07 Jul Emotions as an English Teacher: A Barrier or a Bridge?

Author: Andrada Papadopol

Emotions have always fascinated me. Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve been drawn to understanding how the brain works, how emotions impact our actions, and what motivates people to pursue their goals. This curiosity led me to an emotional milestone in my career—my very first in-house teacher training session.

Although I had facilitated many training sessions before, and I was confident in both the structure and content—this one was different. It was about internal differentiation, a topic I knew inside out, and I had prepared thoroughly. Still, when the day came, I was overwhelmed by emotion. My heart was racing, my palms were sweaty, and I even felt my tongue go numb.

But then something changed. I chose to be open with my colleagues—I told them exactly how I felt. Their response was more powerful than I could have imagined. They encouraged me, reassured me, and reminded me that I was a strong speaker. That moment of shared vulnerability turned everything around.

It was then that I understood something crucial—not just for trainers, but for all English language teachers: we often create limits in our own minds. We imagine failure before we even try. But when we lean into our emotions and open up, we can transform fear into fuel.

Thanks to the support of my colleagues and the feedback I received, the training turned out to be a success. I turned my emotions from foe to friend. And that lesson stayed with me—not only for teacher training but also in every classroom I walk into.

Whether you’re a newly qualified English teacher, thinking of changing careers, or looking to grow your confidence in the classroom, I hope this encourages you to embrace new experiences. Growth comes through trying, failing, learning—and most of all, connecting.

A special thank you to Julie and all my colleagues at International House Bucharest who were part of that first training session. I can’t wait for the next one!

Ready to grow your confidence as a teacher?

Whether you’re just starting out or want to take your teaching to the next level, International House Bucharest offers internationally recognised teacher training courses:

• CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) – the most in-demand English teaching qualification globally for aspiring teachers.
• DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) – the go-to qualification for experienced teachers aiming for advanced roles or specialisation.

You’ll benefit from:

• Expert Cambridge-certified trainers
• Practical, real-world methodology you can use immediately
• A supportive community where your growth is guided, not judged

👉 Explore our CELTA and DELTA courses or get in touch to start your career—or elevate it—with International House Bucharest.

Let’s turn your passion for teaching into a meaningful, globally recognized career.
Your journey begins here.