Meet Yosra – Career tips from a dedicated English teacher in Tunisia

In this article, we’ve had a chat with Yosra Lahouar, who is a dedicated teacher from Tunisia with a passion for education and working with children. She’s shared with us her best tips on how you can build a successful career as a professional English teacher.

In a world where communication transcends borders and global connections are more important than ever, English teachers have the power to help bridge cultures and allow people to communicate through the universal language of English. To build a successful and long-standing career in education, teachers need to approach this important role with dedication and passion.

We’ve had the privilege of sitting down with World TESOL Academy course graduate – Yosra Lahouar, an English teacher whose journey from a student volunteer teacher to a professional English teacher is a great example of what one can accomplish with a passion for teaching and a dedicated mindset.

Through this interview, we’ll gain insight into Yosra’s experience as a teacher, her aspirations, and her invaluable advice to fellow educators and aspiring teachers who also wish to build a successful English teaching career.

Yosra’s interview:

💬 What made you decide to pursue an English teaching career?

“I decided to pursue a career in English teaching for several reasons. First, I was fortunate to have had exceptional English teachers who greatly contributed to my language proficiency, and I wanted to pay that forward. I believe teaching is a noble profession, and I was drawn to the idea of helping shape a positive and supportive learning environment for children and youth.

Besides, English is the global language, and I have a deep passion for traveling and exploring different cultures. So, it made perfect sense to combine my love for the English language with my passion for teaching while having the opportunity to share it with students from diverse backgrounds.”

💬 How long have you been teaching English?

“I began my teaching career in 2018 while I was still a student. Since I love being around children, I’ve always been a part of the English clubs in pre-schools. I started by volunteering in kindergartens as part of the English clubs (Teaching alphabets, numbers, colors, shapes, etc…).

Since then, I worked for EPI international school (English summer club) in which I managed to help the kids not only acquiring the English language but also growing and learning various valuable life skills such as socializing with other kids, confidence and discipline. I’ve also taught as a private tutor.”

💬 Where do you currently teach?

“Currently, I’m employed at Leader Study Abroad, a private language center in Sousse where I teach English at Levels A1, A2, B1, and B2 levels to individuals of various age groups, following the Cambridge curriculum. I work with a diverse group of students, both young learners and adults.

Aditionally, I’m a private English tutor. I help middle and high school students to improve their English skills to pass their exams.”

💬 What is the job like?

“Teaching English can indeed be challenging. However, I find immense satisfaction in helping students improve their language skills and achieve their goals. Witnessing my students’ progress can be one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.”

💬 What’s the best thing about living and working as a teacher in Tunisia?

“Living and working as an English teacher in Tunisia offers a unique and enriching experience. One of the best aspects of this experience is the opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich culture and history of Tunisia while making a positive impact on the local community through education.

Moreover, Tunisia has a growing demand for English language education, creating numerous job opportunities for English teachers. This demand can lead to a rewarding teaching experience. As an English teacher, I have the chance to facilitate cultural exchange by sharing our language and our culture with Tunisian students while learning from them as well.”

💬 Any plans or dreams of teaching abroad?

“That’s a fantastic aspiration for me. Teaching English abroad can be a fulfilling way to explore different cultures, meet new people, and make a positive impact on students’ lives.

For now, my plan is to continue teaching in Tunisia to gain valuable experience. Simultaneously, I’m actively searching for a compelling opportunity to teach abroad. I don’t have a specific favorite destination in mind; instead, I’m prioritizing the adventure and the chance to explore new horizons.”

💬 How do you maintain your personal development as a teacher?

“As a teacher, I believe in staying open to new ideas and change. I know that keeping myself updated is crucial for being a good teacher. So, I take courses, learn from other teachers, and get extra certifications. I talk and share ideas with my fellow teachers, both in my school and online.

I also look back at my lessons to see what went well and what didn’t, and I ask students, and colleagues for feedback. To keep track of my progress, I keep a journal where I write down what I achieve, what challenges I face, and what I learn. This helps me become a better teacher.“

💬 What kind of teaching qualifications do you possess?

“I possess TESOL/TEFL and TEYL certificates from World TESOL Academy.”

💬 What is something from your teacher training courses that you’ve found really useful?

“From my teacher training courses, I’ve discovered several aspects that prove highly beneficial when working as a teacher abroad. Firstly, they emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting the culture of the students you’ll be teaching, especially when working in foreign contexts.

Moreover, the teacher training equipped me with a foundation in various teaching methods and strategies that can be applied globally. These techniques can assist teachers in engaging students and facilitating their learning, regardless of your teaching location“

💬 Would you recommend others pursue English teaching certifications like TESOL/TEFL?

“I would absolutely recommend pursuing English teaching certifications like TESOL/TEFL and TEYL to individuals who are passionate about teaching English as a second language. These certifications offer numerous advantages that can greatly enhance an individual’s teaching career.“

💬 Could you give us a glimpse of what a typical work week would look like for you?

“A typical work week for me involves teaching and planning lessons. I focus on making lessons engaging and tailored to students’ needs. Reviewing previous vocabulary is essential for every lesson.

After work, I like to relax by reading and exercicing. I’m also into writing and cooking as hobbies, which add creativity to my life and enrich my teaching with real-world experiences. This balance keeps me energized and brings fresh perspectives to my teaching.“

💬 How do you maintain a good work-life balance?

“Maintaining a good work-life balance is essential to me. After work, I like to unwind by spending quality time with my pets (I have a dog and a cat).

On weekends, I make it a point to engage in activities I’m passionate about, like reading, writing , or cooking. Spending time with friends and exploring new places are other ways I recharge.

I also prioritize stress management through regular exercising yoga and meditation. These activities not only keep me physically and mentally fit but also ensure that I’m refreshed and ready to give my best at work while enjoying a fulfilling personal life.“

💬 Do you have any tips for aspiring teachers who wish to pursue a teaching career?

“Teaching is a rewarding but challenging profession. Here are my top tips for aspiring teachers:

• Have a genuine passion for teaching. This enthusiasm will drive your commitment and creativity in the classroom.
• Stay committed to lifelong learning. Education is an evolving field.
• Creating a positive and structured learning environment is crucial for both you and your students. Focus on developing effective classroom management skills.
• Be flexible and adaptable in your teaching methods.
• Strong communication skills are essential. Listen to your students, and provide constructive feedback.
• Stay organized with lesson planning and grading.
• Cultivate empathy towards your students. Understand their individual needs, challenges, and strengths, and tailor your teaching accordingly.

I believe that teaching is a noble and impactful profession. By embracing these tips, aspiring teachers can embark on a fulfilling and successful career in education.“

💬 What’s next in store for you? In which direction do you see your teaching career heading?

“In the near future, my primary focus is on gaining valuable teaching experience here in Tunisia. However, I’m also actively exploring opportunities abroad to broaden my horizons as an educator.

I believe that experiencing different educational systems and cultures can bring a unique perspective to my teaching. I see my teaching career as a dynamic journey, and I am excited about the prospect of taking my passion for teaching to new places and sharing it with students from diverse backgrounds.“

Final thoughts

Yosra’s journey from being a student volunteer teacher with a passion for English to becoming a dedicated educator in Tunisia is a testament to the transformative power of teaching. Her commitment to fostering a positive learning environment, embracing cultural exchange, and pursuing personal growth, all while maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance, serves as great inspiration and a guiding light for fellow educators. Her story reminds us that teaching is more than a profession—it’s a journey of inspiration, empowerment, and lifelong learning.

If you too are interested in pursuing a career as an English teacher, then now is the perfect time to take the first step and start your teacher training.