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TEFL Unlocked

by The TEFL Academy

Dive into the world of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) with TEFL Unlocked, the ultimate podcast for aspiring and seasoned educators. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to enhance your teaching skills, this podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

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Episodes

  1. Interview with an English student Part 2: English in everyday life with Anouck

    Luan chats to Anouck about using English beyond the classroom, how everyday exposure helps her develop her skills, and why enjoying what you watch, read and listen to can make such a difference to your learning.

  2. Interview with an English student: Anouck’s learning journey

    Luan sits down with her student Anouck to discuss her learning journey, how her attitude towards mistakes has changed and what makes learning English enjoyable and rewarding.

  3. More than entertainment: Using movies to teach English

    Luan and Mairead put movies in the classroom under the spotlight. From authentic language and cultural exposure to passive viewing and wasted lesson time, they explore how teachers can use films effectively.

  4. Walk through an online lesson with us

    Join Luan and Mairead as they walk through an online English lesson, exploring each stage, from the warmer to the plenary..

  5. We've reached episode 100!!!:We got 100 questions. Here’s 10.

    It’s our 100th episode! To celebrate, we’re answering 100 questions from our listeners. Well… sort of. We’ve actually picked ten questions from the 100, with possibly another 100 questions hiding inside them.

  6. TEFL as a side hustle: Why online teaching works

    You don't have to leave your day job to become a TEFL teacher. Luan and Mairead explore how online teaching can fit around your existing work, family, studies, and commitments

  7. Mindfulness in the ESL classroom: Simple strategies that work

    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.

  8. Art meets English: Creative ideas for ESL teachers

    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.

  9. Making poetry accessible in the ESL classroom

    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

  10. Social media meets the ESL classroom

    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.

  11. Fillers: Quick activities for those unexpected gaps

    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.

  12. Teaching English in South Africa: Inside the language centre classroom

    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.

  13. Teaching in Spain: Mairead’s TEFL journey

    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.

  14. Interviewing Luan: A day in the life of an online TEFL teacher

    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

  15. Choosing the right classroom rewards

    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.

  16. Storytelling in the classroom

    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.

  17. Creating an introductory video that gets noticed

    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.

  18. What Is the CEFR? Understanding A1–C2 language levels

    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.

  19. Classroom management: What would you do?

    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.

  20. Beating the mid-year slump as a teacher

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

  21. Don’t do that! – Part 2

    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.

  22. Don’t do that! - Part 1

    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.

  23. Managing behaviour in the EFL Classroom: What Actually Works

    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.

  24. Dictionary activities that actually work in the classroom

    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.

  25. Using the internet with purpose in the ESL classroom

    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.

  26. Practical ways to teach large classes part 2

    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.

  27. Practical ways to teach large classes

    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.

  28. Real TEFL questions from you, our listeners

    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.

  29. Peer teaching in the classroom: Strategies that work.

    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.

  30. Teaching every mind: Neurodiversity in 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.

  31. Peer observation: Learning from other teachers

    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.

  32. AI and English teaching: Using AI without losing the human touch

    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.

  33. Engaging teen learners – Part 2

    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.

  34. Engaging teen learners – Part 1

    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.

  35. The 5-stage reading lesson that actually works

    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.

  36. Reading aloud in the classroom: Does it work?

    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.

  37. Your questions answered — More of what new TEFL teachers want to know

    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

  38. Using songs in the ESL classroom: Activities that work

    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.

  39. Mistakes teachers make when teaching grammar

    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...

  40. Discussing The Language Teaching Toolkit with Dr Andy Goldhawk

    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...

  41. Recognising and overcoming your teaching saboteurs

    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.

  42. Pre-class nerves? 8 strategies to teach calmly and confidently

    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…

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  43. Reflecting on TEFL in 2025: What shaped the year

    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...

  44. 10 Reasons to do your TEFL straight after high school

    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...

  45. 8 Low-Prep tasks for exam preparation students

    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...

  46. 10 Simple ways to keep young learners engaged online

    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.

  47. Mastering classroom management techniques

    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...

  48. From general English to exam preparation

    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.

  49. International TEFL Day: Discover what's possible

    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!

  50. Lesson planning on a budget

    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…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Dive into the world of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) with TEFL Unlocked, the ultimate podcast for aspiring and seasoned educators. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to enhance your teaching skills, this podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

HOSTED BY

The TEFL Academy

CATEGORIES

business careers

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does TEFL Unlocked have?

TEFL Unlocked currently has 103 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is TEFL Unlocked about?

Dive into the world of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) with TEFL Unlocked, the ultimate podcast for aspiring and seasoned educators. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to enhance your teaching skills, this podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

How often does TEFL Unlocked release new episodes?

TEFL Unlocked publishes regularly with 103 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to TEFL Unlocked?

You can listen to TEFL Unlocked on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts TEFL Unlocked?

TEFL Unlocked is created and hosted by The TEFL Academy.
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