Catherine Regan

Catherine Regan, our TEFL tutor in Sydney, New South Wales, has taught English in Japan, Turkey and the Czech Republic. Catherine spent many years in Tokyo teaching English to children and adults, she also taught business and medical English. Catherine traveled to Prague and Istanbul where in both places taught general English to Adults.

Since returning from her job placements overseas, Catherine has been working as an English teacher and for the last 5 years as a Director of Studies in an international college.

How and why did you get into teaching?

I had traveled Europe, North Africa and parts of Asia extensively in my twenties and in my early thirties I spent 5 years living and working in London. For a short time I started teaching art at a college in Sydney and found I loved teaching but still hadn’t shaken that travel bug! The most meaningful and economical way for me to see and experience more of the world was to work and travel, so I applied for a job in Tokyo teaching English. I loved it and decided that I had found a new career - as they the say the rest is history.

What do you most enjoy about the Weekend TEFL course?

I enjoy the Weekend TEFL courses immensely. I like being able to share my skills and experience with people who are about to venture abroad and want to teach English. It’s really amazing meeting such a cross section of people who attend these weekend courses. People vary in ages, professions, nationalities and all have different reasons for doing the course, which makes it an extremely interesting weekend for all involved.

Tips for first time TEFL teachers

For any first time English language teacher, I would suggest have confidence in your own abilities. Teachers are continually learning and you are not expected to know everything, so enjoy the learning process as well as the teaching: keep it simple and take it slowly. Establish rapport with students and make them feel at ease so they are able to learn and enjoy the experience.