The Advantages Of Being A Non-Native English Teacher

There is considerable debate about native English teachers versus non-native English teachers when it comes to teaching English as a foreign language. But let’s look at the issue in detail to understand.

What is a non-native English teacher?

First things first, what is a non-native English teacher?

Non-native English teachers are teachers who have learnt English as a second, third, fourth or foreign language. In other words, their mother tongue is not English.

Native English speakers are citizens of the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Even if English is spoken as the primary language in your country but it is not on this list (such as The Philippines, India) you will be considered a non-native speaker.

Take TTA alumni Pedro. Pedro is from Portugal. Previously working in a veterinarian clinic, Pedro decided to teach English in China. In his words: ” I´m not even a native speaker, but that´s fine, really. There are tons of jobs, and very well-paid by the way.”

While many teachers would not argue that a non-native teacher is any less qualified than a native teacher, job advertisements all over the world have been known to advertise specifically for native-speaking teachers. This is essentially discriminating non-native speaking teachers out of jobs.

Our alumni have shown us time and time again that there is a place for  non-native English teachers in TEFL. More specifically, there are distinct advantages to being a non-native English teacher.

Read more: Non-native English Teacher Jobs Abroad

Non-native teachers have been EFL students

Non-native English teachers have had to learn English themselves. English is not their first language so in order to become fluent they went through the process of learning the language. This means that they have done the exact same thing their students are doing.

They will understand:

• how their students are feeling,
• what problems they may be having, and h
• ow to keep them motivated.

Having a non-native speaker as an English teacher is a sure way to up the motivation levels in the classroom because students can see that learning to speak fluent English is possible.

Non-native teachers have a good grasp of the language

What this also means is that non-native teachers have learnt English the way their students are learning it. Native speakers don’t learn English grammar at school. In English-medium schools they focus on style and literature instead.

Many native speakers need to brush up on their grammar when they become TEFL teachers! Be honest: if you speak English as a first language, before you did a TEFL course, did you know how to explain collocations? Or what a collocation is?!

While native speakers have a natural feel for the language, non-native speakers are better able to explain grammatical rules and concepts to their students.

Speaking English doesn’t equate to teaching English

Being able to speak a language, doesn’t mean you can teach someone to speak it. Many people who speak English as a first language believe they can walk into an EFL classroom and teach an effective lesson.

This is a myth.

To teach English as a foreign language, TEFL teachers need to be suitably qualified. Even licensed teachers need to do a TEFL course to become TEFL-qualified. A TEFL course teaches you the fundamentals of teaching English as a foreign language – even if you’ve never taught before.

Read more: What Do You Learn On A TEFL Course?

Non-native teachers might speak the students’ language

Their mother tongue might be the same as their students’ if they are teaching in their home environment. If this is the case, they can make use of appropriate translation techniques to enhance their teaching. This is not possible or appropriate with native English-speaking teachers – even if they can speak the language.

Read more: Using Translation in the TEFL Classroom

The controversy surround native and non-native English teachers is set to continue for some time. Many students prefer to have native English teachers because they feel they are better able to teach the language.

But, as we can see here, there are numerous reasons why being a non-native English teacher can be advantageous in the English as a foreign language classroom. Essentially, both native and non-native English teachers have their stregnths and weaknesses, depending on the person.

So, can you teach English as a non-native speaker?

The short answer is YES! You can teach English even if you are a non-native speaker.

Firstly, you will have to provide evidence of your competence in English. That means you need English language certification. If you have studied in the UK, you may already hold a qualification. If you have a B2 for example, it might benefit you to take C1 and C2 exams.

Then take a TEFL course – and you’re A for away!

Our top tips for non-native speakers

• If you are set on teaching abroad, you need to learn to market yourself to employers. You need to make them understand why you are special and how your bilingualism will benefit them if you become their teacher. Be specific and always look for something that the employer can gain from hiring you.
• Be clear about your TEFL qualification. Make sure you choose to do a TEFL course which is accredited and internationally recognised.
• Make sure your English is perfect in your application letter and on your CV. Remember, first impressions count!

As Pedro says: “Don’t lose hope. Don´t let society block your way! Go and see the world, teach English and have fun!”

Do you speak English as a foreign language? Are you considering teaching English as a foreign language in your home country, online or abroad? Chat to us to find out more about your options.