So, you’ve heard about TEFL and are interested in learning what it means to get certified and how it all works. Great, you’re in the right place! We’ll explain the basics and help you understand whether TEFL suits you.
TEFL involves instructing non-native English speakers in countries where English is not the primary language. TEFL educators utilize a range of teaching methods, resources, and interactive activities to engage students and enhance their speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills in English.
Do I need experience to become a TEFL teacher?
No, you do not necessarily need prior teaching experience to become a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher. However, some employers may prefer or require candidates with previous teaching experience, particularly in the field of language tutoring or instruction.
Having prior experience in teaching, education, or working with language learners can be beneficial in developing your skills as a TEFL teacher and making you a more competitive candidate. On the other hand, many individuals who become TEFL teachers do so after transitioning from a different career, and they can successfully teach English as a foreign language through the training and certification process.
Ultimately, the most important qualities for being a successful TEFL teacher are a strong command of the English language, a genuine interest in teaching and helping others, and a willingness to continuously learn and grow as a teacher.
>> Resource: Download the FREE TEFL Career Kickstarter Pack <<
What Does TEFL Training Include?
There are several factors to consider to ensure that you receive the best training and the most reputable certification.
It is also important to know whether you are motivated enough to complete a self-led online course. This takes some discipline and good time management on your part.
Sticking to a regular schedule of study will help you to complete your course in your chosen time frame, whether that is 6 weeks or 6 months.
Here is what Premier TEFL offers in the TEFL training:
- TEFL Accreditation: Look for a programme that is accredited by a recognised organisation, such as the following:
- The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), which regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England
- The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) is formally recognised by both the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as an authority on the quality assessment of distance education.
- The Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC) serves as a quality assurance organisation for the online and distance learning sector.
- Course length: The recommended minimum length for a course is 120 hours; this is the minimum international industry standard to become a TEFL teacher. Some programmes can be as long as 180 hours, such as the Level 5 TEFL Diploma. If you have no prior teaching experience, consider a longer programme that also includes some live instructor training.
- Trainer qualifications: The trainers should have a relevant degree or DELTA qualification plus teaching experience and be knowledgeable in the field of TEFL. You should be able to see TEFL instructor profiles on pages like the ‘Meet the Team’ section.
- Price: The cost of a certification program can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Unfortunately, this is where the saying “Buy cheap, buy twice” can be very true. Be wary of programmes that are significantly cheaper than others, as this may indicate lower quality – and usually leads to enrolling in a second programme because you didn’t get the depth of training or knowledge to be a confident TEFL teacher from your first course.
- Feedback and support: Check if the programme offers regular feedback from qualified trainers and support from peers throughout the course. These resources will help you to receive constructive criticism and strengthen your teaching skills. Popular channels for feedback and support include being assigned a personal tutor for direct questions, live learner support sessions where you can ask questions in person, community forums to collaborate with peers and the academic team, as well as your assignment assessor who provides feedback on your marked work.
- Job Support: Some programs offer job support, including access to TEFL job boards, career advice, resume/CV templates, job application coaching, and placement assistance. Such assistance can be a valuable resource when you are ready to start your career as a TEFL teacher.
Pro Tip: It’s important to know that job support is different from a “guaranteed job placement”. Be mindful of TEFL providers who say they can guarantee you a job at the end of your course. If they offer this, request a sample job contract and specify the employer. Do you have any choice in deciding who you work for? The truth is that guaranteeing you a job upfront, ahead of completing your course, is quite a feat. Think about it. Did your university or college guarantee you a reference when you hired someone? And it’s not just based on qualifications and certificates. It also takes into account personality, cultural fit, interview performance, experience, and references.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose an online program that will provide you with the best training and the most comprehensive and recognised certifications in the field.
Once you have determined a short list of TEFL that you are impressed with, refer to their verified customer reviews on Google or Trustpilot to confirm they are as excellent as they claim to be!
