Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast TEFL Unlocked

Breathe, focus and learn! Luan and Mairead discuss how simple mindfulness activities can help learners manage anxiety, improve concentration, and communicate with greater confidence in the classroom.

Join Luan and Mairead as they explore practical ways to use art in the ESL classroom to develop speaking, vocabulary, grammar, storytelling, creativity and cultural awareness.

 Is poetry too difficult for ESL learners? Luan and Mairead explain how teachers can make poems accessible, enjoyable and useful for developing vocabulary, pronunciation, speaking and creativity

 Join Luan and Mairead as they explore creative ways to bring social media into the ESL classroom, from videos and posts to digital storytelling, while keeping learning purposeful, engaging, and safe.

What do you do when you have five minutes to fill? Try these quick, low-prep EFL activities designed to keep learners engaged, communicating and learning when plans change.

In this episode, Luan and Mairead discuss the realities of teaching English in South African language centres, including multilingual classrooms, diverse learners and why the experience is both rewarding and deeply fulfilling.

This week, Mairead steps into the guest seat to share her personal journey of teaching English in Spain. Discover what surprised her, what she learnt, and why teaching abroad can be such a rewarding experience.

In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Mairead puts fellow host Luan in the hot seat. Together they explore what a typical day looks like for an online English teacher, from lesson planning and student interaction to technology and teaching routines

Luan and Mairead discuss how rewards change with age, common mistakes teachers make, and simple ideas that keep learners motivated without distracting from the lesson.

Join Luan and Mairead as they chat about the power of storytelling in the ESL classroom, sharing practical ideas, personal experiences, and simple ways to make language learning engaging and memorable.

Not sure what to say in your teacher introduction video? Join us as we explore eight simple strategies to help you create a short, engaging and professional video that captures attention, builds trust and helps fill your classroom with eager learners.

Confused by CEFR levels? Join Luan and Mairead as they break down A1 to C2, explain learner abilities, and discuss why understanding language levels matters for teachers.

 Inspired by discussions from our practical face-to-face TTA training sessions, this episode tackles real classroom management situations and practical responses that teachers can apply immediately.

Feeling tired, unmotivated, or stuck in a teaching rut? Luan and Mairead share practical strategies to protect your energy, prevent burnout, and rediscover balance

In Part 2 of Don’t do that!, Luan and Mairead explore more common teaching habits that can unintentionally hold students back — from overplanning to missing signs of confusion in the classroom.  

This episode is a survival guide for new English teachers. Luan and Mairead unpack six common classroom mistakes that quietly damage student confidence, participation, and progress.

 Luan and Mairead tackle one of the biggest challenges for EFL teachers—classroom management. They discuss routines, pace, instructions, and relationships, and explain why behaviour is often a symptom, not the root problem.

Dictionaries are often overlooked in language teaching — but they can be one of the most useful classroom tools. Luan and Mairead share simple, effective dictionary activities alongside advice on choosing the right level of challenge for your learners.

How can you use the internet in your classroom without students going off-task? in this episode, we share tips to help you structure online activities, keep learners focused, and promote meaningful language use. 

 In part two, Luan and Mairead further explore a range of classroom tasks designed for larger groups, showing how clear structure and peer interaction can support active communication across different activity types.

Big groups can feel overwhelming, especially at first. This episode shares simple ways to manage noise, structure your lessons, and keep students speaking without trying to control every moment.

 In this special Q&A episode, we answer real questions from TEFL teachers worldwide—covering first jobs, post-certification uncertainty, and how to move forward with confidence in a changing industry.  

In this episode, Luan and Mairead explore the benefits of peer teaching and share practical strategies that boost engagement, encourage interaction, and bring more fun into the classroom.

 In this episode, we explore how to support neurodiverse learners in ESL classrooms. Discover practical strategies like structured lessons, multi-sensory activities, and flexible participation to create an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

Stuck in your teaching routine? This episode explores how observing fellow teachers can spark new ideas, improve classroom techniques, and help you grow through reflection, collaboration, and small, practical changes.

Curious about how AI can fit into your English lessons? Luan and Mairead explore how AI can save planning time, spark creativity, and personalise learning — without replacing the insight, care, and human connection that make teaching effective.

 In this follow-up episode, Luan and Mairead share practical, low-prep speaking activities for teens at every level. Discover simple classroom tasks that build confidence, encourage interaction, and get students speaking naturally.

Struggling to keep teens motivated in your English lessons? Luan and Mairead reveal top strategies for making lessons relevant, interactive, and fun – helping teens communicate naturally and confidently.

In this practical episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead break down the 5 stages of an effective reading lesson — from warmer to follow-on speaking — and share what to do, what to avoid, and why staging matters.

 Luan and Mairead break down why reading aloud often fails to develop comprehension, fluency, or natural pronunciation, and share strategies to make reading activities more meaningful and engaging for all learners.

New to TEFL? Join Luan and Mairead as they tackle the most common questions and worries for new teachers — from accents and grammar fears to lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching online. Gain practical advice and confidence to thrive in the classroom

Turn songs into learning tools! Luan and Mairead share practical ways to teach listening, vocabulary, grammar, and speaking — all through music, to make your English lessons more engaging, fun, and memorable.

Grammar lessons can be tricky, even for experienced teachers. In this episode, Luan and Mairead explore common mistakes—over-explaining, correcting too much, relying on worksheets—and share practical strategies to teach grammar effectively, keeping lessons engaging while helping students use language naturally.

In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan talks to Dr Andy Goldhawk about his new book, The Language Teaching Toolkit, and how it supports teachers at every stage of their career. Andy explains how thoughtful, adaptable activities can reduce planning time, build teacher confidence, and help learning really stick.

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 conversation also covers effective transition management, creating a positive classroom environment, and the significance of giving clear instructions. Finally, they highlight the necessity of staying calm and patient as a teacher, reflecting on lessons to foster continuous improvement.

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 financial expenditure.

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 cultural exchange in the classroom and shares practical advice for anyone thinking about starting their own TEFL adventure.

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 the TEFL world.

The conversation emphasizes the fluidity between these types, encouraging teachers to embrace their unique journeys and the potential for growth within the profession.

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 personalized recommendations and effective management of student expectations to create a supportive learning environment.