How to teach English for dummies

Teaching English begins with a very basic requirement: you need one person who wants to learn from you. Many new teachers forget this because they focus on other things first, such as studying teaching theory, reading about grammar, or searching for the perfect lesson plan. They believe they must prepare more before they can actually begin teaching. However, teaching is not something that becomes easier from more preparation alone. It becomes easier through real experience with real learners. The moment you begin working with someone, even in a small way, you start learning how to teach. The experience of guiding another person is what teaches you how to be a teacher.

Many people delay teaching because they believe a teacher must be perfect. They think a teacher must always use correct grammar, speak with perfect pronunciation, and know every rule of the English language. This belief can stop you from taking your first step. The truth is that teachers do not need to be perfect. Teachers only need to be able to help their students understand the next step. If your student is a beginner, you already have the knowledge they need. Teaching is about progress, not perfection.