TESOL: My path to becoming a Professional Teacher Educator

Studying a Postgraduate degree is a valuable step toward unlocking new career opportunities, deepening your subject knowledge, and gaining the skills needed to stand out in today’s competitive global job market. Whether you’re continuing straight from undergraduate study or returning to education to advance your career or explore new goals, the University of Huddersfield offers a range of flexible postgraduate study options.

In this blog, Nam shares how the MA TESOL helped him grow from a language teaching enthusiast into a confident, research-informed educator. From lesson planning and classroom research to career development and peer support, Nam shares how the course gave him the tools and mindset to inspire his teaching practice and shape more inclusive classrooms.

 

Why I chose a Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL)

My passion for teaching and supporting the development of future educators led me to pursue a Master’s in TESOL. I was looking for a course that not only deepened my understanding of language education theory but also gave me practical tools to enhance my teaching. The MA TESOL at Huddersfield did exactly that! It offered the perfect blend of academic depth, hands-on experience, and reflective practice.

A module that shaped my teaching practice

My favourite module on the course was TESOL Methodology. It provided a solid foundation in key teaching approaches, from communicative language teaching to task-based learning. What stood out most was how theory was always linked to practice. I didn’t just read about methodologies, I applied them through lesson planning, micro-teaching, and peer feedback sessions.

This module helped me gain confidence in designing effective, learner-centred lessons and encouraged me to reflect critically on my own teaching style. It was through this module that I truly began to see myself not just as a language teacher, but as an evolving educator shaped by research-based principles.

The skills I gained

Throughout the course, I developed a wide range of both theoretical and practical skills. I learned to create learner-centred lesson plans, assess students using formative and end of year assessments, and adapt teaching strategies for different contexts and needs.

The course also strengthened my academic skills, especially in critical reading, reflective writing, and classroom research. These experiences taught me how to evaluate teaching effectiveness and make informed pedagogical decisions.

Collaboration, communication, and academic writing became key components of my professional toolkit.

Preparing for the future

The university provided excellent academic and career-focused support. I attended several career development workshops that helped me improve my CV, prepare for interviews, and explore different career pathways in English language education.

Beyond the formal support, the university created an environment where I could reflect on my strengths, set long-term goals, and develop the confidence to take the next step in my career. It gave me the mindset, knowledge, and tools to move forward with clarity and purpose.

My current role

I now work as a Lecturer of English at the Hanoi National University of Education. My main role is to deliver weekly lessons in Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing to pre-service teachers, helping them develop their language proficiency.

In addition, I take part in curriculum design, materials development, and assessment. I am a subject leader in a team of five lecturers, and I also conduct workshops on curriculum development, ICT in education, and British American studies. These sessions support both pre-service and in-service teachers to stay updated and empowered in a constantly evolving educational landscape.

I am also the Founder and Leader of a Master’s group for Vietnamese undergraduate and postgraduate students. This group is part of VietTESOL, one of the largest platforms for pre-service and in-service English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in my country. Together with my team, I regularly organise workshops, webinars, and training courses for students considering a Master’s degree in TESOL, language education, linguistics, and related fields, providing guidance and support for their personal and academic development.

Looking ahead

My career aspiration is to become a teacher educator who empowers and inspires future English language teachers. I hope to work in higher education, combining theory and practice to create engaging, reflective, and inclusive learning experiences.

I truly believe that motivated, well-supported teachers are the foundation of quality education. By contributing to their development, I hope to shape more learner-centred classrooms and help build a brighter future for students.

 

Find out more about our Education courses - https://www.hud.ac.uk/subjects/education/