Just looking for the PDF checklist? it’s right here.
Many desperate parents come to me weekly. They know their teenage or adult son or daughter needs help with their English: sometimes it’s for a test, or they simply lack confidence when speaking. A common issue I’ve noticed is how they often do not know what to look for in a teacher or language coach. After all, how to know if you’re getting scammed or receiving the best support possible?
Choosing the right teacher or language coach for your teen or college-aged student is crucial to their success. A good coach is more than just someone who knows the language; they’re a guide who can help your child unlock their potential, tailor lessons to their needs, and support them every step of the way. Here are what I would consider the top 10 qualities you want to be looking for in a potential teacher/coach. Need an easy-to-use checklist to use during your calls with potential teachers or coaches? Download it here!
1. A Listener Who Understands Your Teen’s Needs
The best teachers listen first and teach second. They’ll take the time to understand your child’s goals, challenges, and interests. Are they preparing for a specific exam? Do they need English for college or internships? Or are they looking to travel and communicate more confidently? A great coach will tailor their approach to meet your child’s unique needs.
What to look for: A teacher who asks thoughtful questions about your child’s learning goals and challenges during the first meeting. A good coach will probably want to have a 1-to-1 conversation with them to get to know them before deciding if they can help you.
2. Adaptability and Personalization
Learning is not one-size-fits-all. A good teacher adapts their methods to suit your your learning style and pace. Whether they learn best through conversation, exercises, or multimedia resources, the teacher should be flexible enough to adjust their teaching style to what works for your child, especially when it comes to the topics discussed in the sessions.
What to look for: Someone who’s willing to change their approach if your teen isn’t progressing or feeling engaged; someone who’s ready to offer (and create) engaging material for the learner.
3. An Encouraging and Patient Attitude
Language learning can be intimidating, especially for teens and young adults who may have had negative experiences in the past. A great teacher creates a safe, judgment-free space where your child can make mistakes, ask questions, and build their confidence over time.
What to look for: A coach who celebrates your teen’s progress, no matter how small, and motivates them to keep going. Obviously, if the learner is underage, you also have a responsibility in making sure they connect on time and get their homework done!
4. Expertise in the Language
My Cambridge CELTA trainer always worried about the language awareness of native trainees. “Language awareness” is how much you actually understand about a language; while being a native speaker can be an advantage, it’s not enough on its own. A skilled teacher has a deep understanding of the language—including grammar, pronunciation, and idiomatic expressions—and knows how to explain these concepts clearly to learners.
What to look for: Someone who can answer detailed questions about the language and explain difficult concepts in an easy-to-understand way. That’s absolutely essential: no learner should be satisfied by the “that’s just the way it is” answers!
5. A Focus on Practical Communication
The communicative approach has been used successfully for decades now; a good coach prioritizes communication over perfection. While grammar and vocabulary are important, being able to express themselves confidently and naturally is what truly matters for a learner in real-life situations.
What to look for: A teacher who emphasizes speaking and listening skills and encourages your child to engage in real-world conversations. Someone who can offer corrections and improvements on the fly, while at the same time not interrupting the learner when they shouldn’t.
6. Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
Language is more than just words; it’s also about culture. A great teacher will help your child understand cultural nuances, expressions, and habits that are essential for effective communication in academic, social, and professional contexts. Look for someone who has spent time abroad and lived in English-speaking countries.
What to look for: Someone who shares insights about cultural norms and helps your teen navigate the subtleties of the language in context; ask about what they know about English-speaking countries and their culture and what kind of ties they have to them. Did they study in there? Do they have friends in those countries?
7. Consistency and Reliability
A weak course planning and regular cancellations are not acceptable. Learning a language requires regular practice and a structured approach. A reliable coach will set a clear schedule, stick to it, and provide the learner with consistent support and resources.
What to look for: A teacher who is organized, punctual, and provides materials or feedback in a timely manner. Make sure there is a clear plan for the series of sessions you booked with the coach, and try to speak to them in order to know about the progress of your teens at least once a month.
8. A Collaborative Approach
My own teachers and taught me that learning should be a collaboration between the trainer and the trainee–the best teachers treat learning as a partnership. They’ll involve your teen in the process, asking for feedback and encouraging them to take ownership of their progress. This collaborative approach ensures that lessons remain relevant and engaging.
What to look for: Someone who encourages your teen to share what’s working, what’s not, and what they’d like to focus on next. Learners should be made responsible for their own learning, but it requires an effort from the coach.
9. A Passion for Teaching Pronunciation
Those who have worked with me know what I think: pronunciation is a cornerstone of effective communication. A passionate teacher understands its importance and dedicates time to refining your teen’s ability to speak clearly and confidently. This goes beyond simple repetition—it’s about teaching how to articulate sounds, use rhythm, and master intonation to ensure their English is understood effortlessly.
What to look for: A teacher who integrates pronunciation practice into lessons and uses techniques like shadowing, minimal pairs, and real-world dialogues to improve clarity. Look for someone who highlights how small pronunciation changes can dramatically boost communication. If they know how to use an IPA phonetic chart and can teach it to your teen, that’s even better!
10. The Ability to Inspire Confidence
When things work with a teen or a young adult, they’ll feel inspired in all aspects of learning, bit just with English. I’m well aware of that as I am proud to have had an impact on the life of hundreds of young adults. Ultimately, a great teacher will leave your teen feeling empowered. They’ll help them overcome their fears, celebrate their strengths, and remind them that they’re capable of achieving fluency with the right guidance and effort.
What to look for: A coach who leaves your child feeling more confident after every session and gives them practical tools to keep improving. You want your teen to show genuine excitement after each session!
Choosing the right language coach is about finding someone who fits your teen’s goals, learning style, and personality. When you find a teacher who embodies these qualities, your child will discover how enjoyable and rewarding learning English can be. Remember, it’s not just about finding a teacher—it’s about finding the right partner in your child’s learning journey.
Need an easy-to-use checklist to use during your calls with potential teachers or coaches? Download it here!
Need more help? Feel free to schedule a free zoom call with me.