 Getting
Qualified as a TEFL Instructor |
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| Why
do I need a teaching qualification? |
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There
are thousands of EFL teachers around the world who are
teaching with no qualifications at all.
However, you might see TEFL as a career. Perhaps you simply
want to give your students the best lessons possible.
Whatever the reason, getting qualified is an excellent
idea.
The benefits of getting a teaching qualification might
include:
• Getting that first job
There are thousands of English speakers in the world who
believe they can teach the language. What sets you apart
from them?
• Career Opportunities:
Some people see English teaching as a temporary diversion.
Others are looking to stay in the industry long-term.
Positions with better language schools insist on teaching
qualifications, and if you wish to become a D.O.S. (Director
of Studies - the manager of a school), you will probably
need a higher-level qualification, such as the Cambridge
Diploma.
• Better Lessons:
Many language schools have inadequate training - if any
at all. Many have 'on the job training' which effectively
means that you learn by teaching. Being qualified means
that you already know about the fundamentals of delivering
great lessons.
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| What
do all the teaching acronyms stand for? |
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Here is a list
of some of the most common acronyms: |
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CELTA |
Certificate
in English Language Teaching to Adults. This is a specific
course offered by Cambridge University. Previously known
as the RSA. |
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EFL |
English as
a Foreign Language. This is a general term. |
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ESL |
English as
a Second Language. This is also a general term. |
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RSA |
The old name
for the CELTA course. |
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TEFL |
Teaching English
as a Foreign Language. This is another general term. |
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TESOL
|
Teaching English
to Speakers of Other Languages. This is used for a popular
course offered by Trinity. |
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| Which
course should I choose? |
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| |
This can seem
daunting. There is a great deal of choice, and it isn't
always obvious what the differences are.
Over the next few pages, we look at some of the options
open to budding teachers.
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