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Teaching Conditionals at Different Levels
Conditionals are one of the grammar areas that consistently cause problems for both learners and new teachers. Students often learn the labels, zero , first , second , third , but still struggle to use them accurately. Teachers, especially early in their training, can fall into the same trap: prioritising terminology (form) over meaning and use. A more effective approach is to focus first on what conditionals do : they describe relationships between situations, possibilities,

Connor O'Donoghue
Mar 235 min read


Teaching the Passive Voice in a Communicative Lesson
English language students might first encounter the passive voice when they're still at a low level, but understanding why it is used and how it works can be challenging. For teachers, the passive often raises another question: how can it be taught clearly and communicatively without overwhelming learners with grammar rules? This article explains what the passive voice is, how it differs from the active voice, how it is formed, and what difficulties learners commonly experien

Connor O'Donoghue
Mar 106 min read


What salaries can you realistically expect teaching English in 2026?
One of the most common questions people ask before taking a CELTA course is simple. How much do English teachers actually earn? The honest answer is that salaries vary widely depending on the country, the type of employer, and how much experience you have. A teacher working in a private language school in Barcelona will have a very different income from someone teaching in Seoul or London. That said, there are some broad ranges that are fairly consistent across the industry.

Connor O'Donoghue
Mar 75 min read


What is a phrasal verb? A guide for English language teachers
If you are new to teaching, or about to start a CELTA course, you may have come across the term phrasal verb and wondered what it means. You may also have heard learners say, “English has too many phrasal verbs,” without being entirely sure how to respond. This guide explains what a phrasal verb is, why learners find them difficult, and how you can approach them in the classroom with clarity and confidence. What is a phrasal verb? A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a par

Connor O'Donoghue
Feb 254 min read


Can I Get a Job in the UK After the CELTA?
Many people considering the CELTA want to know whether they can work in the UK afterwards. The answer is yes. It is genuinely possible to find work in both private language schools and in ESOL provision at colleges, and many new teachers do this every year. The picture varies depending on the type of teaching you want to do, your right to work status and the part of the UK you hope to live in, but the opportunities are real and varied. 1. What UK employers look for Reputable

Connor O'Donoghue
Dec 3, 20254 min read


How to Teach IELTS: Key Differences, Tips and Strategies
Why Learning How to Teach IELTS Matters IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) is the world’s most popular English exam, taken more than three million times each year. It’s accepted by over 10,000 institutions globally, from universities and immigration departments to professional bodies and employers. For English teachers, IELTS opens professional doors. Teachers who understand how to teach IELTS effectively are in demand across language schools, universit

Connor O'Donoghue
Oct 16, 20258 min read


Using YouTube Videos in the English Language Classroom
Teachers are always on the lookout for engaging, real-world material. There aren't many resources that can match YouTube for variety and...

Connor O'Donoghue
Sep 3, 20253 min read


Lessons from the Classroom - help with CELTA Assignment 4
Lessons from the Classroom is usually the final written assignment set on a CELTA course . Some people say it's the easiest assignment to...

Connor O'Donoghue
Jan 22, 20252 min read
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