In the context of EU and global education, employability for future teachers of English encompasses a wide range of skills, competences, attitudes, and values that are essential for individuals aspiring to become effective English language educators in an increasingly interconnected world.

Recognising the complexity of employability for future English teachers, the TEFE project explored and conceptualised the key employability competences that future teachers of English need to foster as part of their teacher education.

These competences are compiled in the Toolkit below.

Toolkit

A TEFE A+ BIP is a week of intensive workshops and training in international teaching practice. It brings together future English language teachers and teacher educators from across Europe for a unique combination of online collaboration, teacher training in the TEFE Framework, and short-term international teaching practice.

Participants engage in intercultural exchange, working in transnational groups throughout the BIP, observing and interacting in real classrooms, while reflecting critically on teaching English in diverse European contexts. The programme strengthens professional confidence and competences, broadens educational perspectives, and builds lasting European networks.

TEFE A+ BIP is ideal for pre-service English teachers who want to gain meaningful international experience, develop global competences, and become educators ready for the classrooms of future Europe.

THE TEFE TOOLKIT

The TEFE  Toolkit of Diagnostic and Evaluation Tools (© designed by Aston University, with contributions from University of South Bohemia and Eötvös Loránd University) offers a research-informed portfolio of resources with an emphasis on fostering critical reflective teaching practice. It provides opportunities for reflection and self-reflection for students wishing to become teachers of English.

 

INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE (ICC) (5 tasks)

           📄 TASK 1: Cultural Awareness
           📄 TASK 2: Language awareness
           📄 TASK 3: ELF (English as a Lingua Franca)
           📄 TASK 4: Interpreting behaviour
           📄 TASK 5: How core values are reflected in the language

 

PROFESSIONAL TEACHER COMPETENCE FOR INTERNATIONALISATION (PTCI) (11 tasks)

           📄 TASK 1: Vocabulary Explanations
           📄 TASK 2: Classroom Interaction Patterns
           📄 TASK 3: Use of L1 and L2 in the Language Classroom
           📄 TASK 4: When Students Are Asked to Read Out Loud
           📄 TASK 5: “A Boring Lesson”
           📄 TASK 6: Teacher Roles
           📄 TASK 7: Good Vibes in the Classroom
           📄 TASK 8: Trespassing Boundaries or Talking with the Teacher Like a Friend?
           📄 TASK 9: Error Correction
           📄 TASK 10: Advancing One’s Own CPD
           📄 TASK 11: Collaborating in an International Context

 

GLOBAL CIVIC COMPETENCE (GCC) (3 tasks)

           📄 TASK 1: Reflecting on Principles and Values of GCC
           📄 TASK 2: Ground Rules
           📄 TASK 3: Classroom Equality

 

INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION FORM

           📄 Individual Reflection Form to be used during School Visits
           📄 ITP – Internship Reflection questions

Mentors are welcome to use the Toolkit of Diagnostic and Evaluation Tools designed by Aston University, with contributions from University of South Bohemia and Eötvös Loránd University.

The toolkit can be used with student teachers during teacher education courses at all levels. It provides opportunities for self-reflection by student teachers (STEs) and newly-qualified teachers (NQTs), aligning with the TEFE Framework for the Internationalisation of Teaching Practice and Employability.

Please go to the “For Students” section to see the toolkit.