Foreign Language Teaching
There are always openings for qualified and motivated language teachers.
English language teachers help students of all ages and backgrounds, offering classes for anyone from complete beginners to those looking to improve their English for business purposes.
As well as taking classes, teachers may also be tasked with planning lessons, carrying out administrative work and even offering cultural activities in and around London.
Professional and Academic Requirements
Above all, prospective teachers are required to either have English as their native language or else be able to demonstrate complete fluency in it, usually in the form of a degree course taken at a UK university.
Aside from this, employers of teaching jobs in London will usually ask for a recognized teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) or a TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) certificate.
Just about anyone can get a place on a course offering training towards getting these qualifications, with many private colleges offering weekend, online or intensive summer courses, while some language schools in London may also offer training as well as the prospect of possible employment upon graduation.
Given the competitive nature of teaching in London, employers may also ask that prospective teachers be degree-educated, though the actual subject is largely irrelevant, and most will ask to see evidence of previous experience in the field.
Personal Attributes
Alongside a TEFL or TESOL certificate, a good English teacher should possess a range of personal attributes.
These include having a patient and calm manner, an enthusiasm for the English language and the ability to share this with others, the ability to work unsupervised, and excellent communications skills.
Additionally, good teachers must be able to stay motivated and engaging even when teaching the same lesson for the umpteenth time.
Potential Rewards
Teaching English in one of the capital's many language schools does offer a range of benefits.
The pay is usually far from spectacular, with hourly rates anything between £10 and £15, though offering one-on-one private lessons can be more financially rewarding.
Other benefits include the flexibility of the work, with many teachers fitting their classes in around other jobs or their studies.
Additionally, the chance to share a love of the English language and see the fruits of your labour is a major perk of this line of work for many.
Possible Drawbacks
Again, the pay is not great, even in London, particularly given hourly rates often include any preparation done outside of the classroom, and that it's rare to be able to work a full 35-hour week.
One other potential drawback can be the repetitive nature of the work and that, unlike secondary or primary school teachers, it may not be possible to see any concrete results should students only sign up for one or two weeks of lessons.
Biggest Employers
There are dozens of language schools dotted around London, though quality does vary markedly.
Of these, the vast majority take on new teachers on a year-round basis, with big employers including the likes of EF, International House, Malvern House, UIC and St George's.
However, competition for TEFL jobs in the biggest schools is usually particularly tough, with prospective teachers often required to have significant experience and be willing to undertake an assessment.
Alternatively, several universities employ English language tutors to get overseas students up to speed and there is also a huge market for private lessons in the city.
