The Free Talk Staffroom

Patrick Sherriff (with “help” from his cat, Rako) talks about two numbers that will help you figure out what to charge for your English lessons in Japan, or anywhere for that matter. A transcript of the podcast can be found here at www.freetalktefl.substack.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com

Patrick Sherriff reads the latest Bulletin newsletter for self-employed teachers of English as a foreign language. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com

Yes, English as taught by chain schools in Japan, is typically overpriced, poor quality and very often mind-numbing for teachers and students. But, ironically, that is a reason for hope for the savvy English teacher. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com

Lots of English teachers make coaching students to pass tests a cornerstone of their English teaching business. Here, I give five reasons why I think that’s short-sighted and not the best business model for you. Sign up to the free newsletter and get a lesson plan on Monday, advice on Wednesday and this podcast every Friday delivered straight to your email inbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

Are English teachers in Japan rich? Do you have to have a university degree to teach English in Japan? Patrick Sherriff, a 20-year veteran of the eikaiwa business picks five myths about the business that you can and should ignore.Sign up to the free newsletter and get a lesson plan on Monday, advice on Wednesday and this podcast every Friday delivered straight to your email inbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes,

Some folk see a stigma to teaching English as a foreign language, maybe because it can be an entry level job with little to no requirement to speak Japanese — think world traveller just needing some cash, or JET teacher just looking to prolong the adventure. But so what? I’d argue there are (at least) seven kinds of folk who turn to teaching English as a foreign language, and each has every opportunity to make a good, fulfilling life for themselves running their own show in Japan. Are you one of

Which of these methods do you think will generate the most new students: The internet? Walking the streets? Starting a playgroup? Talking to neighbours? Advertising in the newspaper? Putting up posters? Or having a swanky logo? I outline the top five methods that worked for me and that will work for you in this week’s Staffroom podcast (given in REVERSE order of what works, so you have to listen all the way to the end to get the best one. Crafty, huh?)Stuck for something to teach?Go to the Free Talk

Patrick Sherriff gives five reasons why it’s a good idea to plan your lessons. Points made are:* Helps you keep the focus of your lesson on the important stuff* Gives you something to fall back on in an emergency* Means you know what the kids have learnt over time so you don’t repeat yourself* It’s not cheating to use other folks’ plans because you are free to do what you do* Adds to professionalism… and your bottom line.But listen to the episode to get all the details. This is a public episode. If