No Experience in ESL Teaching? Try the DISKARTE Method

The Vicious Cycle of No Experience in the ESL World

Alright, let’s talk about one of the toughest challenges that anyone who’s trying to break into the ESL world faces: gaining experience. I mean, you want experience, right? But to get it, you need to already have it! It’s a catch-22 that a lot of aspiring ESL teachers get stuck in. So, let’s break it down and figure out a way through it.

First off, let’s set the stage. The ESL industry— including teaching IELTS, TOEIC, and TOEFL—is super competitive. Schools and agencies want teachers who can deliver results. They’re looking for experienced professionals. Why? Because, if students or parents aren’t happy with a lesson, they’re out the door and onto the next teacher. Agencies don’t want that risk. So, they hesitate to hire someone without experience. But, how do you gain experience if no one’s willing to give you a chance? That’s the million-dollar question.

Now, here’s where DISKARTE comes in. It’s a Filipino term for strategy or approach, and it’s key to navigating this challenge. If you’re serious about getting in the game, you need to get creative with how you approach things. And don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a game plan that works. Let’s break it down with the DISKARTE acronym:

D – Define Your Tools

Alright, first things first: define what you need to get started. You need a solid computer and a reliable internet connection. An Intel i5 or higher is ideal, but an i3 can still work if you’re just starting out. Remember, your tech is a foundation—without it, you’re limited. If you want to keep up with Zoom calls and online teaching, it’s essential to stay updated with your gear. Don’t let tech be the thing that holds you back. If you’re working in private tutoring, an i3 will do the job—but as a general rule, you should upgrade your gear at least once every year or two to keep up.

I – Invest in Learning the Basics

Now, just speaking English doesn’t automatically make you a teacher. You need to invest time in learning the essential teaching skills. Understand the basics of grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. The key here is to master the fundamentals so you can explain them to others. A strong command of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) will guide your lessons and make them structured, ensuring you’re not just guessing. Without this, you’ll be wandering around in the dark, and let’s be real—that’s not a great place to be.

S – Start with Free Lessons

So, how do you build experience without a job? Simple—you offer free lessons. No one’s going to give you a job without experience, so you need to find creative ways to build your resume. Here’s the deal: in the Philippines, there’s no shortage of kids or family members you can teach. Grab a cousin, a niece, or a nephew, and teach them English. Focus on simple lessons that allow you to practice explaining concepts. This is your starting point—get comfortable with teaching without worrying about getting paid at first.
With Zoom, it’s easier than ever to teach remotely. You don’t have to be in a classroom to get started. So, if you’re willing to put in the time, you can gain valuable experience without needing a job title to back you up.

K – Keep Engaging Through Trials

Want more experience? Here’s a move I personally used to scale my experience—offer free trial lessons. You can use Facebook or LinkedIn to advertise your services, offering 25-minute trial lessons for free. Here’s the deal: if they’re happy with your first lesson, you’ll have the chance to teach them again. This is how you build private students. Engagement is key here—it’s about creating real connections and proving your skills. Get them hooked from the start and build momentum.

A – Ask for Feedback and Adjust

Always be ready to ask for feedback from your students or their parents. Constructive criticism is invaluable in improving your teaching style. Adjust your methods based on this feedback, and don’t be afraid to change your approach. Growth comes from learning from your mistakes. Remember, you don’t have to be perfect from the start, but you do need to improve every day. Keep fine-tuning your approach and never stop learning.

R – Refine Your Availability

Now, getting private students means you need to make yourself visible. Be refined about how available you are. Make sure you’re consistently reachable and ready to teach. Don’t be the teacher who’s hard to get a hold of. Show your availability through regular posts, messages, and communication. The more accessible you are, the better your chances are of gaining more students.

T – Take Action Consistently

Take action, and take it consistently. Every day, work on your teaching, whether it’s preparing lessons, practicing with students, or learning new strategies. Consistency is what builds trust and results in steady growth. Keep the momentum going, and don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—create them yourself. Build your own path—you’ve got this.

E – Engage in Networking

Finally, engage in networking. Go beyond just offering lessons. Network with other teachers, schools, and educational platforms. Use social media to connect and make yourself visible to those who might need an English teacher. The more engaged you are in the ESL community, the better your chances of being noticed and getting hired. Networking doesn’t have to be hard; it’s just about putting yourself out there and building relationships that can help you grow.

In Conclusion:

In today’s world, landing a job without experience is tough—but it’s not impossible. We’ve all been there. It’s competitive, yes, but if you’re willing to grind and get creative, you can make it work. So, get out there, do the research, and yes—offer free services to gain experience. Consider it your internship. The more experience you build, the more opportunities will come your way.

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To learn more about the author, visit Ian Tanpiuco’s official website at idtanpiu.co, where you can explore his work and expertise. For those preparing for IELTS, IELTS Rizz offers a dedicated space filled with tips, tools, and strategies to help you succeed. Check Educatorian for other academic English. If you’re looking to improve your IELTS writing or need correction services, IELTS Writing Easy provides valuable resources, including articles focused on enhancing both your writing and reading skills.