Tefl Certificate Doesn't Say How Many Hours

TESOL stands for: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, which is also commonly referred to as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). Whilst these two terms have slight technical differences they are generally used interchangeably within the industry to say the same thing. The first distinction in certification types comes about from the differences between an in-class course, an online course, and a combined (or hybrid) course. In-class courses are undertaken at a physical location, somewhere in the world. These locations are typically in countries where English is not the first language, but many people are learning it. This means there are plenty of English language learners (ELL’s) available for real teaching lessons, which is a very useful addition to these...  [Read more]

Before we go any further with this question, we first need to make an important distinction. Your number of teaching hours (known as contact hours) will not be the same as the number of hours you will be expected to actually be in school (known as contract hours). Most teaching jobs include admin duties on top of the actual teaching time. We also need to make it clear that different types of ESL teaching jobs have different typical classroom hours. Here we look at the three most common types of jobs available. In the majority of cases, overseas schools work normal office hours. This means that you should expect to be in school, Monday to Friday, from around 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. This rough timetable adds up to around 40 hours per week. Of course, not all those hours will be...  [Read more]

All TESOL courses provided by ITTT, and most other course providers, are separated into individual sections or modules in order to make the content easier to digest and to retain after the course is complete. Each course contains multiple modules covering all the most important areas of English language teaching, including various grammar points, a range of classroom skills, and lesson planning strategies, to name just a few. This course design should allow you to work through the materials smoothly and ensure that most of the information covered is still fresh in your mind when you start your first day in your first ESL teaching job. However, as most TESOL course providers, including ITTT, offer many different course options to suit various personal goals and scenarios, there is no...  [Read more]

--- TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificates are essential qualifications for individuals looking to teach English to non-native speakers. These certificates provide the necessary training and skills needed to excel in a classroom setting, whether it be in a foreign country or online. TEFL certificates come in various forms, including online courses, in-person training programs, and university-accredited courses. They equip teachers with the knowledge of language teaching methodologies, lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment techniques. The validity of a TEFL certificate largely depends on the institution that issued it. In general, most TEFL certificates do not have an expiration date. Once you earn a TEFL certificate, it is yours to keep for life....  [Read more]

The most comprehensive course option offered by ITTT is the 550-hour Expert Package with tutor support. It covers a complete spectrum of TESOL skills that teachers of English as a foreign language can use in most classroom situations. The 550-hour Expert Package fully prepares course graduates so they are ready to tackle a wide range of future teaching and management roles at home or overseas. This extensive package consists of six course components: The 120-hour TESOL course (Part 1 of the package) must be completed first, however, parts 2 to 6 can be taken in any order you decide. After successfully completing the 120-hour course you will have the option of receiving a 120-hour certificate then five further individual certificates for each section successfully completed (there is an...  [Read more]

In order to compare our range of TESOL courses with other qualifications we have developed our course-level framework which runs from level 3 to level 7. On this scale most employers will expect their job applicants to have completed a level 4 course as this includes at least 100 hours of course study. However, if you want to start your teaching journey further up the ladder, a level 5 course would put you in a level of certification that is above the average for TESOL qualified teachers worldwide. Unfortunately, there is no one single framework that represents the different levels of qualifications available within the world of ESL teaching. At ITTT we have developed our course-level framework using the same basic criteria as most other countries or organizations, i.e, what type of...  [Read more]

In years gone by most training courses required attendance at some form of training center. However, since the explosion of the internet and the wide availability of internet connected devices, online training has gradually become more and more popular. These days online courses have largely become the norm in many fields and they have also become widely accepted by employers as a legitimate route towards qualification. Although there are a few areas where online courses might struggle to replicate their in-class equivalent, online courses are clearly here to stay. If you have made the decision to complete your TESOL training via an online course, the next decision is which one to choose? The first thing to remember is that TESOL courses are normally classified by the average number...  [Read more]

To obtain a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate, there are several steps you can take. First, research different TESOL programs to find one that suits your needs and goals. Many universities, language institutes, and online platforms offer TESOL certification courses. When selecting a program, consider factors such as accreditation, course content, duration, and cost. Accreditation from recognized bodies such as TESL Canada, Trinity College London, or the British Council can enhance the credibility of your certificate. Additionally, ensure that the course covers essential topics such as language teaching methodology, lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment techniques. Once you have chosen a TESOL program, you will need to meet the entry...  [Read more]

A Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate does not have an expiration date. Once you have earned your TESOL certification, it is valid for a lifetime. This means that you can use your TESOL certificate to teach English as a foreign language (EFL) or English as a second language (ESL) in various countries and educational settings for as long as you wish. Having a TESOL certificate demonstrates that you have received training in teaching English to non-native speakers. It shows potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach English language learners. While the certificate itself does not expire, it is important to note that teaching requirements and regulations may vary from country to country and even from institution to...  [Read more]

If you go online and search for free TESOL courses you will be confronted by a confusing array of results. You will find several free course options on offer and many more that are suspiciously cheap. Your initial reaction might be that these options seem like a great deal and you can save some of your hard earned cash to put towards your upcoming teaching adventure, rather than spend it on your TESOL qualification. However, we would recommend you think about a few things before you sign up for any of these so-called ‘great deals’. One common feature of free or suspiciously cheap TESOL courses is that they often do not come with any form of certification included. Once complete, you are then offered various certification options at any extra cost. These options might be a PDF...  [Read more]

Obtaining a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate can significantly enhance your career prospects in the field of English language teaching. This certification provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. The TESOL certificate is recognized worldwide and is often a requirement for many teaching positions, both domestically and internationally. With a TESOL certificate, you open yourself up to a wide range of career opportunities in the field of English language teaching. You can work in language schools, universities, private tutoring centers, and even online teaching platforms. Additionally, having a TESOL certification can also lead to opportunities to teach English abroad in countries such as...  [Read more]

In the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), niche markets refer to specific groups of learners who have unique language learning needs or interests. These groups may include young learners, business professionals, medical professionals, or even individuals preparing for specific English language exams such as IELTS or TOEFL. Understanding the characteristics and requirements of these niche markets is essential for tailoring your teaching approach and materials to meet the specific needs of these learners. To specialize your TEFL certificate to niche markets, you can consider pursuing additional training or certifications that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. Many TEFL providers offer specialized courses in areas such as Teaching English to Young...  [Read more]

This common question is not easy to answer as it depends on the individual TESOL course you decide to sign up for. There are many different options to choose from, whether it is an online course, an in-class course, or a course that blends the two study methods. Each study method has a variety of courses and each one comes with its own average completion time. By choosing ITTT as your TESOL course provider you will have access to a wide range of courses with varying lengths, level of difficulty, and study method, which means you should certainly find something to suit your individual situation. In general, TESOL courses are classified by how many hours they take to complete on average. A quick online search will reveal a wide range of courses starting from around 50 hours or even...  [Read more]

To tailor your TEFL certificate to specific job markets, it is crucial to understand the requirements and preferences of different regions or types of institutions. Research the countries or regions you are interested in teaching in to determine if there are any specific certifications or qualifications that are highly valued. For example, some countries may prefer teachers with experience in teaching young learners, while others may prioritize teachers with knowledge of exam preparation courses like IELTS or TOEFL. One way to make your TEFL certificate more appealing to specific job markets is to obtain specialized certifications or undergo additional training. For instance, if you are interested in teaching business English, consider getting a Business English Teaching (BET) certificate....  [Read more]

VIPKid was, until quite recently, one of the top platforms for teaching young learners online. However, as of July 2021, the Chinese government changed the laws regarding online teaching and made it illegal to promote English lessons for Chinese students if the teachers are outside of the country. Essentially, if you want to teach young Chinese students online, then you now need to actually be in the country and not working from overseas. This shift in policy has had a big impact on VIPKid’s operations and they are no longer the major player they once were in this particular teaching environment. Despite the change in laws within China, VIPKid says it is to continue offering lessons for adult students in China from outside the country as this is not affected by the new legislation....  [Read more]

Teaching English through storytelling is a powerful method that can engage students, enhance language learning, and promote creativity. By incorporating storytelling into your lessons, you can create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment that caters to different learning styles. Storytelling helps students improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while also building their vocabulary and grammar knowledge in a context that is meaningful and memorable. Additionally, storytelling can foster cultural understanding and empathy as students immerse themselves in the characters and settings of the stories. To effectively teach English through storytelling with a TESOL certificate, it's important to carefully plan how you will integrate stories into your lessons....  [Read more]

One of the best ways to gain practical teaching experience with a TESOL certificate is to volunteer. Many organizations, such as non-profits, community centers, and schools, are often looking for volunteers to assist with English language teaching. Volunteering allows you to work directly with English language learners, practice your teaching skills, and make a positive impact on the community. Additionally, volunteering can help you build your resume and make valuable connections in the field. Another option to gain practical teaching experience is through internship programs. Many language schools and educational institutions offer internship opportunities for TESOL certificate holders. These programs allow you to work alongside experienced teachers, gain hands-on experience in the...  [Read more]

When aiming to make your TEFL certificate stand out to potential employers, it is crucial to ensure that the program you choose is accredited by recognized bodies in the field. Accreditation adds credibility to your certification and assures employers that you have received training that meets industry standards. Look for programs accredited by bodies such as the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) or the British Council. This accreditation indicates that the program has been evaluated and meets the necessary criteria for providing quality TEFL training. To make your TEFL certificate more attractive to employers, consider opting for programs that offer specialized training in areas such as teaching young learners, business English, or exam preparation courses...  [Read more]

1. Understanding the Importance of Specializing in Teaching Young Learners with a TEFL Certificate --- # Understanding the Importance of Specializing in Teaching Young Learners with a TEFL Certificate Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a rewarding career that opens up a world of opportunities for educators. Specializing in teaching young learners is particularly crucial due to the unique challenges and considerations involved in educating children. Young learners have distinct learning styles, attention spans, and language acquisition processes compared to adult learners. Therefore, having specialized training in teaching young learners with a TEFL certificate equips educators with the necessary skills to create engaging and effective learning environments for children. ---...  [Read more]

When considering a career in English language teaching, understanding the differences between TESOL, TEFL, and CELTA certifications is crucial. TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, and CELTA stands for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. While all three certifications qualify you to teach English as a second language, there are some key differences among them. TESOL Certification: A TESOL certification is typically more comprehensive and covers teaching English to non-native speakers in both English-speaking countries and countries where English is not the primary language. It often includes a focus on linguistics, language acquisition theory, and practical teaching skills. TESOL courses...  [Read more]