Career advice

Teach English

Want to teach English as an additional language or teach English abroad? Keen to improve your existing English language teaching (ELT) skills? Kickstart your career by joining one of these professional development courses for educators.

  • Median base salary UK £24,500
  • Typical hours 35-37
  • You'll usually need A degree and teaching qualification
Source: National Careers Service

What skills do you need to teach English?

  • Flexibility

    Depending on whether you're planning to work as a TESL, TESOL or TEFL teacher, you could teach English to children or adults and work around the world.

  • Communication

    A good command of English is an obvious requirement, as are strong written and communication skills, plus the ability to listen effectively to students.

  • Organisation

    English language teachers will need to be exceptionally organised. They will need to plan and deliver creative and interesting lessons day in, day out.

  • Self-improvement

    Continuing professional development is a key part of any teacher’s job. Staying abreast of the latest developments in English language teaching is a must.

Develop these skills with online short courses for English language teachers

ExpertTracks
2 ExpertTracks

A series of courses designed to help you specialise your skills. Start a free seven-day trial, subscribe to keep learning at your own pace, and cancel your subscription whenever you like.

British Council

How to Plan and Teach Great English Lessons

Understand and plan your professional development as an EFL teacher, with this flexible teaching ExpertTrack.

3 courses

12 weeks

Introductory

Find out more
British Council

English in Early Childhood

Explore early childhood development and find out how you can support young children learning English as an additional language.

3 courses

6 weeks

Introductory

Find out more

Courses
21 Courses

Learn new skills, pursue your interests or advance your career with our short online courses.

Lancaster University

Dyslexia and Foreign Language Teaching

4.8 (105 reviews)

Learn more about dyslexia, and gain practical teaching tools and insights to help dyslexic students learn foreign languages.

4 weeks

4 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

Find out more
Cambridge Assessment English

Teaching English Online

4.9 (1312 reviews)

Learn how to transfer your teaching skills to an online context and start teaching English online.

4 weeks

5 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

Find out more
University of Southampton & British Council

Understanding Language: Learning and Teaching

4.7 (135 reviews)

An introduction to some key concepts in the effective teaching and learning of languages.

4 weeks

3 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

Find out more
British Council, The GREAT campaign & Study UK

Study UK: A Guide for Education Agents

4.9 (171 reviews)

Develop your knowledge of UK education and equip yourself with the best tools to promote the UK as a study destination.

3 weeks

3 hrs per week

Free digital upgrade

Find out more
Queensland University of Technology

Teaching Phonics in Early Childhood

4.6 (490 reviews)

Learn how to teach phonics to children in their early years as a crucial part of their literacy development.

2 weeks

1 hr per week

Included in Unlimited

Find out more
Griffith University

PTE Success: The Skills You Need

5.0 (20 reviews)

Discover and practise the skills to improve your performance in the PTE test.

4 weeks

3 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

Find out more
University of Southampton

English as a Medium of Instruction for Academics

4.8 (52 reviews)

Equip yourself to teach in international contexts by increasing your English language skills and intercultural knowledge.

4 weeks

4 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

Find out more
British Council

English in Early Childhood: Context and Communication

Study the importance of developing language in context and providing meaningful learning experiences that motivate young children.

2 weeks

2 hrs per week

Find out more
Show more Teach English courses 

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What do English teachers say about FutureLearn courses?

I have been favourably impressed by the courses that I have attended and I am attending. First of all, because the teachers and educators are highly experienced and prepared. Secondly, because FutureLearn has been able to provide what usually may be lacking in an online course – the interaction with educators and with other learners that is continuous and of good quality.

Mariella
English teacher from Italy and learner on Teaching for Success

I strongly believe that upgrading the Teaching for Success program will be a significant qualification for my CV. In addition to this, my success on this program will give me more confidence to keep trying to make the difference in the domain of English education and contribute to the welfare of our society.

Effrosyni
English teacher from Greece and learner on Teaching for Success

How professional development for teachers works with FutureLearn

Learn flexibly online, for free

Develop valuable skills with a short, online teaching professional development course wherever you are. Start learning for free, on desktop, tablet or mobile.

Upgrade or buy Unlimited for extra benefits

Upgrade your course for ongoing access to the course content, tests, and the chance to gain a Certificate of Achievement. Buy Unlimited for access to hundreds of short courses in a year and the ability to keep access to courses you gain a certificate on.

Meet English teachers worldwide

Learn with experts from top universities and cultural institutions, and share your experiences with English teachers worldwide.