In this conversation, Luan and Mairead discuss practical strategies for lesson planning on a budget, emphasizing the use of everyday materials, DIY resources, and the importance of teacher confidence.
They highlight the value of building a supportive TEFL community for sharing ideas and resources, ultimately reinforcing that effective teaching is about creativity and resourcefulness rather than financial expenditure.
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, host Luan sits down with Lucas — a TEFL-certified teacher who made an inspiring career shift from the restaurant industry to education.
Lucas opens up about the challenges and unexpected lessons from his certification journey, his unforgettable first teaching experience, and how TEFL has shaped his personal and professional growth.
He also highlights the power of cultural exchange in the classroom and shares practical advice for anyone thinking about starting their own TEFL adventure.
This conversation explores the effectiveness of process-based learning in TEFL, emphasizing the importance of engagement and the role of challenges in enhancing student learning experiences.
Luan and Mairead share personal anecdotes about their teaching methods and the surprising engagement levels achieved through innovative approaches.
In this episode, Luan and Mareid discuss the key differences between teaching one-to-one and group classes.
They explore various aspects such as interaction patterns, lesson pacing, classroom management, materials design, and feedback mechanisms.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching strategies to suit different learning environments and the unique challenges and opportunities each setting presents.
This episode explores the realities of teaching English online, discussing its flexibility, challenges, and key considerations for potential teachers.
The hosts emphasize the importance of self-assessment to determine if online teaching is the right fit for individuals, highlighting the need for reliable technology, lesson planning, and personal motivation.
In this episode, hosts Luan and Mareid explore the diverse types of TEFL teachers, categorizing them into five distinct types: the Adventurer, Couch Commando, Digital Nomad, Career Climber, and Volunteer Vibes Teacher.
Each type embodies unique motivations, lifestyles, and teaching philosophies, reflecting the varied paths one can take in the TEFL world.
The conversation emphasizes the fluidity between these types, encouraging teachers to embrace their unique journeys and the potential for growth within the profession.
In this episode, hosts Luan and Mairead discuss practical strategies for English language teachers to help their students improve their language skills.
They cover various methods, including the use of audio and visual media, engaging with music, enhancing reading and writing skills, and establishing daily habits that promote language learning.
The conversation highlights the importance of personalized recommendations and effective management of student expectations to create a supportive learning environment.
In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical concept of processing time in language learning. They explore how processing time allows students to think, formulate responses, and engage more effectively in the classroom.
The conversation emphasizes that processing time is essential for all learners, regardless of their proficiency level, and provides practical strategies for teachers to incorporate processing time into their lessons.
The episode concludes with a reminder that processing time is not wasted time but rather a vital component of effective teaching that enhances student confidence and participation.
In this episode, Luan and Mairead discuss the silent phase in language learning, a common experience for TEFL teachers, especially with beginners.
They explore what the silent phase is, what it isn't, and provide practical tips for engaging students during this period. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment, building trust, and encouraging nonverbal participation to help students feel comfortable before they begin to speak.
The hosts share personal anecdotes and strategies to foster a positive learning atmosphere, ultimately highlighting that silence can be a sign of active learning rather than disengagement.
In this episode, host Luan discusses the significance of incorporating fun into adult learning environments. She shares eight engaging games designed to enhance language learning while keeping adult students comfortable and involved.
The games are low-pressure, purposeful, and aligned with lesson objectives, making them effective tools for fostering communication and fluency in the classroom.
In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, host Luan speaks with Nancy about her transformative journey from being an accountant to becoming a TEFL teacher.
They discuss the challenges and rewards of this career change, the flexibility that TEFL offers, and how it has positively impacted Nancy's family life.
Nancy shares her experiences with TEFL certification, her early teaching days, and the skills she has gained that also benefit her parenting.
The conversation concludes with advice for those considering a similar path.
In this episode, hosts Luan and Mairead discuss the various ways TEFL teachers can give back to their communities.
They explore opportunities to support refugees and asylum seekers, provide literacy and English support for adults, volunteer with children in schools, intern through language schools, and run community English classes, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive environments for learners.
The conversation highlights the transformative power of language education and the meaningful impact teachers can have on individuals and communities.
Landing your dream TEFL job starts long before the first day in the classroom—it begins at the interview. In this episode, Luan and Mairead break down exactly how to prepare, from doing the right research to confidently handling those tricky common questions.
They’ll share why asking your own questions matters just as much as answering theirs, how to draw on your unique life experiences to stand out, and the art of being assertive when it comes to salary and job expectations.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or looking to step up your TEFL career, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you walk into any interview ready to impress.
In this episode, hosts Luan and Mairead share their favorite aspects of teaching English as a foreign language in a fun and engaging format inspired by the Oscars.
They discuss their preferred age groups, class types, activities for building rapport, grammar points, vocabulary topics, course books, teaching props, warmers, snacks, voice protection, and post-class relaxation techniques. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes and practical tips for teachers.
In this uplifting episode, hosts Mairead and Luan explore the inspiring rise of individuals in their 40s, 50s, 60s — and beyond — who are embracing TEFL as a new chapter in life.
Whether seeking a career change, post-retirement purpose, or the freedom of remote work, more mature adults are finding their place in the world of English teaching, both online and abroad.
Mairead and Luan unpack why age is not a drawback but a clear advantage in the classroom, celebrating the wisdom, patience, and life experience that older teachers bring. With motivating stories and practical insights, this episode is a powerful reminder: it’s never too late to start something new — especially with TEFL
In this episode, Luan and Mairead discuss essential tips for preparing for a TEFL job interview.
They emphasize the importance of managing nerves, conducting thorough research about the school, knowing logistics, dressing appropriately, and employing techniques to conquer pre-interview anxiety.
The conversation also highlights the significance of making a positive first impression and the mindset needed to succeed in interviews.
How do you stand out in a sea of online English teachers? It all starts with your profile, and in this episode, we’re joined once again by the amazing Nancy Ambrose to show you exactly how to make yours shine.
Nancy shares actionable tips for standing out on teaching platforms, building trust with students, and writing a bio that speaks to your students’ needs, not just your achievements.
From the importance of a good profile photo to avoiding common mistakes (like sounding too generic or forgetting a CTA), this episode is packed with practical advice and confidence-boosting insights, especially for teachers using English as an additional language.
Whether you're new to online teaching or ready to refresh your profile, this is your go-to guide for making a great first impression—digitally.
In this episode, hosts Luan and Mairead take on one of the most essential (and often nerve-wracking) classroom skills: flexibility.
From unexpected latecomers to over-prepared lesson plans, from bored students to wildly enthusiastic detours—you'll hear real teachers talk, relatable scenarios, and practical tips on how to go with the flow without losing your footing.
Whether you’re a TEFL newbie or a seasoned teacher, this episode is packed with relatable stories and practical strategies to help you stay calm, confident, and in control—no matter what the classroom throws at you.
Luan and Miread are diving into the essentials of planning a solid Business English course — whether you’re teaching online, in-company, or stepping in to cover a colleague.
We unpack why a needs analysis is the foundation of any successful course, how to strike the right tone in a business context, and how to use authentic materials that reflect your students' real working lives.
Additionally, we examine classroom dynamics, including navigating status differences between learners, and explore why you don’t need to be a business expert to teach Business English effectively.
Perfect for TEFL teachers looking to build confident, relevant, and flexible lesson plans that meet their learners’ needs.
Luan and Merade dive deep into one of the most essential—and delicate—aspects of teaching: giving effective feedback. From the right timing and tone to avoiding overwhelming learners, they share actionable tips for making feedback empowering instead of discouraging.
Whether you’re teaching young learners or adult students, this episode explores:
When and how to give corrective vs. positive feedback
Why vague praise and blanket corrections fall flat
The power of specificity and student self-reflection
How to avoid the dreaded “feedback overload”
Tune in for honest insights, real classroom anecdotes, and practical strategies that will help you build confidence, foster autonomy, and keep your learners growing.