Should I get TEFL certified?
The demand for English language abilities is always increasing. Whether for academic, professional, or personal reasons, English knowledge has become a valuable asset around the world. As a result, the demand for English language teachers has surged, particularly in areas where English is not the local tongue. If you’ve ever contemplated teaching English as a foreign language, you may have heard the term TEFL certification.
But what exactly is TEFL, and why is it considered such an important certificate for prospective English teachers? Since Covid 19 arrived on our shores, the demand for Online Teachers who can educate students remotely has increased. This increase in demand has saturated the sector, making it extremely difficult for more experienced online teachers to secure high-paying positions. Companies couldn’t afford to pay teachers significant salaries because it meant charging exorbitant fees to their students.
This would force students to switch to cheaper companies that provided the same services at a fraction of the price. Many experienced teachers were outraged, understandably, because it permitted corporations to cut pay rates, causing teachers who had been with the company for many years to depart and seek employment elsewhere.
The teachers that did not leave had to either accept the lower rate or they were given less students. This transformation, however, created opportunities for new ambitious online teachers to be identified and hired. New teachers only need to be trained, shaped, and groomed. Yes, new teachers lack teaching experience, but what they lack in experience they make up for in zeal to work hard and teach as many lessons as possible in order to earn more money.
What is TEFL Certification?
The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. A TEFL certification is a specialist accreditation that provides persons with the skills and information required to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Should you want to get TEFL Certified, this credential can be achieved by completing a structured course that includes all aspects of language teaching, such as lesson design, classroom management, language acquisition theories, and teaching practices.
So why is theoretical training so significant?
TEFL certification gives theoretical training that can considerably improve one’s teaching skills. Completing a TEFL course shows potential employers that you have the core information and abilities needed to succeed in the profession of English language teaching. It adds value to your resume or CV, distinguishing you from other candidates who do not have formal language education instruction.
Language companies and educational institutions around the world frequently seek out TEFL-certified teachers for the assurance of quality training they provide. These organizations recognize the importance of recruiting instructors who have received extensive training and are prepared to provide engaging and effective courses to their students.
The Process of Becoming TEFL Certified:
To obtain TEFL certification, you must normally enroll in an approved TEFL course, which can be taken online. These courses vary in length and complexity, ranging from basic beginning programs to comprehensive, advanced courses. Throughout the certification process, participants learn about numerous areas of language teaching, including pedagogical theories, actual teaching practices, and classroom management strategies.
The Free Option:
A free TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course is typically an online course that provides basic training to anyone who wants to teach English to non-native speakers. These courses are frequently provided at no cost by various online platforms, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations.
The major goal of providing such courses for free is to make TEFL training more accessible to a wider audience, including individuals who may not have the financial resources to enroll in traditional paid courses.
Here are some important considerations concerning a free TEFL course and why they are available for free:
- Accessibility: One of the primary objectives for providing free TEFL classes is to promote accessibility. Individuals from varied backgrounds, especially those from economically deprived regions or students, can now receive access to course content and essential teaching skills.
- Promotion and Marketing: Some firms use free TEFL classes as part of their marketing strategy. By offering a free taste of their educational products, businesses hope to attract potential consumers who may subsequently opt for premium services or advanced courses given by the same platform or school.
- Social Responsibility: Many educational institutions and non-profit organizations provide free TEFL classes as part of their social responsibility programs. They believe in the value of education and wish to help promote global literacy and language acquisition through free resources and training opportunities.
- Building a Community: Offering free TEFL classes helps to develop a community of educators and learners. Participants in these courses frequently connect with one another via online forums, discussion boards, or social media groups, fostering collaboration and peer support on their journey to becoming English teachers.
While free TEFL courses can be a good beginning point for people interested in teaching English overseas or online, it’s important to realize their limitations.
- Basic Content: Free TEFL courses usually include core principles and teaching methods. They may not give in-depth instruction or specific modules, as paid courses do. As a result, graduates of free courses may have a limited understanding of teaching methods and classroom management practices.
- Limited Support and Resources: When compared to commercial options, free TEFL courses may provide less personalized support and resources. Participants may not have access to professional tutors, comments on lesson plans, or extra materials like teaching aids and lesson plans.
- Credibility and Recognition: Some businesses, particularly reputable language schools and organizations, may prefer individuals with official TEFL certification from accredited programs to those with free course credentials. Paid TEFL courses can bring greater credibility and recognition in the profession.
The Level 2 Option:
A Level 2 TEFL Certification is a basic certificate for those who want to start a career as online English teachers. This credential usually includes important teaching approaches, classroom management strategies, and language teaching methodologies.
The Level 2 TEFL Certification is considered one of the best options when it comes to getting Qualified for a few reasons:
- Affordability: Level 2 TEFL Certification courses are often less expensive than higher-level certificates. This makes them an appealing option for those who are just starting out and have limited financial resources. The decreased cost enables aspiring teachers to acquire the required skills and qualifications without making a major financial investment.
- Entry-Level Requirements: Level 2 TEFL Certification courses typically have low entrance criteria, making them accessible to a diverse spectrum of people. While the particular criteria may differ depending on the course provider, most Level 2 courses require simply a basic comprehension of English language skills. This inclusion means that aspiring teachers can begin their TEFL journey regardless of their educational background or previous teaching experience.
- Pass Rate: The pass percentage for Level 2 TEFL Certification courses is usually 40% or higher. To effectively complete the course, students must achieve a minimum score on tests and assignments. The reasonably high pass rate reassures aspiring instructors that they can earn their certification with dedication and effort.
- Basic Curriculum: Level 2 TEFL certification courses cover the essential teaching principles and strategies required for effective English language training. Lesson design, grammar instruction, vocabulary building, teaching speaking and listening skills, and measuring student progress are some of the most prevalent curriculum topics. While the curriculum is introductory, it lays a solid basis for entry-level teachers to begin their careers with confidence.
- Quick Entry into the Job Market: One of the primary benefits of earning a Level 2 TEFL Certification is the possibility to enter the job market and begin teaching English online rather soon. With the increasing demand for online English education, several language learning platforms and online institutions actively seek teachers with entry-level TEFL certifications. This gives freshly certified teachers the opportunity to obtain practical teaching experience, earn money, and hone their abilities in a real-world teaching setting.
- Pathway to Higher-Level Certifications: While Level 2 TEFL Certification is an excellent starting point for entry-level teachers, it should be noted that it is only the beginning of a teacher’s professional growth path. As teachers gain more experience and skill, they may decide to pursue higher-level certificates, such as Level 5 TEFL Certification or specialized endorsements. These advanced credentials provide more comprehensive training, deeper insights into teaching approaches, and greater credibility in the field of English language teaching.
The Level 5 CELTA Option:
The Level 5 CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) TEFL Certification is a prestigious and well-respected degree for those looking to teach English as a foreign language.
CELTA, developed by the University of Cambridge, is acknowledged by businesses and institutions around the world as a standard for English language teaching excellence.
Here’s a detailed overview of the Level 5 CELTA TEFL Certification and how it differs from a Level 2 TEFL certification:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The Level 5 CELTA certification provides a thorough and rigorous training curriculum that covers all aspects of English language teaching. Participants will learn about language analysis, teaching methods, lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment procedures. The curriculum is designed to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively teach English to students of all abilities and backgrounds.
- Practical Teaching Experience: The CELTA certification stands out for its emphasis on practical teaching experience. Trainees receive the opportunity to plan and deliver lessons to genuine English language learners, with the assistance of professional tutors. This hands-on teaching practice enables participants to use theoretical information in a real-world classroom setting while receiving feedback to improve their teaching abilities.
- High Quality Standards: CELTA courses follow the University of Cambridge’s stringent quality requirements. The course content, evaluation criteria, and tutor qualifications are all closely monitored to ensure consistency and excellence across all CELTA facilities globally. As a result, CELTA graduates are highly valued by employers and enjoy a competitive advantage in the job market.
- Cost and Pass Rate: Level 5 CELTA certifications are often more expensive than Level 2 TEFL certifications because to their thorough nature and prestigious reputation. The pass rate for CELTA courses is typically higher, averaging 80% or higher. Candidates who do not meet the requisite standard may have to retake the course, which incurs additional fees.
- Limited Attempts: Some CELTA centers have a policy that limits how many times a candidate can retake the course if they do not pass. For example, if an applicant fails the course three times, they may be compelled to re-pay and enroll in the program. This emphasizes the value of diligent preparation and dedication throughout the course.
- Option for Experienced Teachers: While the Level 5 CELTA certification is highly acclaimed, it may not be appropriate for all candidates, particularly those new to teaching English. Many CELTA centers recommend that candidates have prior teaching experience or a good foundation in English language studies before enrolling in the program. Individuals who are motivated to professional development can, however, enroll in CELTA courses after some teaching experience.
Experience, Qualifications and Earning Potential.
As an Entry Level Teacher getting TEFL Certified should be your first step, gaining Practical training afterwards will give you a great foundation to start with that many Online Teachers don’t have.
Specialization Courses:
One of the main advantages of TEFL certification is its versatility. Whether you want to teach young pupils, adults, or specialist English courses such as IELTS, Business English, or Conversational English, TEFL certification will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in any teaching situation. The Teacher’s Pet course goes a step further, giving unique training modules tailored to varied teaching demographics and conditions, ensuring that learners are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of their future students.
So what are Specialization Courses? Specialization courses in online teaching provide targeted training in certain areas of English language instruction, meeting the diverse requirements and interests of both teachers and students.
Here are some common Specialization Courses:
- Teaching Younger Learners: The TEYL Course is a specialized course which examines approaches and methodologies for teaching English to children and young learners. It discusses age-appropriate lesson preparation, classroom management tactics, including games and activities, and modifying resources to meet the developmental stages and learning styles of young students. Teachers learn how to design interesting, interactive classes that enhance language acquisition and a good learning environment.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): IELTS preparation courses are designed to assist students improve their English language abilities in preparation for the IELTS exam, which is generally acknowledged as an English language competence evaluation tool. Teachers learn about the IELTS exam format, the various portions (listening, reading, writing, and speaking), and successful test-taking tactics. They also learn about frequent issues encountered by IELTS candidates and how to solve them through targeted education and practice exercises.
- Business English: Business English courses are designed for professionals and individuals who need English language skills in the job. Teachers learn how to teach business-related language and communication skills such as email writing, presentation delivery, meeting participation, negotiation, and networking. They also look at industry-specific vocabulary and terminology, cultural norms in business communication, and effective communication methods for career success.
Importance of Practical Training:
While theoretical knowledge is important, practical training is also necessary for prospective English teachers. The Teacher’s Pet 310 Hours Practicum course is a standout program that blends academic knowledge with hands-on practice to prepare students for real-world teaching situations.
Participants in the Teacher’s Pet course not only learn how to use technology to help students learn, but they also acquire essential classroom setup and management experience. The course also provides practical instruction on how to create effective lesson plans, access teaching materials, and alter teaching approaches to meet the requirements of diverse learners.
Enrolling in the Teacher’s Pet course gives candidates comprehensive help for their job search and career growth. From creating professional resumes and introduction videos to navigating the application process, acing interviews, and demo classes, the course provides participants with the resources and confidence they need to succeed in the competitive area of English language teaching.
Individuals interested in teaching English as a foreign language should consider earning at least a Level 2 TEFL certification. This credential provides teachers with the skills and information they need to effectively engage students and offer exceptional English language instruction. Practical training, such as Teacher’s Pet’s 310 Hours Practicum Course, provides vital hands-on experience in real-world teaching settings, which improves teaching talents and confidence.
With these credentials and practical experience, teachers not only have access to a diverse range of teaching possibilities, but also position themselves for higher-paying positions in the competitive area of English language teaching. Investing in professional development, such as TEFL certification and practical training, is more than just a path to a meaningful career; it is a strategic move toward unlocking rewarding prospects and progressing in the field of English language education.
Written by Teacher’s Pet.
Christo Lubbe.