10 Key Things to Consider When Choosing the Right English Language Teacher
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Choosing the right English language teacher can make a big difference to your progress, confidence, and enjoyment when learning English. Whether you’re looking to improve your conversation skills, prepare for exams like IELTS or TOEFL, or learn business English, selecting a teacher who fits your needs is essential.
Here are 10 key things to consider when choosing the best English language teacher for your learning goals.
1. Teaching Qualifications and Experience
When choosing an English language teacher, it’s crucial to check their qualifications. Teachers with certifications such as TESOL, TEFL, or CELTA are trained specifically to teach English to non-native speakers. Additionally, consider their experience. Do they have years of teaching experience, or are they newer to the field? Experienced teachers are often better equipped to handle diverse learning styles and goals.
For exam preparation, it’s especially important to find a teacher experienced in helping students succeed with tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge exams.
2. Teaching Style and Approach
Every student has their own preferred learning style, so it’s essential that your teacher can adapt to what works best for you. Some learners may prefer structured lessons with a focus on grammar, while others may want more conversation-based classes. Make sure your English teacher is flexible enough to create lessons that match your learning preferences.
The right teacher will balance speaking, listening, reading, and writing practice to ensure you’re improving in all areas of English.
3. Specialisation
Do you need English for specific purposes like business English, academic English, or exam preparation? Finding a teacher who specialises in the type of English you want to learn is key to achieving your goals faster. Specialised teachers understand the specific vocabulary, skills, and strategies that you’ll need.
For example, a business English teacher can help you master professional communication, while a teacher focused on exam preparation will guide you through the structure and content of the test.
4. Native vs. Non-Native Speaker
When choosing between a native or non-native English teacher, think about your personal learning goals. A native English speaker may be ideal if you’re focused on perfecting pronunciation, idioms, and cultural nuances. However, non-native teachers often have unique insights into the challenges English learners face because they’ve gone through the learning process themselves. Both types of teachers can be effective, depending on your goals and preferences.
If you are a beginner it can be helpful to have a teacher who speaks your native language so they can explain things when you don't understand!
5. Communication and Interaction Style
A teacher’s communication style can make a big difference to how quickly you improve. Choose an English teacher who speaks clearly, explains concepts in simple terms, and adapts their communication style to your level. They should also provide constructive feedback that motivates you rather than discouraging you.
Interactive lessons, where you are actively engaged in conversation or problem-solving, often lead to faster language acquisition.
6. Availability and Flexibility
Before committing to an English teacher, make sure their schedule aligns with yours. This is especially important if you have a busy routine or live in a different time zone. Many online English teachers offer flexible scheduling, but it’s still important to confirm that their availability meets your needs. Additionally, consider how often you want lessons—weekly, fortnightly, or more frequently—and ensure your teacher can meet that schedule.
7. Cost, Budget, and Platform Benefits
When choosing the right English language teacher, cost is an important consideration. Lesson prices can vary significantly based on the teacher’s qualifications, experience, and location. Determine your budget and find a teacher who offers good value for the price.
One of the great advantages of platforms like Preply is the wide range of pricing options, making it easier to find a teacher who fits your budget. Whether you’re looking for a more affordable option or a highly experienced teacher, Preply offers something for everyone.
In addition to pricing, Preply provides a huge selection of teachers from around the world, with different specialisations such as business English, exam preparation, and conversational skills. You can read reviews, compare teacher profiles, and even book trial lessons to find the best match.
Beyond this, Preply offers a user-friendly teaching platform, complete with interactive tools that make online lessons smooth and effective, ensuring a great learning experience.
8. Learning Materials and Resources
Check what types of learning materials your potential teacher provides. Do they create personalised lesson plans based on your goals, or do they follow a specific curriculum? Some teachers use a mix of textbooks, multimedia resources, and interactive tools to make lessons more engaging. It’s also important to know if the teacher assigns homework or provides additional materials to help reinforce what you’ve learnt outside of class.
9. Student Reviews and Testimonials
Reading student reviews and testimonials is one of the best ways to get an insight into a teacher’s strengths and weaknesses. Look for feedback from learners who have similar goals to yours—whether it’s improving conversational English, preparing for an exam, or learning business English. Positive reviews about a teacher’s teaching style, patience, and ability to help students progress are good indicators that they may be a great fit for you.
10. Trial Lesson
Many teachers offer a trial lesson to help you get a feel for their teaching style before committing. Use this opportunity to evaluate if you feel comfortable with the teacher, if their approach suits your learning style, and if they seem to understand your language goals. A trial lesson can help you avoid committing to a teacher who might not be the best fit and ensures a smooth learning experience.
All teachers on Preply offer a trial lesson, and this is risk free. According to their 100% satisfaction guarantee policy, if the lesson did not happen or the tutor didn't meet your expectations, you may request a free tutor replacement, regardless of price difference.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right English language teacher is an important step in reaching your language goals, whether you’re aiming for better conversational skills, exam success, or professional fluency. By considering these 10 key factors—experience, teaching style, specialisation, and more—you can find a teacher who will help you learn English effectively and enjoy the process along the way.
Platforms like Preply make this process easier by offering a huge selection of qualified teachers, a range of pricing options, and an intuitive platform designed for online lessons. With tools to help you find the perfect teacher and resources to support your learning, Preply is an excellent choice to start or continue your English language journey.
Explore the wide range of English teachers on Preply and book a trial lesson today and get 30% off your first lesson!