Rocco Nigro
Our tutor in Queensland, Rocco Nigro, has been teaching English as a second language for 10 years throughout Australia, Japan and China. In this time he has taught conversation classes, young learners, business classes and academic English.
How and why did you get into teaching English overseas?
Initially I did it for a chance to travel and experience a different culture, or have an adventure if you like. My wife and I flew to Japan with working holiday visas with the intention of finding work when we were there. We had a busy first couple of weeks but were able to find a school that offered support and a chance to live in the countryside. After teaching for about six months, I realized it was something I wanted to do as a career as I enjoyed my work so much. Later, when I returned to Australia, I went about formalising my qualifications.
What do you most enjoy about the Weekend TEFL course?
It is so rewarding to be able to help people take their first steps in teaching. Even though it is for only two days, I feel they are much better prepared and I have enlightened them in the world of teaching.
Tips for first time TEFL/TESOL teachers
Go into the classroom with more material and lessons that you need. When you first start out, it’s really hard to get your timing right as some students will finish the work slowly or quickly. In the case that the go through everything faster than you had planned, pull out your back up material to fill in the time before the class finishes.
