If you're having trouble logging in, try these steps in order:

1. Confirm you're using the correct URL: www.englishcafe.life (teacher portal)
2. Verify you're using the email address you registered with
3. Click "Forgot Password" to reset — check your spam/junk folder for the reset email
4. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again
5. Try a different browser (we recommend Chrome or Firefox)
6. Disable browser extensions that may block login scripts

If none of these work, contact us with a screenshot of any error message you see.

1. Check that your browser has camera and microphone permissions enabled
2. Close other applications using your camera (Zoom, Skype, etc.)
3. Test your setup at the platform's built-in equipment check
4. Restart your browser if devices aren't detected
5. On Mac, check System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera/Microphone
6. On Windows, check Settings → Privacy → Camera/Microphone

If you've tried these steps and your equipment still isn't working, submit a ticket and include what device and browser you're using along with any error messages you see.

If students report they can't see or hear you, check that your camera and mic aren't muted in the platform, verify the correct input device is selected, have one student confirm while others troubleshoot their own audio, and refresh the page if needed (you'll need to rejoin the class).

If the issue is on the student's end, have them try the same steps. Sometimes simply leaving and rejoining the class fixes the problem.

For stable video calls, we recommend a wired Ethernet connection when possible, at least 10 Mbps upload speed, closing streaming services and large downloads, and sitting close to your router if using Wi-Fi. Run a speed test at speedtest.net before class if you suspect issues.

If your connection drops mid-class, don't panic — simply message your students and rejoin as soon as you can. Your students will understand. If connection issues become a recurring problem, reach out to the help desk and we can talk through options together.

Try refreshing the page first. If that fails, clear your browser cache, try an incognito/private window, switch browsers, or restart your device. If you're in the middle of class time, send a quick message to your students in your class WhatsApp group so they know what's happening while you troubleshoot. If the issue persists across devices, it may be a platform-wide issue — submit a ticket to the help desk so we can confirm whether others are experiencing the same problem.

While we prefer consistency throughout the 8-week term, we completely understand that life happens — and our students understand that too! This is a free program, and in most cases your students will want to remain with you and wait it out until you return, even for extended absences. The relationships you build matter more than a perfectly uninterrupted schedule.

Here's what we ask:

For short absences (a class or two): Let your students know directly through your class group so they're not left wondering. Also notify us through the help desk so we can know how to adjust your class dates.

For longer absences (multiple weeks): Let your students know directly — most will be happy to wait for your return. Then reach out to us and let us know the date you plan to start back up. We'll adjust your class in the system to reflect the new timeline so everything stays organized on our end.

Either way, please don't feel guilty about needing time away. We'd rather you take the break you need and return refreshed than burn out trying to push through. Just keep us and your students in the loop, and we'll handle the rest.

That's an easy fix. In the upper right hand corner of your class screen are two arrow buttons. Click on the one moving ahead if you want a lesson in the future or on the other arrow for a lesson you want to go back to. A pop-up box will appear. Go ahead and accept and then refresh your screen. The new lesson should appear. Take this action several times if needed to get on the correct lesson.

You're welcome to change your class time or day as long as your students are on board! Since this is all about the relationships you're building with your group, the first step is to talk with your students and make sure everyone agrees on the new day and time. Once your whole class is on the same page, submit a ticket to the help desk and let us know:

1. The new day and time you'd like to move to
2. The date you want the new schedule to start

We'll update everything on our end so your class reflects the change. Easy as that!

Your lesson should automatically pull up as soon as you enter your classroom. If you don't see a lesson when you arrive, here's what to do:

1. Verify you're in your classroom. Double-check that you've actually entered the classroom and aren't still on the dashboard or another page.
2. Look for a "Load Next Module" button. If your classroom is open but no lesson is showing, check for a button labeled "Load Next Module." Clicking it will automatically load the next lesson in your sequence.
3. Check that the right lesson loaded. If a module loads but it looks like the wrong one for your week, submit a ticket to the help desk and let us know which lesson should be showing. We'll get it sorted out for you.
If you'd like a backup just in case, you can always download the PDF version of your lesson from the lessons tab inside of your classroom.

Our Bible-based curriculum is designed to provide consistency across all classes. You're welcome to supplement with additional conversation prompts, but please teach the core content as written. If you have suggestions for curriculum improvements, submit a ticket and we'll pass your feedback along to our Curriculum Team.

Engagement challenges are common, especially early in a term. Try calling on quieter students by name with easy, low-pressure questions, affirming any participation generously (even a one-word answer is a win!), and reaching out privately through your class WhatsApp group between classes to check in. Sometimes a simple "I missed hearing from you today, how are you doing?" goes a long way. Remember that relationship building takes time — some of the most meaningful breakthroughs happen weeks into a term once trust is established.

If a student remains disengaged and you're not sure how to reach them, submit a ticket and we can brainstorm together.

If a student shares something concerning (mental health crisis, persecution, abuse), listen with compassion but don't try to counsel them alone. Submit a ticket to the help desk immediately after class and mark it as urgent. We'll work together to connect them with appropriate local resources and believers when possible.

You are not alone in this — please always loop us in when something serious comes up.

If a student is being disruptive, politely redirect the conversation. For inappropriate behavior (harassment, inappropriate content, disrespect toward other students), end the interaction professionally and submit a ticket to the help desk to report what happened. We have procedures to handle these situations and protect both teachers and students.

Please don't feel like you have to handle these situations alone — that's what we're here for.

It's okay to say "That's a great question — let me think about it and come back to you next class." You don't have to have every answer in the moment, and admitting you want to think carefully about something actually models thoughtful faith.

After class, you can do some research or submit a ticket to the help desk and we can connect you with guidance or resources to help you respond well. Our curriculum is designed to open doors, not require you to have every answer.