Tefl Certification By Employers

To begin, let's clarify the acronym TEFL: TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is a term that encompasses the teaching of English to non-native speakers in various contexts. While technically, TEFL specifically refers to teaching English in non-English-speaking countries, it is widely used to describe English language instruction in most settings. Additionally, TEFL is the designation given to teacher training programs and the resulting certifications that aspiring teachers pursue to meet the qualifications sought by international employers of English language instructors. Although many English teaching positions require a TEFL certificate, some teachers hold a TESOL certificate instead. The great news is that TEFL and TESOL essentially denote the same concept, and...  [Read more]

When creating a TEFL teaching contract, there are several key components that you should include to ensure clarity and protection for both yourself and your employer. First and foremost, it's essential to outline the basic details such as the names and contact information of both parties, the start and end dates of the contract, the number of teaching hours expected per week, and the salary and payment schedule. Additionally, you should clearly define the responsibilities and expectations of the teacher, including lesson planning requirements, participation in staff meetings and professional development activities, and any extracurricular duties that may be assigned. It's also important to address issues related to classroom management, discipline policies, and procedures for handling...  [Read more]

  The main reason for taking a TEFL course is to earn the qualifications required by schools and other employers. Everyone who decides to earn a TEFL qualification will have their own motivations, such as to earn money during a gap year or to start a whole new career as an ESL teacher.  [Read more]

  There are a number of qualities that employers of ESL teachers are generally looking for. One of these is a qualification such as a TEFL certificate. Is it possible to get a job without such a certificate though and if so, where and how?  [Read more]

Many TEFL qualified teachers choose to teach English online as the flexibility and convenience of working from home means you can fit it around all your other personal commitments. However, when applying for jobs with online teaching platforms you might be expected to provide your potential employers with a demo video. This can be in the form of an introduction to yourself and your teaching ethos or it can be an actual demo lesson where you need to showcase your teaching skills and personality. Some companies will use this purely as part of the interview process, while in many cases the video will be available to potential students who can watch it to see if they like your approach to teaching English. When teaching online we are forced to rely on facial expressions, body language, hand...  [Read more]

  Being interviewed for a TEFL related position is much like any other interview situation; it can be an intimidating prospect. However, if you do your homework and prepare for some general questions in advance, you can remove a great deal of worry from the whole process. Unfortunately you cannot predict exactly how any interview will unfold but most will include a similar range of questions that are aimed at assessing your suitability for joining the existing workforce. So what questions should you expect to be asked? The employer will certainly want to form an impression of who you are as a person, so expect questions such as: What do you like to do in your spare time? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years? If the job is outside of your...  [Read more]

To gain experience before applying for TEFL jobs, there are several options you can consider. One way is to volunteer to teach English as a foreign language either locally or abroad. Many organizations offer volunteer opportunities where you can gain valuable teaching experience while also making a difference in the lives of others. Another option is to look for internships or practicum placements at language schools or educational institutions. These opportunities can provide you with hands-on experience in a real classroom setting. Additionally, you can consider tutoring English language learners either in person or online. This can be a flexible way to gain experience and practice your teaching skills. You can also create your own lesson plans and materials to use with your students,...  [Read more]

The worldwide market for English language teaching is huge, with over 250,000 teachers employed every year. The level of pay and other benefits varies considerably from job to job, however, there are some countries where employers routinely pay for your flight up-front or reimburse the fare once you arrive. In some cases you might be expected to complete a probationary period before receiving any cash, but if you see out your contract you should also have your return flight taken care of or at least a large portion of it. This vast and diverse country is home to the largest and fastest growing English teaching job market in the world, with over 50,000 positions taken by foreigners every year. A large percentage of these positions are likely to come with a benefit package that includes...  [Read more]

Once you have completed your chosen TEFL certification course, it is time to start sending out applications for the teaching jobs that catch your eye, whether they are within your own country, overseas, or online. Unfortunately, some people underestimate the importance of their CV/resume and how it is absolutely crucial in getting you an interview ahead of all the other applicants for the same job. First impressions really do count, which is why it is vital that the documents you send out should be properly thought out. So what exactly should be included in a TEFL resume? The first thing to realize here is that in most countries around the world there are less restrictions on personal information than in the USA. In many cases, international employers will expect to find out more from your...  [Read more]

To get a job teaching English in Estonia, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success. First, it's essential to have a recognized TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. This certification is often a requirement for teaching positions in Estonia and will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. Next, gaining some teaching experience, either through volunteer work or paid positions, can be beneficial when applying for jobs in Estonia. This experience will demonstrate your ability to manage a classroom and effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Networking can also be a valuable tool in finding a teaching job in Estonia. Attending job fairs, joining online teaching...  [Read more]

  Although most TEFL teachers are very accepting of differences, you will sometimes come across employers who are less so. Discrimination on the grounds of race, age, native language, and appearance are all possibilities when applying for jobs in some countries around the world.  [Read more]

  Take a look at any online TEFL forum and there is a good chance you will come across stories of unscrupulous employers taking advantage of their teachers. Due to the huge number of English language training providers operating in countries all over the world, it is inevitable that there are some that are badly run. The good news is that by asking a few simple questions you should be able to avoid the jobs you don't want and greatly increase your chances of landing the right position to suit you. Whether you are an experienced EFL teacher looking for a new challenge or a newly qualified TEFL graduate looking for that all important first teaching position, it is vital that you ask the right questions during the job interview process. Although you can never guarantee that any job...  [Read more]

Although the market for TEFL qualified teachers is very strong in many countries, you might find that there is a lot of competition for each available job in the more sought after locations. If your plan is to head to a popular destination overseas, then you might want to consider completing a higher level of TEFL certification before you start applying for jobs. When it comes to the different levels of TEFL certification, it is important to understand that there is no one framework that encompasses the whole EFL teaching world. Some countries such as the USA, the UK, and Australia have their own system, as do other regions, teaching organizations, and some course providers. However, most course level frameworks are based on the same common factors such as the type of certification, the...  [Read more]

  To teach English to speakers of other languages, employers will almost certainly expect you to have a teaching qualification. TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificates are the most commonly used qualifications for teaching English to speakers of other languages.  [Read more]

When teaching English abroad, navigating visa requirements is a crucial aspect of the process. Understanding the visa regulations of the country where you plan to teach is essential to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any legal issues during your stay. Here are some key points to consider when handling visa issues for teaching English abroad: Before making any concrete plans to teach abroad, thoroughly research the visa requirements of the country you wish to work in. Each country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding visas for foreign teachers. Some countries may require a specific type of visa for language teachers, while others may have restrictions on the duration of stay. Depending on the country, there may be different types of visas available for teachers. For...  [Read more]

Yes, you can start a new career teaching English abroad without any form of teaching experience. Due to a huge demand for English language teachers in countries all over the world, tens of thousands of English speakers head overseas every year to work in a variety of different classrooms. Of this number, approximately 90% will have never worked in any kind of teaching role before. Wherever you find yourself living and working as an English language teacher, you will most likely teach your students using a method known as total immersion, whereby no other language is used in the classroom besides English. As most learners are not in a position to move to an English speaking country in order to be surrounded by the language, it is the teacher's job to bring this immersion to the student...  [Read more]

  Although some employers insist on prior experience, due to a high demand in many countries there is no shortage of positions for first time teachers. By completing a TEFL course before going overseas you will learn all the skills and knowledge you need to get started as an ESL teacher.  [Read more]

While teaching English abroad you are unlikely to face any type of discrimination from fellow teachers as most are like-minded people who are easy-going and accepting of the world in all its diversity. However, it can be a different story when it comes to employers. In some parts of the world, including some of the most popular teaching destinations, traditional, conservative views and opinions are still commonplace and this can lead to some uncomfortable situations. Many people still have the mistaken belief that all you need to teach English is to be a native English speaker and those that aren’t will never be as good at it. However, this view on teaching couldn’t be more wrong. To be an effective TEFL teacher you need to have a solid understanding of the workings of the language...  [Read more]

When creating your TEFL teaching portfolio, it is essential to include a variety of materials that showcase your skills, qualifications, and experience as an English language teacher. A well-organized portfolio can help you stand out to potential employers and demonstrate your abilities as an educator. Here are some key elements to consider including in your TEFL teaching portfolio: 1. **Introduction**: Start your portfolio with a brief introduction that highlights your background, teaching philosophy, and objectives as a TEFL teacher. 2. **Resume/CV**: Include a detailed resume or curriculum vitae that outlines your education, teaching certifications, relevant work experience, and any specialized training you have completed. 3. **Teaching Certificates**: Include copies of any TEFL or...  [Read more]

If you are looking for financial aid to pursue a TEFL course, there are several options available that can help make your dream of teaching English as a foreign language a reality. Here are some avenues you can explore to secure financial assistance for your TEFL course: Scholarships and Grants: Many organizations, institutions, and universities offer scholarships and grants specifically for students looking to enroll in TEFL courses. These financial awards can help cover some or all of the tuition fees associated with the course. Research online for organizations that support language education or check with the institution where you plan to take the TEFL course for any available scholarships. Government Funding: In some countries, the government provides funding or loans for individuals...  [Read more]

As the generally accepted minimum standard for mainstream teaching jobs is a level 4 qualification, a level 3 certificate alone would not be considered enough to teach English. However, before you make any decisions on which course to take it is best to be fully informed about the different course levels available. Once you have digested all the information below regarding course levels you should be ready to pick the right one to suit your current situation and your future plans. One important factor regarding TEFL course levels is that there are many different frameworks out there for ranking them. Many countries, regions, organizations, and course providers have their own system for ranking the available courses. However, despite the many frameworks, most are designed using the same...  [Read more]

The worldwide market for teaching English abroad covers dozens of countries and many types of employer. In some situations it is normal to complete the recruitment process before leaving home, including an interview conducted via Skype or phone. However, in many of the most popular destinations employers prefer to recruit their teachers via face-to-face interviews on the school premises. While each interviewer will have their own criteria for choosing the right candidate, there are a few simple steps you can follow to give yourself the best chance of securing the job. It is said that it only takes seven seconds to form a first impression, so it is vitally important that you get the basics right to avoid blowing the interview before it has even got going. Rule number one is simple:...  [Read more]

As teaching English abroad involves applying for jobs and traveling overseas, you will require a variety of documentation at different times. Although there maybe some things that you cannot arrange until you have arrived in your country of choice, it is best to organize the required documents as far in advance as possible so they are on hand in case you need them during a job interview or when applying for a visa. Typically, anyone traveling to a foreign country requires a passport that is valid for at least six months. In some situations your passport must be valid for a full year, so the best advice is to ensure your passport has two years or more remaining to allow for an extended teaching contract or further travel once your initial contract is complete. In many cases you will...  [Read more]

  A level 4 TEFL certification fulfills the standard of at least 100 hours of coursework, which is highly sought after by most employers in the EFL field worldwide. Teachers who obtain this level of TEFL training will have access to teaching jobs around the world.  [Read more]

  Employers and TEFL course takers sometimes need to verify a TEFL certificate in order to make sure that the certificate was truly earned and completed by the teacher. Verifying a TEFL certificate is very easy and only involves a few steps.  [Read more]

  If you are unable to attend a 4-week in-class course, then a bundle of online TEFL courses is often seen as the best way to obtain the skills and qualifications that employers prefer. By completing a package of courses you will be well placed to land the teaching jobs you want.  [Read more]

  The documentation needed when applying for jobs teaching English abroad can vary depending on the destination and the employer. To avoid the inconvenience of being stuck overseas without the paperwork required by employers or the immigration office, you should do as much research as possible before leaving home.  [Read more]

Before we look at this question closely, we should first make an important distinction. The number of hours you teach in the classroom (often called contact hours) are not the same as the number of hours you will be expected to be in school, often confusingly called contract hours. Next, it is important to appreciate that different teaching jobs have different typical hours. There are basically three types of jobs available. Most schools abroad work normal office hours so you will probably need to be in school, Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. (in many Asian countries) until 4:00 p.m. This equates to around 40 hours per week. You will not have to teach for all of those hours but a typical teaching load would be around 20-25 hours per week. When you are not teaching you will be expected to...  [Read more]

  To decide whether a job is right for you it is essential to get as much information as possible during the interview. You should be clear on areas such as salary, working hours, class size, student's age, and the resources available to you in the classroom.  [Read more]

  Although every interview will be different, there are several common areas of questioning that you are likely to come across. These include questions relating to your personality, work history, plans for the future, and how you would plan and deliver your lessons in the classroom.  [Read more]