How to Teach English: A Beginner's Guide for New Teachers

Teaching English is one of the most rewarding skills you can share with others. Around the world, millions of people are eager to learn English for work, study, travel, or personal growth. That means there's a huge demand for teachers, not only in schools and language centers, where formal classrooms often follow a structured curriculum designed to support language learning, but also online, where students want flexible, real-world conversation practice.

If you're new to teaching, you might wonder: Do I need a degree? What if I've never taught before? Where do I even start? The good news is you don't need to be an expert to help someone improve their English. With the right approach, tools, and mindset, anyone who speaks English can become a teacher.

This guide will walk you through the essentials of teaching English, from the basic skills you'll need to practical methods that work in both classrooms and online lessons. Whether you dream of teaching abroad, working from home, or simply sharing your knowledge with others, these beginner-friendly tips will help you take your first confident steps into teaching English.

Key terms you'll encounter include ESL (English as a Second Language), EFL (English as a Foreign Language), and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). An ESL teacher specializes in helping students acquire English proficiency, often using tailored strategies and collaborating with other educators to support English language learners.

What Does It Mean to Teach English?

Teaching English can mean different things depending on where and how you do it. At its core, it's about helping learners build the confidence and skills to use English in real-life situations, whether that's ordering food, writing an email, or holding a conversation.

There are a few key terms you'll often see:

• ESL (English as a Second Language): Teaching English to people living in an English-speaking country who need it for daily life.
• EFL (English as a Foreign Language): Teaching English to learners in non-English-speaking countries.
• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language): A common term used for teaching English abroad or online.

English can be taught in many settings:

• Formal classrooms: Schools, universities, or language centers.
• Online lessons: One-to-one or group classes over video platforms.
• Informal tutoring: Conversational practice, community programs, or peer-to-peer exchanges.

Recognizing and supporting students' first language can help facilitate English learning, provide valuable scaffolding, and foster a more inclusive, culturally aware classroom environment.

The best part? You don't always need formal teaching qualifications to get started. While some jobs abroad ask for degrees or TEFL certificates, many learners simply want to practice speaking with a fluent English speaker. Platforms like Learn Our Lingo make it easy for anyone to connect with students and start teaching right away.

Qualifications and Training for New English Teachers

When starting out in teaching English, having the right qualifications and training can make a big difference in your confidence and effectiveness as a teacher. While you don't always need a degree to teach English, especially online, completing a recognized course like a 120-hour TEFL certification can open up more opportunities and help you develop essential teaching skills. These courses cover everything from lesson planning and classroom management to strategies for supporting English language learners at different levels.

Professional development is also important for new English teachers. Many organizations, such as the TEFL Org and Cambridge English, offer focused training and workshops that help you build your knowledge and stay up to date with best practices in teaching. Whether you're teaching in a classroom or online, investing in your own education will help you create better lessons, understand your learners' needs, and feel more prepared for any teaching situation.

Essential Skills for Teaching English

You don't need to be a grammar expert to teach English effectively. What matters most are the skills and qualities that help learners feel comfortable, motivated, and supported.

Here are some of the most important skills for new teachers:

• Patience: Learning a language takes time, and students will make mistakes and sometimes give wrong answers. A patient teacher encourages progress, helps them learn from these experiences, and avoids harsh criticism.
• Clear communication: Simplifying ideas and using examples makes lessons easier to understand, especially for beginners.
• Adaptability: Every learner is different. Some need more speaking practice, while others need help with listening or writing. Adjusting your style to their needs makes learning faster and more enjoyable.
• Encouragement: Confidence is just as important as vocabulary or grammar. A supportive teacher celebrates small wins and helps students believe in themselves.
• Creativity: Games, stories, roleplays, and real-life examples keep lessons engaging and practical.

When you focus on these core skills, you'll quickly realize that teaching English is less about technical rules and more about guiding learners to use the language confidently in everyday life. Both teachers and students are constantly developing their skills and understanding through ongoing practice and reflection.

Classroom Management and Lesson Planning

Successful teaching English in a language classroom starts with strong classroom management and thoughtful lesson planning. As a teacher, it's important to create a positive and organized environment where students feel comfortable participating and practicing their language skills. Using visual aids, simple sentences, and interactive activities can help you reach learners of any age group and ability.

When planning your lessons, think about how to introduce new vocabulary words in a way that's meaningful and memorable. For example, you might use games, group work, or real-life scenarios to help students practice new vocabulary in context. Managing your classroom time effectively is also key, break lessons into clear sections and use a variety of activities to keep learners engaged. Online resources and educational platforms can provide ready-made lesson plans and materials, making it easier to develop lessons that suit your students' needs and learning styles.

How to Teach English Step by Step

If you're new to teaching, it helps to follow a simple structure. At the basic level, it's important to provide foundational support and sometimes allow extra time for students to process new information. These steps will give you a framework you can adapt for different students, whether you're teaching online or in person.

1. Start With Basic Vocabulary and Phrases

Begin with words and expressions your students can use right away in daily life. Think greetings, numbers, food, directions, or common questions. Use pictures, objects, or gestures to make meaning clear without relying too much on translation.

2. Teach Through Conversation

Rather than focusing only on drills or worksheets, get students speaking early. It is important to make sure students can clearly hear instructions and examples during conversation activities to support their understanding and participation. Roleplays, simple dialogues, and question-and-answer activities build fluency and make lessons interactive. The goal is to get them comfortable using English, not just memorizing it.

3. Use Clear, Simple Instructions

Beginners may not understand long explanations. Instead, show what you mean. Demonstrate an activity, write examples on the board, or act it out. Short, direct instructions work best.

After giving instructions, check that they are understood by asking students to repeat or demonstrate the task.

4. Incorporate Listening and Reading Early

Balance speaking practice with input. Use gestures to point to key words or images during listening and reading activities. Play songs, short videos, or read simple texts. This exposes learners to pronunciation, rhythm, and sentence structure. Even if they don't understand every word, exposure builds familiarity and confidence.

5. Make Grammar Practical

Grammar is important, but it should be taught in context. Instead of starting with rules, use examples from real life: "I am eating," "She is working," "We are studying." When students see grammar in action, it feels more natural and less intimidating.

6. Keep Lessons Interactive

Learning works best when it's fun and engaging. Games, quizzes, and group activities motivate students and make practice feel less like homework. Even small activities, like "20 Questions" or "Describe the Picture", help learners absorb vocabulary faster. Award points for correct answers or participation, and recognize the team or student with the most points at the end of the activity.

How to Teach English Online

Teaching English online has become one of the most popular ways for new teachers to start. It's flexible, convenient, and allows you to connect with students anywhere in the world. No matter whether you teach online or in person, the core principles of effective teaching remain the same.

Choose the Right Tools

All you really need is a stable internet connection, a video platform (like Zoom or Google Meet), and a way to share materials (Google Docs, slides, or an online whiteboard). A good headset and clear lighting also make a big difference in how professional you appear.

Structure Your Online Lessons

Online classes need to be engaging to keep students focused. A simple format could be:

• Warm-up (5 minutes): Small talk or review from the last lesson.
• Main activity (15–20 minutes): Vocabulary, grammar, or a reading/listening task.
• Speaking practice (10 minutes): Conversation or roleplay using new material.
• Wrap-up (5 minutes): Quick review and a simple homework suggestion.

Online lessons typically follow this structure to keep students engaged and organized.

Keep Students Engaged

Use interactive tools like screen-sharing, quizzes, or flashcards. Encourage students to interact with other students during group activities to practice language skills collaboratively. Break lessons into short, varied activities so learners stay motivated and active throughout the class.

Get Started Without Experience

You don't need years of training to begin teaching online. Many learners are looking for casual conversation practice with fluent speakers, not formal lessons. Platforms like Learn Our Lingo make it easy to create a profile, connect with students, and start teaching from home, no degree or TEFL certificate required.

How to Teach English Without a Degree or TEFL Certificate

Many people assume you need a degree or expensive certification to start teaching English. While some schools abroad do have these requirements, there are plenty of opportunities that don't, especially online.

The truth is, a large number of learners are more interested in practical conversation skills than perfect grammar lessons. Many teachers have found success by focusing on practical conversation skills and building rapport with learners. They want to speak confidently in real-life situations, and a fluent English speaker is more than qualified to help them do that.

Focus on Conversation and Confidence

Instead of worrying about technical grammar rules, center your lessons on speaking and listening. Everyday conversations about travel, work, or hobbies are often more valuable to learners than textbook drills.

Be Honest About Your Experience

If you don't have a degree or TEFL certificate, don't pretend otherwise. Highlight your strengths, fluency, patience, and the ability to explain things clearly. While most teachers may focus on their credentials, being honest and approachable is often valued more by students. Many students appreciate a teacher who feels approachable rather than intimidating.

Use Resources to Support Your Teaching

There are thousands of free lesson plans, worksheets, and activities available online. Even without formal training, you can use these to structure lessons and give students variety.

Platforms like Learn Our Lingo make it easy for anyone who speaks English to get started, no degree required. By connecting with motivated learners directly, you can begin teaching and gaining experience right away.

How to Teach English to Complete Beginners

Teaching English to complete beginners can feel challenging, but it's also one of the most rewarding experiences. Complete beginners can be adults as well as children, so it's important to consider adult learners' feelings, backgrounds, and emotional responses when planning lessons. At this level, students often know little or no English, so your role is to make the language clear, simple, and practical from the very first lesson.

Use Visuals and Body Language

Gestures, pictures, and real objects are powerful teaching tools. Pointing, acting out actions, or showing an image helps students understand meaning without needing translation.

Speak Slowly and Clearly

Keep your sentences short and simple. Repeat important words and phrases several times, and don't be afraid to pause to give learners time to process.

Start With "Survival English"

Focus on words and phrases students can use right away, such as:

• Greetings (Hello, How are you?)
• Numbers and time (One, two, three…, What time is it?)
• Daily needs (I need water, Where is the bathroom?)

Build Confidence Early

Beginners may feel nervous or frustrated, so celebrate small successes. Even understanding or pronouncing a few new words is progress. The more confidence they gain, the faster they'll be willing to try speaking. This is one of the key points we talk about in our guide on how to learn English fast.

By keeping lessons practical, visual, and encouraging, you'll give complete beginners a solid foundation that motivates them to keep learning.

English Language and Culture in the Classroom

Teaching English isn't just about grammar and vocabulary, it's also about helping students understand the culture behind the language. By introducing English language and culture in your classroom, you create a richer, more immersive learning experience that supports fluency and real-world communication. For non native speakers, exploring cultural topics can make lessons more engaging and help them connect with the language on a deeper level.

You can bring culture into your lessons by discussing traditions, holidays, and everyday life in English-speaking countries. Watching English movies, listening to music, or celebrating special events in class are great ways to make learning fun and relevant. Using real-life examples and scenarios in your lesson plans helps learners see how vocabulary words and phrases are used in context. Don't forget to take advantage of online resources, such as YouTube videos and interactive courses, to introduce students to different accents, customs, and ways of speaking English.

Supporting Diverse Learners

Every classroom is unique, and teaching English as a foreign language means working with students from a variety of backgrounds, ages, and skill levels. To support all your English language learners, it's important to use a range of teaching methods and adapt your lessons to meet different needs. Differentiated instruction, such as providing extra support for beginners or offering more challenging tasks for advanced students, ensures everyone can participate and make progress.

Visual aids, simple sentences, and focused group activities can help learners with different abilities understand and practice new language skills. Creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment is essential, so encourage students to speak and try new things without worrying about making mistakes. Ongoing professional development can also help teachers build the skills needed to support diverse learners, making your classroom a place where everyone feels valued and motivated to learn.

Tips for Building Confidence as a New Teacher

Starting out as a new teacher can feel intimidating, but confidence grows with practice. The more you teach, the more natural it becomes. Here are a few ways to speed up the process:

Practice With Friends or Language Partners

Before working with paying students, try teaching short lessons to friends, family, or language exchange partners. This gives you a safe space to test your explanations and activities.

Use Ready-Made Lesson Plans

You don't have to design everything from scratch. Many reputable websites offer free lesson plans, worksheets, and activities. Using these resources helps you stay organized and reduces stress in your first lessons.

Focus on Communication, Not Perfection

You don't need to know every grammar rule. Your job is to help learners communicate. If a question stumps you, it's fine to say, "Let me check and get back to you." Students respect honesty more than forced answers.

Learn as You Teach

Every lesson will teach you something new about how people learn, what works, and what doesn't. Treat teaching as a journey, you're improving just as much as your students are.

By taking small, steady steps, you'll quickly build confidence and discover your own style as an English teacher.

Overcoming Common Challenges for New Teachers

Starting out as an English teacher comes with its own set of challenges, from managing classroom behavior to creating engaging lesson plans and supporting students at different proficiency levels. The key to overcoming these challenges is to stay focused on building a positive learning environment and to use a variety of teaching practices that encourage participation and growth.

Incorporate activities that promote speaking and listening, such as games and group discussions, to help learners build fluency and confidence. Make use of online resources and lesson plans to save time and bring fresh ideas into your classroom. Don't be afraid to seek feedback from other teachers or participate in professional development opportunities, these can help you develop new skills and find solutions to common teaching challenges. By understanding the needs of your students and being proactive in your approach, you'll become a more effective teacher and create a classroom where every learner can succeed.

Resources for New English Teachers

One of the best parts about teaching English today is the wide range of free and low-cost resources available. Even if you're just starting out, these tools can help you prepare lessons, keep students engaged, and feel more confident as a teacher.

Free Lesson Plans and Materials

• British Council Teaching English (teachingenglish.britishcouncil.org) – A huge library of ready-to-use lesson plans, activities, and articles for teachers.
• ESL Fast (eslfast.com) – Short conversations, listening exercises, and reading practice materials perfect for beginners.

Flashcards and Worksheets

• ISLCollective (islcollective.com) – Free printable worksheets and classroom activities shared by teachers around the world.
• Quizlet (quizlet.com) – Create or use ready-made digital flashcards for vocabulary practice.

Classroom and Online Tools

• Kahoot! (kahoot.com) – Fun quizzes and games to make lessons interactive.
• Canva for Education (canva.com/education) – Design slides, worksheets, and visual aids easily, even with no design experience.

By using these resources, you can save time, add variety to your lessons, and give students more ways to practice and enjoy learning.

Start Teaching English Today

Teaching English doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating. You don't need a degree, years of training, or a perfectly polished plan to get started. What matters most is a willingness to communicate, encourage, and guide learners as they build their skills.

In this guide, we've covered the basics:

• What it really means to teach English.
• The essential skills every teacher needs.
• Step-by-step methods for structuring lessons.
• How to teach online, without a degree, or to complete beginners.
• Tips and resources to build your confidence.

The fastest way to grow as a teacher is to actually start teaching. Every conversation, lesson, or activity you lead will make you better, and your students will improve along the way too.

If you're ready to take the leap, platforms like Learn Our Lingo make it easy to connect with learners right away. You can create a profile, share your availability, and start helping students learn English from day one, no classroom or formal qualifications required.

Don't wait for the "perfect time" to begin. The sooner you start teaching, the sooner you'll gain confidence, experience, and the joy of helping others achieve their language goals.