6 Challenges of TEFL Teaching
Teach smarter, not harder.
What are the biggest challenges in TEFL?
I had a fascinating conversation about the challenges for TEFL teachers, and I was challenged to come up with the hardest. Here they are!
1. Classroom and behaviour management
I’ve never met a teacher who didn’t occasionally struggle with these.
Behavioural issues can even surprise experienced teachers. I remember after having a few very well behaved classes, I loosened my behaviour management system and had a bit more fun, only for it to bite me when my next class was a huge challenge!
Why this is an issue
Many teacher training programmes skim over classroom management, leaving teachers to rely on outdated techniques or trial and error. This approach often misses the mark, leading to unnecessary stress and frustration.
Younger learners may need more explicit behaviour correction, while adults often lack motivation . Cultural norms also matter—a behaviour considered impolite in one country might be seen as normal elsewhere.
Practical solutions
Set clear expectations - Communicate rules and routines early and reinforce them consistently.
Plan differentiated activities - Keep all levels of learners engaged by tailoring tasks to their abilities.
Build rapport - Develop trust through mutual respect and shared goals
Read more about behaviour management, classroom management and classroom routines.
2. Lesson planning
Creating effective lesson plans is a balancing act.
If you’re not careful, planning can eat you alive! The more conscientious you are, the more you’ll overthink your lesson and re-plan. You also need to juggle theoretical knowledge with practical application, all while working within limited time.
Why this is an issue
Many TEFL training programmes focus heavily on theoretical models, like PPP or TBL, but don’t teach teachers how to adapt them for real-world classrooms. As a result, many rely on coursebooks, which can lack the flexibility or creativity needed to meet specific class needs.
Practical solutions
Use backward design - Start with your desired outcomes, then plan activities that lead students to those goals.
Streamline with tools - Use text expanders or shared resources to save time and reduce repetitive tasks.
Bring in storytelling - Stories are a versatile way to engage students across all levels and contexts.
3. Limited Resources
Some schools don’t (or won’t) spend money on teacher resources, arguing that teachers should be able to make do with nothing.
Why this is an issue
Many TEFL roles come with minimal access to quality teaching materials or infrastructure for tech integration. Even when materials are available, they often don’t align with the cultural or linguistic needs of the students. The digital divide only makes adopting tech more challenging.
Practical solutions
Build an adaptable activity bank - Focus on low-prep, versatile tasks you can reuse and tweak for different lessons.
Leverage free tools - Platforms like Google Workspace and Canva can help you create professional-looking materials without breaking the bank.
Explore AI tools - Use AI to quickly generate or adapt activities, saving time and effort.
4. Professional Growth
Many TEFL teachers struggle to find clear pathways for career progression or access to meaningful professional development.
Why this is an issue
TEFL is often seen as a temporary job, not a long-term career. Advancing to roles like teacher training or publishing requires further qualifications and skills, which can feel rubbish.
Practical solutions
Invest in certifications - Consider advanced qualifications like the DELTA or DipTESOL.
Join professional networks - Get involved with organisations like IATEFL or local associations to connect with peers and discover new opportunities.
Build an online presence - Use platforms like LinkedIn or a blog to show your expertise, share ideas, and enhance your professional visibility (like this one!).
5. Cultural and Linguistic Challenges
Teaching across cultures and addressing biases as a non-native English-speaking teacher can be complex (but it can also be overstated as well - finding a balance is key!).
Why this is an issue
Many TEFL teachers enter roles without sufficient cultural orientation. Non-native teachers, despite having exceptional skills, often face stereotypes that undermine their professional credibility. These challenges can create misunderstandings in the classroom and affect teacher-student relationships.
Practical solutions
Research and adapt - Learn about your students’ cultural backgrounds and use that knowledge to tailor lessons effectively.
Leverage your strengths - Highlight your unique advantages, such as shared language experiences or insights into students’ learning challenges.
Seek feedback regularly - Use student feedback to refine your teaching and better align with cultural expectations.
6. Job Security and Stability
Let’s be honest, most TEFL salaries suck.
TEFL is just not a well-paid industry, for the quality and quantity of work that’s expected of you.
Why this is an issue
Many TEFL roles are structured as short-term positions, offering few benefits and limited career advancement. Teachers often face difficulties saving or planning for the future, which is even harder in a foreign country.
Practical solutions
Specialise in high-demand areas - Focus on niches like exam preparation or business English, which typically offer higher pay.
Diversify your income - Explore freelance teaching, writing, or consulting to create additional revenue streams.
Understand legal systems - Research long-term visa options and stay informed about local employment laws.
If you liked this article, you’ll love my books:
📝 Lesson Planning for Language Teachers - Plan better, faster, and stress-free.
👩🎓 Essential Classroom Management - Develop calm students and a classroom full of learning.
🏰 Storytelling for Language Teachers - Use the power of storytelling to transform your lessons.
🤖 ChatGPT for Language Teachers - A collection of AI prompts and techniques to work better, faster.
💭 Reflective Teaching Practice Journal - Improve your teaching in five minutes daily.
All fine, but the environmental impacts, amongst others, of using AI should be balanced against its convenience for creating worksheets etc.