you should be brimming with lesson ideas, and while you should get plenty of free time during the day/directly after work to plan your lessons for the following day or two, this isn't always the best idea - particularly if you're new in the role. As a newbie, it's important to establish positive relationships with other teachers and school staff, so hang out in the staff room, attend social events and always take the time to help other staff. You'll find that this will make your working and social life a lot better, and you'll have people willing to help you when you need it.
So make sure you have plenty of ideas before you get there and start off by planning your lessons later in the evenings or over the weekend.
What do you think? What mistakes did you make as a brand new teacher?
