Kamyar Khazei

I love teaching English because it allows me to help people communicate confidently and connect with the wider world. With over eleven years of experience and multiple certifications—including TEFL, TEOL, TEYL, and TEAL—I enjoy creating engaging lessons that meet each student’s needs. I take pride in making learning accessible and enjoyable, guiding students to achieve their language goals while fostering their curiosity and confidence. Seeing my students grow and succeed is the most rewarding part of teaching, and it motivates me to continue improving as an educator every day.

I ran into an acquaintance of mine 11 years ago in 2014. He told me about his job teaching English in China and how much he loved it. I happened to be seeking a career change at that time, and he told me to give it a try and that I would be good at it. I got my TEFL/TESOL certificate that same year, and have been teaching English ever since.

In many countries around the world, knowing English is like a status symbol. English is the number one language for business and commerce. For example, a foreign dignitary from Africa and a foreign dignitary from Asia would speak English to each other, even though English is not their native language. Knowing English opens up a world of opportunities for people. American pop culture is also highly influential all around the world. So there are also some people who just simply have a curiosity about learning English so that they can better understand their favorite musicians who make music in English.

English is moderately difficult to learn. Its grammar is simpler than languages like Russian or Arabic, but its spelling, pronunciation, and large vocabulary can be tricky. For speakers of languages similar to English (like Spanish or French), it’s easier; for speakers of very different languages (like Chinese or Persian), it can take more time.

American English differs from other forms of English mainly in spelling, vocabulary, pronunciation, and some grammar. It favors simplified spellings like color instead of colour, uses words such as apartment instead of flat, and often pronounces vowels differently. Grammar choices can vary too—for example, Americans often say “I already ate” where British English uses “I’ve already eaten.” Overall, it’s a distinct variety shaped by U.S. culture and usage patterns.

My students are usually interested in aspects of American culture like holidays, food, music, movies, and everyday life. They enjoy learning about American traditions, popular sports, and slang, as well as how people communicate in different social settings. Exploring these topics not only makes lessons more engaging but also helps students understand the culture behind the language they are learning.

The hardest part of teaching English is helping students overcome language barriers while keeping them motivated. Each student learns at a different pace, and some struggle with grammar, pronunciation, or confidence in speaking. Finding the right approach for each individual and making lessons both effective and engaging can be challenging, but it’s also what makes teaching rewarding.

A good English student is curious, motivated, and willing to practice regularly. They ask questions, listen actively, and aren’t afraid to make mistakes. Consistency, patience, and a positive attitude toward learning help them improve faster and make the lessons more productive and enjoyable for both student and teacher.