“Why am I so nervous? They’re just students.”

I whispered that to myself before logging into my first online ESL class two years ago. My hands were clammy, my heart was racing, and for a second, I considered pretending my internet went down. If you’ve been there, trust me—you’re not alone.

Teaching English to foreign learners sounds exciting, but the reality can feel intimidating at first. What if they don’t understand me? What if I freeze? Those questions ran through my head like kids on a sugar rush.

Fast forward to today—I’m a work-from-home mom who’s spent two years teaching Japanese learners, and for the past six months, I’ve been guiding professionals in business conversation classes. Guess what? I still get a little nervous sometimes. But here’s the thing: nervousness isn’t the enemy. It’s just a sign that you care about doing well.

In this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned about turning those jitters into confidence, so you can step into your ESL classes feeling calm, ready, and maybe even excited.

Why ESL Teachers Feel Nervous

Teaching English sounds simple until you’re actually in front of a class. Suddenly, all those grammar rules you thought you knew by heart start slipping away.

One reason nerves kick in is the fear of making mistakes. Teachers often feel they need to be perfect, like walking dictionaries. But guess what? Students don’t expect perfection—they expect connection.

Another big one? The language and cultural gap. You’re not just teaching words; you’re bridging two different worlds. That can feel heavy sometimes, especially if you’re worried about saying something that might not land well.

Then there’s classroom control. Whether it’s managing talkative learners or pulling answers from the quiet ones, the pressure to keep everyone engaged is real. It’s like hosting a dinner party where nobody speaks the same language—fun but a little chaotic.

All of this is normal. If you’ve felt your stomach flip before a lesson, it doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It means you’re human. And there are effective ways to handle it.

Practical Strategies to Overcome Nervousness

So, how do you stop those nerves from running the show? The answer isn’t “never be nervous again”—because that’s not realistic. Instead, the goal is to manage it so you can show up as your best self. Here’s what worked for me (and what might help you too):

1. Prepare Like You’re Meeting a Friend

When you’re well-prepared, half the anxiety disappears. Outline your lesson, but keep it flexible. If it’s a news article lesson, I always read the article beforehand and make sure I’m familiar with it, so I can explain tricky parts confidently. I also like to have one or two backup activities ready—just in case things go quiet. It feels a bit like carrying an umbrella; you may not need it, but it’s nice to have.

2. Start Small Before You Go Big

If you’re new, don’t jump straight into a 60-minute business class with six learners. Begin with one-on-one sessions or short lessons.

3. Talk to Yourself Before You Talk to Them

This might sound silly, but practice speaking out loud before class. Read your lesson notes or even rehearse a few sentences. I sometimes catch myself saying, “Okay, let’s try that again, but with more energy.” It works!

4. Break the Ice—Gently

An awkward start can make nerves worse. If it’s a new student, I usually kick things off with a quick introduction activity to break the ice and get to know each other. If it’s someone I’ve taught before, I like to ask about something we talked about in a previous class—it shows you remember and helps pick up the conversation naturally. That’s why I make it a habit to fill in the “My Memo” section of the notes—it makes follow-up questions so much easier. Simple questions like “What’s one thing that made you smile today?” work great to loosen everyone up, including you.

5. Breathe Like You Mean It

Right before class, I take three deep breaths. Simple, but powerful. Some teachers even do a quick stretch—bonus points if your camera’s off!

6. Don’t Fear Mistakes—Use Them

Students make mistakes, teachers make mistakes. It’s part of the deal. I once said “She go to work” by accident and laughed with the class about it. Turns out, it made them feel more comfortable too.

7. Use AI to Your Advantage

Keep an AI tool open during class. Need a quick pronunciation check? A definition? Or an example sentence? Type it in, and you’ll have an answer in seconds. It’s like having an extra brain that never sleeps—handy when a student throws you a curveball.

Nerves are normal, but they don’t have to hold you back when you’ve got a few simple tricks up your sleeve.

Long-Term Confidence Builders

Managing nerves in the moment is great, but building confidence over time is what really changes the game. Here are a few habits that help in the long run:

1. Keep Learning

Even seasoned teachers hit bumps. Attending webinars, joining training sessions, or simply reading about teaching techniques keeps your skills sharp. Every new idea you learn is another tool in your teaching toolbox.

2. Join a Teacher Community

There’s nothing like talking to people who get it. Online groups or forums for ESL teachers can be lifesavers. You’ll find tips, encouragement, and maybe even a few good laughs about shared struggles. At RareJob, we have a very supportive online community, and I truly appreciate the work they do for us tutors—it makes the job feel less lonely and a lot more fun.

3. Reflect After Every Class

After each lesson, jot down what went well and what you’d tweak next time. I keep a little notebook for this—it’s like my teaching diary. Looking back, you’ll see how far you’ve come, and that alone builds confidence.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Did a shy student finally speak up? Did you finish a class without feeling nervous? Those wins matter. Give yourself credit. Confidence grows when you notice progress, no matter how small.

Confidence isn’t built overnight—it grows through practice, reflection, and connection.

Final Thoughts

Teaching is about growing alongside your students. Every class is a chance to learn something new about communication, patience, and even yourself. So, the next time you feel those jitters creeping in, see them as proof that you care.

How about you? What’s your favorite trick for staying calm before a lesson?