TEFL Unlocked

In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead explore the saboteurs that can hold teachers back. From the Critic to the Perfectionist, discover practical strategies to recognise these patterns, manage self-doubt, and step into the classroom with confidence, calm, and a renewed sense of purpose.

First-class nerves are real — whether it’s your first lesson ever or a new class. In this episode, Luan and Mairead share eight practical strategies to help teachers feel calm, clear, and confident before stepping into the classroom. From comfort rituals to simple activities, these tips turn nerves into readiness.

In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead reflect on TEFL in 2025. From the rise of online and hybrid teaching to microlearning, teacher upskilling, and sustainability, they explore the trends, innovations, and shifts that shaped classrooms, careers, and the global English-teaching community over the past year.

In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead explore ten reasons to start your TEFL journey straight after high school. As an internationally recognised teaching qualification that helps you enter the job market quickly, TEFL offers global experience, confidence-building opportunities, a stronger CV, and lifelong memories for young people shaping their futures.

In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead share eight low-prep, classroom-ready tasks that work seamlessly for both Cambridge Main Suite and IELTS learners. From speaking stamina to paraphrasing, collocations, writing skills, and exam-day confidence, these practical activities help you build real exam readiness without turning lessons into mock tests.

In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead share 10 practical tips to keep young learners engaged in online English lessons. From games and songs to movement, puppets, and digital whiteboards, discover fun, easy strategies to make your classes lively, interactive, and full of energy.

In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, hosts Luan and Mairead delve into the essential topic of classroom management, discussing various techniques and strategies that can significantly enhance the teaching experience. They emphasize the importance of establishing clear rules, maintaining consistency and fairness, building rapport with students, and planning engaging lessons to prevent misbehavior. The...

The conversation explores the journey of teaching English, focusing on the transition from general English classrooms to the specialized field of exam English. It highlights the motivations of students and the increasing demand for teachers with specific qualifications in exam preparation.

Join Luan and Mairead as they explore the upcoming International TEFL Day 2025! Discover free CPD opportunities, expert panels, and interactive sessions designed to help aspiring and experienced TEFL teachers learn and grow—while supporting global education initiatives. Don’t miss out, register now!

In this conversation, Luan and Mairead discuss practical strategies for lesson planning on a budget, emphasising the use of everyday materials, DIY resources, and the importance of teacher confidence. They highlight the value of building a supportive TEFL community for sharing ideas and resources, ultimately reinforcing that effective teaching is about creativity and resourcefulness rather than fi...

In this episode of TEFL Unlocked , host Luan sits down with Lucas — a TEFL-certified teacher who made an inspiring career shift from the restaurant industry to education. Lucas opens up about the challenges and unexpected lessons from his certification journey, his unforgettable first teaching experience, and how TEFL has shaped his personal and professional growth. He also highlights the power of...

Join Luan and Mairead as they share five flexible activities perfect for 1-to-1 lessons, whether online or face-to-face. These ideas are designed to help teachers make learning engaging, personal, and enjoyable, while supporting students’ fluency, confidence, and real-life communication skills.

From solo sessions to buzzing classrooms, Luan and Mairead explore five key ways 1-to-1 and group teaching really differ—and how teachers can adapt, connect, and make every lesson feel effortless and fun. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching strategies to suit different learning environments and the unique challenges and opportunities each setting presents.

Luan and Mairead explore the realities of online teaching, weighing flexibility, independence, technology challenges, and isolation. They share insights and key questions to help teachers decide if this career path suits their skills, lifestyle, and professional goals.

In this episode, hosts Luan and Mairead break down five TEFL teacher types — Adventurer, Couch Commando, Digital Nomad, Career Climber, and Volunteer Vibes. Discover where your style fits, reflect on your goals, and gain insight into the many ways a TEFL career can be lived! Each type embodies unique motivations, lifestyles, and teaching philosophies, reflecting the varied paths one can take in th...

In this episode, hosts Luan and Mairead discuss practical strategies for English language teachers to help their students improve their language skills. They cover various methods, including the use of audio and visual media, engaging with music, enhancing reading and writing skills, and establishing daily habits that promote language learning. The conversation highlights the importance of persona...

In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical concept of processing time in language learning. They explore how processing time allows students to think, formulate responses, and engage more effectively in the classroom. The conversation emphasizes that processing time is essential for all learners, regardless of their proficiency level, and provides practical strategies for teachers to incorpor...

In this episode, Luan and Mairead discuss the silent phase in language learning, a common experience for TEFL teachers, especially with beginners. They explore what the silent phase is, what it isn't, and provide practical tips for engaging students during this period. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment, building trust, and encouraging nonverbal partici...

In this episode, host Luan discusses the significance of incorporating fun into adult learning environments. She shares eight engaging games designed to enhance language learning while keeping adult students comfortable and involved. The games are low-pressure, purposeful, and aligned with lesson objectives, making them effective tools for fostering communication and fluency in the classroom.

In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, host Luan speaks with Nancy about her transformative journey from being an accountant to becoming a TEFL teacher. They discuss the challenges and rewards of this career change, the flexibility that TEFL offers, and how it has positively impacted Nancy's family life. Nancy shares her experiences with TEFL certification, her early teaching days, and the skills s...

In this episode, hosts Luan and Mairead discuss the various ways TEFL teachers can give back to their communities. They explore opportunities to support refugees and asylum seekers, provide literacy and English support for adults, volunteer with children in schools, intern through language schools, and run community English classes, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive environments fo...

Landing your dream TEFL job starts long before the first day in the classroom—it begins at the interview. In this episode, Luan and Mairead break down exactly how to prepare, from doing the right research to confidently handling those tricky common questions. They’ll share why asking your own questions matters just as much as answering theirs, how to draw on your unique life experiences to stand o...

In this episode, hosts Luan and Mairead share their favorite aspects of teaching English as a foreign language in a fun and engaging format inspired by the Oscars. They discuss their preferred age groups, class types, activities for building rapport, grammar points, vocabulary topics, course books, teaching props, warmers, snacks, voice protection, and post-class relaxation techniques. The convers...

In this uplifting episode, hosts Mairead and Luan explore the inspiring rise of individuals in their 40s, 50s, 60s — and beyond — who are embracing TEFL as a new chapter in life. Whether seeking a career change, post-retirement purpose, or the freedom of remote work, more mature adults are finding their place in the world of English teaching, both online and abroad. Mairead and Luan unpack why age...

In this episode, Luan and Mairead discuss essential tips for preparing for a TEFL job interview. They emphasize the importance of managing nerves, conducting thorough research about the school, knowing logistics, dressing appropriately, and employing techniques to conquer pre-interview anxiety. The conversation also highlights the significance of making a positive first impression and the mindset...