A Day in the Life of a TESOL Trainee

There are almost as many reasons as the myriad of people who decide to take a TESOL/TEFL course. New trainees run the gamut from the newly graduated looking for a job that allows them to travel the world, to the retiree wanting to learn a new skill and fill their more open schedule. What they all have in common, however, is that everyone has to go through the same intensive 4-week course together. Well, what does that entail I hear you ask?

A normal day on the course consists of inputs in the morning and after lunch followed by, twice a week, a one-hour teaching practice in the late afternoon. The inputs range from subjects as diverse as theatre techniques and lesson planning, to all things grammar and phonology, to résumé writing and how to apply for jobs. These inputs are trainer-led and discussion and questioning is encouraged.

Teaching practice is what makes our in-class course so great. It is the most practical and fundamental area of training and many consider it to be invaluable. You will teach real students and put your new-found skills into practice immediately, so you can see exactly how to perfect your teaching. The teaching practices are where all new trainees often, initially, have a little anxiety or nervousness, especially if they have not taught before or even stood up in front of other people for an extended period of time. However, these fears are often unfounded.

Trainees are given a context or grammatical point, depending on the level of the students, to focus on for the lesson. Our experienced trainers assist the trainees in the planning, preparation and give tips on the best way to deliver the lesson. The level of the students in the teaching practice lessons varies from beginner (A1) to upper intermediate (B2), so our trainees get experience teaching the most common levels they would find once they enter the job market.

Trainees are evaluated from specific criteria, and given positive feedback after the lesson on ways to improve in whichever way is necessary. Overall, the course requires between 6 to 8 hours of teaching practice during the 4-week course.

With our in-class course option, you’ll be training with expert teachers who all have extensive experience, often times in many locations, teaching ESL. Our trainers are knowledgeable and dedicated to passing along their invaluable skills to you as a new ESL teacher.
Our trainers and our staff are sensitive to individual needs and will provide you with all the support you need to successfully complete your course. You’ll have the opportunity to observe their teaching, learn from them in the classroom and benefit from their expert advice on how to become a better teacher.

Whatever your teaching goals, we at Lingua Leipzig are here to help you on your way to a successful teaching career.