Competence and skill in the classroom do not happen by accident.  It takes personal dedication and time to be effective.  However, it’s hard to make progress without direction. ETA offers this direction.  Because of our commitment to long-term work in Asia, ETA provides both initial and ongoing training for our teachers.

    Each summer (July-August), ETA conducts an intensive training camp for our incoming teachers to orient them to the cultural context of life and work in Asia.  During the first two weeks, our trainers introduce new teachers to ETA’s philosophy and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).  In the final two weeks, teachers participate in a guided practicum in which they develop lesson plans and instruct college students.  For incoming members who have never had teaching experience, the ETA summer training camp gives comprehensive instruction in lesson preparation, classroom management, and student evaluation.

    In order to meet the ongoing needs of our teachers, the ETA team also includes educational coordinators.  Each month they direct teachers’ forums which provide strategies, resources, and advice for the classroom. Periodically, they also make classroom visits to encourage teachers and to provide valuable feedback.