Why Bother with a TEFL Certificate?

Why Bother with a TEFL Certificate?

We get a lot of questions from individuals hoping to head overseas to teach ESL, asking if they should bother with a TEFL certificate. Some are certified teachers and some are just individuals looking for a new adventure.

Some have classroom experience teaching subject-specific material and some have never stepped foot in a classroom. Across this spectrum of potential ESL teachers, we always say the same thing: a TEFL certificate can make a huge difference.

Why should this certificate make such a difference, especially for certified teachers who have plenty of in-class experience?

Let us explain:

Most reputable TEFL certificates are comprised of at least 100 hours of ESL-specific information and teaching tactics to help build a teacher’s confidence while teaching English-language learners overseas.

ESL teachers face a set of challenges entirely unique to teaching ESL – you will have to stand in front of a classroom of learners with a completely different L1 (native language). The 100-hour course provides you with some essential tools to handle these challenges accordingly.

Look for a TEFL certificate that covers the following information:

  • A brief English grammar refresh
  • Principles of second language acquisition
  • Teaching methods for classrooms with a different L1
  • Which English language elements are most difficult for learners and appropriate teaching tactics
  • Dos and Don’ts in ESL teaching
  • Correcting student errors appropriately to encourage free-flowing conversation
  • Pronunciation and Phonetics
  • Integrating external content in classroom activities

Teaching English isn’t as easy as speaking English

Speaking English doesn’t automatically make you qualified to teach English to a classroom of eager adult learners with many, many questions. This is a common misconception in the ESL world.

You have to be prepared to explain the nuances of the language and the grammatical rules as well.

Teaching ESL is still a job, and it can be a very rewarding one. But as with all jobs, it’s important to be qualified and skilled at what you do.

Over time, the classroom experience comes, but giving yourself the knowledge to answer your students and provide them with the best English education that you can is some of the legwork you can do before you leave.

It will also take the edge off your lesson planning and your question and answer sessions with your students.

Certified teachers can benefit from a TEFL certificate too

And for certified teachers looking to head overseas to teach at a private international school or in a public school system like ADEC, a TEFL certificate can be just as useful.

Most reputable certificates will cover teaching techniques when teaching a classroom of learners with a different L1 – an important difference from in-class teaching experience that you may already have.

Teaching students Chemistry in English for the first time will bring about a whole new set of challenges to prepare for.

Teach Away has a unique partnership with the University of Toronto, where together we have developed a reputable TEFL certificate. 

Learn more and read about each individual unit and the material covered, as well as supplementary learning material.

8 comments

Hello Abdul, this is a great question. Although hailing from a native English speaking country is a requirement of some TEFL jobs, it is not a requirement of all. TEFL Online does not provide guaranteed job placement. Upon completion of the online program you will, however, be prompted to create a profile on the Teach Away website. Placement with Teach Away is not guaranteed for TEFL Online graduates. All candidates will be assessed based on their own education and experience. Another thing to keep in mind – in addition to educational and experiential requirements – are the requirements to obtain a work visa in the country where you are applying to teach. If you are unsure, you can visit the embassy and/or consulate websites of the country to find out more. If you are interested in teaching Business English you may be interested in our specialization, for more you can visit: https://teflonline.teachaway.com/teaching-business-english-specialization/ If you have any further questions, please feel free to email us at teflonline@teachaway.com Best, Christie.
Christie Van Tol
Hello Christie,

From what i understood, only South African are given Tefl jobs amongst other African countries. I am a Nigerian graduate majoring in Business Studies. Is there an assurance or chances of getting a Business or English Teaching job after completing the University of Toronto Tefl certificate course ? i honestly need to look before i leap.

Abdullateef
Hello Ricardo,

Thank you for your question. The TEFL Online program is entirely self-paced and 100% online, which sounds like a great fit for you and your busy schedule. Kindly watch your email inbox for a more detailed reply with more information.
Best,
Christie

Christie Van Tol
I’m Ricardo Barbosa from Colombia, I’m working as a Personal Tutor in an Institute that teaches English, and I’ve been given the oportunity of a promotion but I need the certificate, my only chance is the online course since I’m working full time, may I have some information?
Ricardo Barbosa
Hi Pauline,

TEFL Online is a valuable professional development course that helps teachers stay competitive when applying for teaching jobs where ESL is of focus. A TEFL course, specifically, certifies teachers to teach ESL in countries where English is not the primary spoken language.
If you have further questions please email us at teflonline@teachaway.com
Best,
Christie

Christie Van Tol

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