Blog for ESL teachers

Every English teacher has, at some point, searched for inspiration through ready-made materials. I remember early in my teaching career typing into Google: "English lesson plan environmental issues Upper-Intermediate", hoping to find the perfect plug-and-play classroom scenario. Spoiler: I didn’t. 😅 But that search led me to start crafting my own effective lesson plans tailored to real classroom dynamics. One of my most successful lessons turned out to be about environmental problems—students engaged so passionately that I knew I had to share this experience with fellow teachers.

My name is York Fern, a TEFL/TESOL-certified English teacher with over 12 years of experience. I teach online and travel the world, working with students from different cultures and backgrounds. Seeing oceans, forests, and cities with my own eyes has made the topic of environmental issues feel deeply personal. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to teach environmental concerns in a way that’s engaging, meaningful, and ideal for Upper-Intermediate (B2+) learners. You’ll learn why this topic is so powerful, how to structure your lesson, and what activities bring it to life.

Hello! My name is York Fern, and I’m a certified English teacher with a TEFL qualification. In this article, we’ll explore one of today’s most relevant questions: how to learn English with AI tools, and specifically, how to use ChatGPT effectively. As one of the most talked-about technologies of recent years, ChatGPT is a powerful language-learning companion. Drawing from my own experience, I’ll share practical tips and real-life examples of how to use ChatGPT to improve your English — from vocabulary and grammar to pronunciation, conversation skills, writing, reading, and even exam preparation.

Whether you’re a student learning on your own or an English teacher looking for creative new tools, this guide will help you understand the full potential of using AI to learn English. We'll also look at the pros and cons of ChatGPT and how teachers can integrate it into their lessons. Let’s dive in!

Have you ever found yourself five minutes before an English speaking club session starts, still unsure what to talk about with your group? Finding engaging and appropriate English speaking club topics isn’t as easy as it seems. My name is York Fern, and I’m an English teacher. Today, I’ll share what I’ve learned over the years about choosing topics based on students’ levels, how to make sessions engaging, and how to ensure everyone benefits — including the teacher.

When I first earned my TEFL/TESOL certification and began hosting speaking clubs, I often relied on advice from more experienced colleagues. Now it’s my turn to pass on what I’ve learned, along with real examples of how to run an English conversation club that both students and teachers can truly enjoy.

My name is York Fern, and I’m an English teacher with international experience. Today, I’d like to share what I’ve learned about a topic that often seems daunting at first — how to write a business letter in English. Over the years, I’ve written dozens of formal letters to foreign schools, universities, and employers. At first, I found it intimidating — business communication felt overly complicated. But with time, I mastered the structure and even grew to enjoy the process.

In this article, I’ll explain the types of business letters, walk you through the structure of a business letter in English, and share tips for formatting. I’ll also include helpful phrases and personal examples. By the end, I hope you’ll feel confident when it’s your turn to write one. Let’s dive in! 🚀