English Second Language Teacher Training

We can say in general terms that all teachers are important, English teachers among them. However, the requirement for specialist teachers who are able to teach English as a second or foreign language is particularly important. What makes specialist ESL teachers so necessary? Globalized industry has led to an explosion of the use of English as the lingua franca. This trend looks as though it will continue in the near future. Whilst English is a mainstream curriculum subject in many countries, teachers of English are not necessarily equipped to teach English as a second or foreign language. Teachers trained in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) are therefore in great demand. Whilst it is generally true that Native English Speakers (NES) have a good working knowledge of the...  [Read more]

The job market for TEFL teachers in the USA is robust and diverse, offering a wide range of opportunities for both experienced educators and newcomers to the field. With the increasing demand for English language instruction across the country, there is a growing need for qualified TEFL teachers in various educational settings. One of the most common paths for TEFL teachers in the USA is to work in language schools and institutes that specialize in teaching English to non-native speakers. These institutions often hire TEFL teachers to teach a wide range of students, from young learners to adult professionals, in both group and private settings. Additionally, many community colleges and adult education programs offer English language courses for immigrants and international students,...  [Read more]

TEFL certification is not always required for teaching English in bilingual schools, as the specific requirements can vary depending on the school, country, and even the particular job position. However, having a TEFL certification can greatly enhance your chances of securing a teaching position in a bilingual school, as it demonstrates a certain level of training and expertise in teaching English as a foreign language. In many cases, bilingual schools may prefer or even require teachers to have a TEFL certification, especially if they are hiring teachers specifically to teach English as a second language. This is because a TEFL certification equips teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English language learners, including understanding language acquisition...  [Read more]

Yes, TEFL teachers can work in language institutes around the world. Language institutes are educational institutions that specialize in teaching languages to students of all ages and levels. These institutes often offer a variety of language courses, including English as a Foreign Language (EFL) or English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Working in a language institute as a TEFL teacher can be a rewarding experience, as you have the opportunity to work with students from diverse cultural backgrounds and help them improve their English language skills. As a TEFL teacher in a language institute, your responsibilities may include planning and delivering lessons, assessing student progress, providing feedback, and creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. One of the...  [Read more]

Acronyms are an essential tool used in all professions and technical writing. They are powerful tools to reduce word content. However without knowing what the acronym stands for, they can form a barrier to understanding. In the ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching world there is certainly no shortage of acronyms. Here we look at a few and one in particular, TEFL. Some useful teaching acronyms are: ELT: English Language Teaching. This is a general term for teaching English and applies to the teaching of English to both native and non-native English speakers. ELL: English Language Learner. This is a general term for anyone learning English and applies to learners of English who are native or non-native English speakers. ESL: English as a Second Language: This relates to the...  [Read more]

  Margaret from Indonesia took the 120-hour online TEFL/TESOL course and had a great experience. She learned a lot about grammar, classroom management, and lesson planning. In her TEFL review, she recommends our training courses to anyone who is interested in becoming an English language teacher. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. I have learnt about the direct and indirect speech. It was great to repeat all the rules because some of them I...  [Read more]

  The teaching of English as a second or foreign language is a major part of the teaching profession. It is a serious undertaking for which the consequences of inadequate teacher training can be unfortunate for those wishing to learn English. A certification in TEFL is therefore crucial for EFL teachers.  [Read more]

  The combined TEFL course is a mix of online and in-class study that is a perfect fit for some trainees. The first part of the course is completed online from wherever you are in the world. For the second part you need to attend one of our training centers where you will get invaluable teaching practice in a genuine English language classroom. During your stay you will also receive further instruction on various teaching topics from our professional teacher trainers. If this sounds like a good option for you, you can choose your in-class training center from a number of great locations around the world. The second part of the combined TEFL course consists of ten days of study, with the middle weekend free, at our training centers in Bangkok, Phuket, and Rome. Study at our centers...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) teachers are in demand worldwide, including in Scandinavia. The job market for TEFL teachers in Scandinavia can vary depending on factors such as the country, the city, the time of year, and the qualifications of the teacher. In general, Scandinavia is known for its high standard of English proficiency, with many residents being fluent in English as a second language. However, there is still a demand for TEFL teachers in the region, particularly in schools, language institutes, and businesses that require English language training for their employees. Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland are the main countries in Scandinavia where TEFL teachers can find opportunities. In larger cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, and Helsinki, there tend to...  [Read more]

In the same way that we would expect our surgeon, dentist or airline pilot to have undertaken some training, our students of English might also expect their teachers to be trained and competent. What does it mean that our English teacher is competent? Possibly there are two major components to the answer: 1. The teacher has adequate subject knowledge. 2. The teacher has some classroom delivery skills. First you need to find a course that offers these components. While many native English speakers have learned the rules of English grammar sub-consciously as part of their language development, this does not give them the necessary subject knowledge required to teach English. So both native English speakers (NES) and non-native English speakers (NNES) should have some background knowledge of...  [Read more]

  The acronym TEFL stands for teaching English as a foreign language. TESOL is teaching English to speakers of other languages. Today, both terms have much the same meaning are generally used interchangeably in the EFL field. In the early days, TEFL was more of a UK-based qualification and TESOL was more of a North American-based qualification. ESL is English as a Second Language, and is usually used when teaching English in an English-speaking environment. Some people argue that TESOL encompasses both EFL and ESL. In reality there is very little difference, if any. As the need for English language training has developed worldwide, the two terms have almost become synonymous. They are both used to describe the field of English language teaching and one of them is stated on...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and ESL (English as a Second Language) certifications are both valuable credentials for teaching English to non-native speakers. While they share similarities, there are key differences between the two that prospective teachers should be aware of: TEFL certification is geared towards teaching English in countries where English is not the primary language. This means that TEFL teachers focus on helping students who are learning English as a foreign language, typically in non-English-speaking countries. On the other hand, ESL certification is more commonly used in English-speaking countries to teach English to non-native speakers who are residing in an English-speaking environment. From an SEO perspective, it is crucial to understand that TEFL...  [Read more]

To teach English in the Philippines, you need to meet certain requirements. The specific qualifications may vary depending on the institution or organization you wish to work for, but there are some common requirements that most employers look for when hiring English teachers in the Philippines. First and foremost, a bachelor's degree is typically required to teach English in the Philippines. This degree does not necessarily have to be in English or Education, but having a degree in one of these fields can be beneficial. In addition to a bachelor's degree, many employers also prefer candidates with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. These certifications provide training in effective teaching methods for...  [Read more]

While it is true that the vast majority of newly qualified EFL teachers start out by working in a mainstream job, either online or in a traditional classroom abroad, there are other options out there for those who are looking for something a little different. Some of these options require a certain level of experience, while others are open to anyone regardless of their work history. Teaching English in your own country: Your TEFL certificate is valid worldwide, so you can also teach English as a second language in your own country. If there are a lot of non-native speakers, for example, immigrants in your area then this can be a good teaching opportunity. Volunteer English language teaching: Some volunteering jobs are available which pay a stipend and offer food and accommodation...  [Read more]

To teach English in Belgium, there are several requirements that you need to fulfill. Firstly, having a bachelor's degree in English or a related field is typically necessary. This degree should be from an accredited institution to ensure that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach English effectively. Additionally, many language schools and institutions in Belgium require their English teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. Having a TEFL or TESOL certification demonstrates that you have received training specifically in teaching English to non-native speakers. This certification is highly valued by employers in Belgium and will give you a competitive edge when applying for...  [Read more]

Anyone who is involved in English language teaching (ELT) is well aware of the industry’s love of acronyms. If you have researched training courses you will undoubtedly have come across several such as TEFL, TESOL, ESOL, EFL, ESL, ELT, and many more. Here we will look at EFL and the first thing to clear up is that EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language. It is often used interchangeably with some of the other acronyms mentioned when referring to the teaching or studying of the English language by non-native English speakers. Although these two acronyms are regularly used interchangeably within the teaching world, there are technical differences between the two. English as a Foreign Language (EFL) refers to situations where a student is learning English in a country (normally their...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are both internationally recognized certifications that enable individuals to teach English as a second or foreign language. However, there are some key differences between the two programs. TEFL certification programs primarily focus on teaching English to non-native speakers in countries where English is not the primary language. These programs typically include coursework on English language teaching methodology, classroom management, lesson planning, and language assessment. TEFL certification is ideal for individuals who want to teach English abroad, particularly in countries where English is not widely spoken. On the other hand, TESOL certification programs are more comprehensive...  [Read more]

  There is often much confusion surrounding these acronyms but essentially they mean the same thing. TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages The above are generally used interchangeably, however, TEFL is most commonly used within the UK and TESOL is usually preferred in Australia and the USA. Although some countries may favor one acronym over the other, it is important to remember that a TEFL certification and a TESOL certification are exactly the same thing as the training involved is identical. Although TEFL and TESOL training courses are identical and the acronyms are generally used interchangeably, there is a technical difference between the two. The general perception is that speakers of English as a foreign...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and ELT (English Language Teaching) are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between the two terms. TEFL typically refers to teaching English to non-native speakers in a country where English is not the primary language. Teachers with a TEFL certification often work with students who want to improve their English skills for travel, work, or personal reasons. On the other hand, ELT encompasses a broader scope and includes teaching English to non-native speakers in any context, whether it be in a foreign country, an English-speaking country, or online. ELT also covers teaching English to speakers of other languages in multilingual or multicultural settings. From an academic perspective, TEFL is more focused on the...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certifications are both widely recognized qualifications that enable individuals to teach English to non-native speakers. Despite their similarities, there are some key differences between the two. One of the main distinctions between TEFL and TESOL certifications lies in their focus. TEFL is specifically geared towards teaching English to non-native speakers in countries where English is not the primary language. On the other hand, TESOL is a more comprehensive term that encompasses teaching English to non-native speakers in various contexts, including countries where English may be an official or second language. From an SEO perspective, understanding the differences between TEFL and...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and DipTESOL (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are both certification courses that focus on teaching English to non-native speakers. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two that potential students should consider before choosing a program. TEFL certification courses are typically shorter in duration, ranging from a few weeks to a few months, and are designed for individuals who are new to teaching English as a foreign language. These courses provide a solid foundation in language teaching methodology, classroom management, lesson planning, and evaluation techniques. TEFL courses are often seen as entry-level qualifications for those looking to start a career in English language...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they do have some subtle differences. TEFL typically refers to the practice of teaching English to non-native speakers in countries where English is not the primary language. EFL, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses the teaching of English to non-native speakers in any context where English is not the dominant language. From an SEO point of view, it is important to understand the distinctions between TEFL and EFL as they can impact the search results and the relevance of the content to the user's query. When creating content for a website or blog that focuses on teaching English, using the appropriate terminology can help attract the...  [Read more]

  This ITTT video is the second part of a lesson looking at the structure of the Present Perfect tense. It reviews an example of the structure with a regular verb -- played. I/you/we/they have played. She/He/It has played. The video then examines some of the spelling patterns that are used with irregular verbs. For example, verbs ending with a consonant + y. cry changes to cried, try changes to tried. Another spelling pattern with irregular verbs ending with a consonant + a vowel + a consonant Shop changes to shopped, ship changes to shipped. When teaching this particular point, as with other grammar points, it is important to explain to students that there are exceptions to most rules in the English language. Where specific patterns exist we need to introduce them to our...  [Read more]

These acronyms are used when referring to training courses that English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon completion. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As these terms are essentially the same, they are often used interchangeably, however, TEFL is most commonly used within the UK and TESOL is usually preferred in the USA. Although some countries may favor one acronym over the other, it is important to remember that a TEFL certification and a TESOL certification are exactly the same thing as the training involved is identical. Although TEFL and TESOL training courses are identical and the acronyms are generally used interchangeably, there is a technical...  [Read more]

  The teaching idea covered here is one that would be appropriate for adult English language learners. It involves students writing a CV including personal data such as where they were born, their education history and their work experience. This activity could be a precursor to a job interview activity where students interview each other for different jobs using information from their CVs. By taking one of ITTT's TESOL courses you will learn useful teaching ideas such as the one covered in this video. There are number of options available to study from short 60-hour introductory courses to longer 120-hour TESOL courses. It is also possible to take ITTT's TESOL courses in-class at any one of our training centres around the world. Please visit the link above for more information...  [Read more]

A TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certificate can be a valuable asset if you are interested in teaching English to refugees. The skills and knowledge gained through a TEFL certification can help you effectively communicate with students who are learning English as a second language, including refugees who may have specific language learning needs. First and foremost, a TEFL certificate equips you with the essential teaching techniques and strategies needed to create engaging and effective English language lessons. This can be particularly beneficial when working with refugees, as they may come from diverse linguistic backgrounds and have varying levels of English proficiency. By understanding how to tailor your teaching methods to meet the specific needs of your students, you...  [Read more]

TEFL teachers can definitely work in bilingual education programs, as their expertise in teaching English as a foreign language can be highly beneficial in such settings. Bilingual education programs aim to develop students' proficiency in two languages, typically the local language and English. TEFL teachers can contribute by providing specialized instruction in English language acquisition, helping students improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. In bilingual education programs, TEFL teachers may collaborate with local teachers to design and deliver integrated language lessons that support students' overall language development. This collaboration can enhance the learning experience by combining the expertise of both language teachers and promoting a more holistic...  [Read more]

Ireland is a difficult place to get a TEFL job for anyone who does not live in the country or who does not have an EU passport. Most TEFL Jobs are available in Dublin, but this is an expensive city to live in. It can be cheaper to live outside of Dublin, but then there are fewer positions available. Dublin has a lot of language schools, and you may get one of these jobs, but the work may not be consistent, and the pay may not be able to meet your expenses. Aside from TEFL Jobs at private language schools, positions are available at universities and colleges as well. Many jobs are available during the summer holiday months of June to September. If you hold a passport from an EU country, you will not need to get a work visa. Ireland offers a Student Work Abroad Program, which can provide...  [Read more]

When it comes to choosing the best TEFL certification for advanced educators, it's essential to consider several factors to ensure that the program meets your specific needs and goals. While there are numerous TEFL certification providers available, some stand out for their quality, reputation, and suitability for experienced educators looking to enhance their teaching skills in an ESL/EFL context. One of the top contenders for advanced educators seeking a TEFL certification is the Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). The CELTA is widely recognized and respected worldwide, known for its rigorous standards and practical approach to teacher training. It is especially suitable for experienced educators who want to delve deeper into language...  [Read more]

TEFL teachers can indeed work in correctional facilities, providing valuable educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals. Teaching English in these settings can be both rewarding and challenging, as it requires a unique set of skills and approaches to address the specific needs and circumstances of the learners. Here are some key points to consider for TEFL teachers interested in working in correctional facilities: First and foremost, it is essential for TEFL teachers working in correctional facilities to have a deep understanding of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of their students. Many incarcerated individuals may have limited access to education and face various barriers to learning, such as language difficulties, low literacy levels, or learning disabilities. As a...  [Read more]