ESL Teaching Resources for Teachers Abroad
| Teaching House Nomads Blog
Online Teaching Platforms and Communities
ESL Base
ESL Base serves as an invaluable starting point for ESL teachers. It offers a wide range of lesson plans, teaching tips, and resources tailored for various age groups and proficiency levels. Additionally, it hosts a vibrant community of teachers where experiences and advice can be shared, fostering a sense of global connection among ESL educators.
Dave’s ESL Cafe
Dave’s ESL Cafe stands as a cornerstone in the ESL community. It's renowned for its job listings, teacher forums, and a wealth of resources for lesson planning and classroom activities. The site also offers insights into different ESL teaching contexts around the world, making it a treasure trove for teachers seeking global perspectives.
TEFL.net
TEFL.net is a comprehensive resource offering a plethora of teaching resources, including worksheets, lesson plans, and teacher forums. Its strength lies in the diversity of teaching methodologies and classroom management strategies it presents, making it a go-to resource for teachers looking to diversify their teaching styles.
Lesson Planning and Materials
Breaking News English
Breaking News English offers contemporary lesson plans based on current events and news stories. This resource is particularly effective for engaging students in meaningful conversations about relevant and relatable topics, thereby making language learning more contextual and impactful.
British Council
The British Council’s teaching website (www.teachingenglish.org.uk) offers an extensive collection of lesson plans, activities, and games, all designed by professional ESL educators. It caters to all age groups and proficiency levels, providing teachers with materials that are both diverse and adaptable to different classroom settings.
ISL Collective
ISL Collective is a collaborative platform where teachers share ESL worksheets they've created. It covers a broad range of topics and offers materials suitable for various age groups and proficiency levels, fostering a collaborative spirit in the global ESL community
Interactive Learning Tools
Kahoot!
Kahoot! is an interactive, game-based learning platform loved by students and teachers alike. You can create quizzes and games that transform learning into a fun and engaging experience. Kahoot! is particularly effective in reinforcing language concepts and vocabulary in a lively, interactive manner.
Quizlet
Quizlet offers a range of study sets, flashcards, and games, making it an excellent tool for vocabulary building and language practice. Its user-friendly interface and diverse learning modes cater to different learning styles, enhancing student engagement and retention.
Duolingo for Schools
Duolingo for Schools extends the popular language-learning app Duolingo into the classroom setting. It allows teachers to track students' progress and provides additional resources to supplement classroom learning, making language practice both accessible and enjoyable.
Professional Development
Coursera
Coursera provides access to free online courses from universities worldwide. While some courses require payment, many offer "audit" options at no cost, presenting opportunities for professional growth in areas like language pedagogy, classroom management, and more.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn offers a variety of free online courses in language teaching and pedagogy. These courses, offered by reputable institutions, are valuable for teachers seeking to enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies.
Cambridge English Teacher
Cambridge English Teacher offers a range of free webinars and resources for ongoing teacher development. It's a great platform for ESL teachers seeking to refine their teaching skills and stay abreast of current trends in language education.
Collaboration and Sharing
Edmodo
Edmodo is a versatile social platform for teachers, students, and parents. It facilitates sharing resources, collaborating on projects, and managing classroom activities. Its intuitive design makes it an excellent tool for fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Teachers Pay Teachers
While primarily known as a marketplace, Teachers Pay Teachers hosts a substantial number of free resources contributed by teachers worldwide. These resources range from worksheets to full lesson plans, offering a wealth of material for teachers in need of inspiration or specific classroom tools.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is an excellent tool for managing classes, distributing assignments, and providing feedback. It's particularly useful for blended or online learning environments and integrates seamlessly with other Google tools.
Embarking on an ESL teaching career abroad can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and resources, it can also be incredibly fulfilling and effective. With these free resources for esl teachers at your disposal, you're well-equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of your students.