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Teaching Corner

Teacher Stories

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At EF Teach Online, we provide the technology to connect teachers and students worldwide. Here you'll find tools, tips and teacher stories to power your online classes.

Beatriz Porta ‹ EF Teach Online

If I show you a photo of Oprah or Cristiano Ronaldo even if you don’t know their names, you’ll probably recognize them. Not just because one of them is an athlete, but because beyond their talents they have created a well-known Personal Brand.  
Have you ever googled your name? Did you like what you saw, or did you find photos of people who don’t represent you? Personal Branding is unique skills, experience, and personality traits that represent you and what you want the rest of the world to see. It’s how you tell your personal story, influence the public perception of your expertise in your industry, improve your credibility, and differentiate yourself from the crowd.   
At this point, you may be asking yourself, why would I want to build my personal brand if I’m an online teacher? I’m not an influencer, I’m not a big company, I’m just me… a single mom that teaches English online while taking care of my kids, an online teacher backpacking around the world looking for ways to have an income while pursuing my dream, or a schoolteacher who teaches online for a secondary income. I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t matter what your situation is; your personal brand can be vital for both your professional and personal growth.  
  
1. Put yourself out there  
  
We are living in the digital era, which means that anyone who wants to be someone is either on WeChat, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, or even Facebook. So, if you want to grow, and build your reputation and credibility then you must put yourself out there by building your brand on social media. As teachers, you have the voice, the knowledge, and the position to create a positive impact in the lives of your students. Now it’s time to share that knowledge.   
Each platform offers different resources and users share their content in different ways using those resources. In this sense, according to your message and your target audience, you can determine which platform is the best fit for you. But, before losing your head thinking about all the different social media channels think about whether you like to be on camera, if you are better at giving speeches or if you prefer writing your thoughts. After having had that moment of self-reflection, understanding what you are best at, and having researched the aim of the different platforms, it’s time to pick the social media platform that suits you best.    
  
2. Share valuable content   
  
Let’s imagine that you are good at styling your hair, and you want to inspire others with your hairstyle. If you are building your brand, you can achieve this through video tutorials, articles, streaming sessions, photos, graphics, or whatever feels more natural to you. You can also pay for adverts or build your reputation organically by telling people how to style their hair. There’s no right or wrong way of doing this as the important thing is that you have a clear message that adds value to people’s lives.   
Some teachers share bite-sized <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@iamthatenglishteacher/video/7080336548822191406?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6979850139063567877">language points</a>, others share <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0po2c2Gfx1u3FyetORErdL?si=edafe093e6df4142">teaching</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CaDnsKSAeFy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">learning</a> tips, the use of the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CbDpfXDAOwa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">language in real life</a>, and so much more. The important thing for you is that you start sharing what you can do as a teacher. The goal is to create something special that conveys a valuable message.   
Don’t be shy and tell us your story! Share your voice with your community, your knowledge, your personality, and your experience. In this case, your teaching experience.   
  
3. Be authentic   
  
You found your voice, the proper channel, and your story — now it is time to add that uniqueness that only you have. Keeping a clear and consistent message for your target audience will make it easier to create content around your brand and those things that define you. As a teacher you have your niche, now find a niche within your niche. The best personal brands are very specific. Make it easier for people to remember you by narrowing down your brand message. But hey! Do not forget your creative side and be authentic, bring something to the mix that makes the experience stand out from the rest. Even if you are shy, if you don’t have a big wardrobe, or the latest camera to record your videos, people will stick with you if they find that they can relate to your message.   
Ultimately, creating or budling your brand will help you in your career, will increase your circle of influence, and will enable you to make a bigger impact. You can use your brand to highlight your knowledge and teaching skills. Do not just shout about your brand on social media channels, create a story around it that your audience can engage with. Remember to always be yourself; everyone has their own quirks.   
 
Learn more about EF Teach Online <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/teachonline/">here</a>.

If I show you a photo of Oprah or Cristiano Ronaldo even if you don’t know their names, you’ll probably recognize them. Not just because one of them is an athlete, but because beyond their talents they have created a well-known Personal Brand.   Have you ever googled your name? Did you like what you …

The Power of Personal Branding - EF Teach Online

The Power of Personal Branding ‹ EF Teach Online

The Power of Personal Branding

The power of personal branding

The internet, social media and the modern world we live in can be very controversial, but something I really appreciate is the possibility of being culturally connected with people around the world. Thanks to this, even though not everyone celebrates Christmas, we can’t deny that there is something special in the air during this time of year. So, take a break, relax, and enjoy the holidays. And what better way to do it than with a Christmas movie!  
We all know and love the classics: Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Love Actually, and so on. But what else can we watch apart from these movies? Here are my top recommendations:   
1. The Christmas Chronicles (2018). What I really like about this movie is that it retains the message of a classic Christmas movie but is set in a more modern-day context. Directed by Clay Kaytis, the film is about two kids who see Santa Claus in their home and secretly jump into his sleigh, causing a sleigh crash and the loss of all the Christmas presents. Unlike other movies, this sequel, released in 2020, has been just as good (if not better than) as the first movie.  
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-19622" height="169" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://a.storyblok.com/f/238048/1280x720/b312edaff2/thechristmaschronicles.jpg"https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/The-Christmas-Chronicles-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/The-Christmas-Chronicles.jpeg 568w" width="300">
2. Noelle (2019). Many of the more contemporary Christmas movies have the same story line. A woman (mostly) goes to a small town for work or a family matter, falls in love with a handsome man, then for some reason they fight just to get back together in time for Christmas and live happily ever after. But! This particular movie has a beautiful message about female empowerment and an unexpected ending. In this film directed by Marc Lawrence, Noelle embarks on an adventure trying to track down her brother, Nick, after he ran away due to the pressure he felt when he had to take over the family business. Are you curious to know what happens? Watch it to find out! 
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-19623" height="169" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://a.storyblok.com/f/238048/4096x2730/3bd0201058/noelle-movie.jpg"https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Noelle-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Noelle.jpeg 568w" width="300">
3. The Santa Clause (film and TV series). Yes, you read that right, it’s The Santa Clause, like the “clauses” in a contract. Directed by John Pasquin. The first movie is not new at all, as it was released in 1994, but it is one of my favorite Christmas film series of all time. Without exception, I watch the entire saga every year as I find them very entertaining with some modernist twists. To continue this great film series, this holiday season Disney is releasing a mini-series based on the original movies. Starring the same actors from the original films, the series continues the story of Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), who, after knocking the previous Santa off the roof of his house during the first movie, becomes the new Santa Claus. So, if you want to follow Scott Calvin’s story from when he became Santa all the way until he decides to retire, be sure to watch these movies and the new series. 
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-19624" height="150" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://a.storyblok.com/f/238048/992x558/e05e95d8db/santa-clause-movie.jpeg"https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Santa-Clause-992x200.jpg 300w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Santa-Clause.jpg 568w" width="300">
Don’t forget to grab a cozy blanket and a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy these movies to the fullest. Happy holiday season! 
 
Learn more about EF Teach Online <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/teachonline/">here.</a>

The internet, social media and the modern world we live in can be very controversial, but something I really appreciate is the possibility of being culturally connected with people around the world. Thanks to this, even though not everyone celebrates Christmas, we can’t deny that there is something special in the air during this time …

Christmas movies to watch this holiday season! - EF Teach Online

Christmas movies to watch this holiday season! ‹ EF Teach Online

Christmas movies to watch this holiday season!

Christmas movies to watch this holiday season

Following on in my personal brand series, in this blog I will be talking about different social media channels and how to pick the right one for you as an online teacher.   
Currently, there is an abundance of social media platforms and that can be overwhelming; but creating brand awareness and becoming a true leader through social media in this industry can be easier than you think. Here are three tips to get you off the ground. 
 
Build the foundations of your personal brand  
It may sound obvious as you may have an idea of what you want your personal brand to look like, but in order to create a real impact, you must lay the foundations of your brand first. Real foundations, from self-awareness all the way to your brand core assets. Reflect, think about your story, and write things down. Building the essence of your personal brand will help you to tell a compelling story, keep consistency throughout your content, stand out from the crowd, and be memorable. So, if you haven’t started with this step yet, pause, go and check my blog about <a class="Hyperlink SCXW233125975 BCX0" href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/ef-teach-online/building-your-brand-as-an-online-teacher/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Building your brand as an online teacher</a>, and come back to this blog for the next steps.  
 
 Define what type of content you will create  
Each platform has its own rules, strengths, and types of audience. Before you get frustrated from creating curated profiles on multiple channels or trying to create content on a platform just because it’s trendy, think about how you want to share your voice. <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YHLiKli5Z9ESSrXoykyx0?si=60239d0816544e46">Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/ef-teach-online/delivering-two-types-of-lessons/">blogs</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@iamthatenglishteacher/video/7163513635392802090?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7137992408885396998">short videos</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPIsrJQMFwE">long videos</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CkeFQs_LVtK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">graphics</a>, and more. There are many ways in which you can share your content. Not everyone is comfortable in front of a camera, not everyone is comfortable writing, and you don’t have to be everywhere at the same time to be relevant. So, think about your brand message, how you want to communicate it, and what your strengths are to create something that works for you and not based on the success of others. 
 
 Start with one social media platform  
It takes time to learn about them, and as I mentioned before, it may be difficult to understand what may or may not work for you. I’d recommend that you choose just one social media platform to start with depending on the kind of content you want to create. Do some research and think about where your target audience might be spending time and commit to that platform for a certain amount of time. As an English teacher, you could direct your content to people who want to learn English (students) or to other teachers like you. Either way, you should keep in mind that not every social media platform is suitable for every personal brand or every type of content, so don’t force it, enjoy what you do and what you share, experiment, and find that sweet spot that works for you and your audience — no matter how big or small that audience is 😉  
 
Would you like to learn more about building your personal brand? Check out the following blog posts in this series: 
<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/ef-teach-online/the-power-of-personal-branding/">The Power of Personal Branding</a> </li>
<li data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="EF Circular TT Light" data-leveltext="%1." data-list-defn-props="{"335551671":1,"335552541":0,"335559683":0,"335559684":-1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0,46],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="5"><a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/ef-teach-online/building-your-brand-as-an-online-teacher/">Building your brand as an online teacher</a> </li>
</ol>
 
Learn more about EF Teach Online <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/teachonline/">here</a>.

Following on in my personal brand series, in this blog I will be talking about different social media channels and how to pick the right one for you as an online teacher.    Currently, there is an abundance of social media platforms and that can be overwhelming; but creating brand awareness and becoming a true leader …

Choosing the right social media channel as an online teacher - EF Teach Online

Choosing the right social media channel as an online teacher ‹ EF Teach Online

Choosing the right social media channel as an online teacher

Did you know that some influencers charge USD 3,000 or more to appear in someone else’s podcast or video? Or that they charge more than USD 20,000 to speak at an event? Creating content and making money out of it is possible and a reality for many people. Of course, getting there is not easy; but it is certainly not impossible if you are willing to put in the hard work to achieve it. Nowadays, social media and content creation are undeniably important for any entrepreneur, and building a strong personal brand is a key part of this.  
As part of my personal brand series, I am setting the scene for my blog <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/ef-teach-online/the-power-of-personal-branding/">The Power of Personal Branding</a>. This time let’s talk about how you can start laying the foundations of your personal brand as an online teacher.  
 
 1. Build self-awareness through reflection.  
Everyone has a personal brand, whether we like or are aware of it or not. At this point, it doesn’t matter if you are an influencer with a big brand or you haven’t started building your personal brand yet, as other people already have an impression of you. In this sense, a good place to start is by identifying the difference between what you see in you and what the public sees in you. Ask friends or family members about their opinion of you, talk to people who know you well, and are comfortable with being completely honest with you. This is not an easy task, as most people (even family or good friends) may not be 100% candid if they don’t want to hurt your feelings. But give it a try; you may be surprised to hear what they think of you.   
 
2. Tell your story 
Identifying how you started in your journey as a teacher and how that defined who you are now is very important. With a new year, it’s a good time to pause and reflect on where you started, tracing your journey all the way to where you are today. Creating a list or visual of impactful moments, events, and situations can help you realize their gravity and all the different ways they defined your current self. So, put all those elements together and start communicating who you are by telling a story that people can relate to. Your story is right there in your journey, it’s more compelling than you think, and people will want to lean in. Here, everything counts. The way you talk, the way you present yourself, and the way you interact with people. Ultimately, all those things will lead you to connect with others   
 
3. Identify your archetype 
The concept of connecting brands to specific archetypes originates from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpCmdp8gM3k">Carl Jung’s Theory of Archetypes</a>, which discusses universal brand identities and how they reflect the personality of a brand as aligned with the personality of customer groups. If you take a quick look through these archetypes, I’m sure that you will relate to at least one of them. Keep in mind that your brand can be associated with more than one archetype, and you can even identify a primary and secondary archetype. The important thing here is that you pinpoint the category you belong to and start building your personal brand using its unique characteristics. Having that permanent reference point will help you to be more consistent throughout everything that you create. 
 
4 Define your core assets  
This is not just for product brands. Defining your core assets will help people to recognize your brand —you want to be memorable, after all. The colors of your brand, the font, the quality of your photos and videos, and the general aesthetic you employ are all vital in solidifying your brand. But! It’s also important to know how you want to represent yourself . So, write down (Write it down! Don’t just think about it) your brand fundamentals. E.g., your story, mission, language (tone), keywords (for SEO), colors, theme, etc. This is an important step that many people overlook, and it will help you stand out from the crowd and stay memorable.   
Are you ready now? Let’s start building the foundations of your personal brand! 
 
Learn more about EF Teach Online <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/teachonline/">here</a>.

Did you know that some influencers charge USD 3,000 or more to appear in someone else’s podcast or video? Or that they charge more than USD 20,000 to speak at an event? Creating content and making money out of it is possible and a reality for many people. Of course, getting there is not easy; …

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Beatriz Porta

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