Tesol Working Paper Series

Getting a TEFL certification while working part-time is definitely possible and can be a great way to enhance your qualifications and skills in teaching English as a foreign language. There are various options available for individuals who are working part-time and still want to pursue a TEFL certification. One popular option is to enroll in an online TEFL certification course. Online courses offer flexibility in terms of timing and can be completed at your own pace, making them ideal for individuals with part-time commitments. These courses typically include modules on teaching methodologies, classroom management, lesson planning, and language assessment. Another option is to attend a part-time or weekend in-person TEFL course. While these courses may require a bit more time commitment...  [Read more]

When it comes to choosing the best TEFL certification for working professionals, there are several factors to consider. The quality and reputation of the certification program, the flexibility of the course format, the level of support provided, and the opportunities for practical teaching experience are all important aspects to keep in mind. Here are some key points to consider when selecting the best TEFL certification for working professionals: 1. **Accreditation**: Look for a TEFL certification program that is accredited by recognized bodies such as the British Council, ACCET, or TESL Canada. Accreditation ensures that the course meets certain quality standards and is recognized internationally. 2. **Course Content**: Choose a program that covers a wide range of topics relevant to...  [Read more]

A TEFL certificate can definitely help you teach English to working professionals. Here's why: Firstly, having a TEFL certificate demonstrates to your students and potential employers that you have received training in teaching English as a foreign language. This can give you credibility and show that you are serious about your role as an English teacher. Secondly, a TEFL certificate provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. This includes understanding language acquisition theories, lesson planning, classroom management techniques, and how to assess students' language proficiency. Moreover, many working professionals have specific language needs related to their job or industry. With a TEFL certificate, you will be better...  [Read more]

  One of the major ideas here when writing on the board, is that we need to be aware that whenever we're using the board to write down information, we should not be talking and whenever we are talking we should not be writing on the board. This will inevitably lead to what's known as dead time when nothing is being said as we're putting information on the board. This dead time is not a problem but we can actually minimize it by using a number of techniques. We could use pre-prepared material. So we put information onto large pieces of paper and then instead of writing on the board, we actually stick those materials onto the board as we go through the class. Another idea is to actually ask students to write on the board for you. Another thing is that we could actually put work up...  [Read more]

  Fernando is originally from Buenos Aires but spent the past 12 years working in the United States. As he has now returned to Argentina, he wants to become an English teacher. In his TESOL review he shares his thoughts on the center in Buenos Aires. He learned a lot regarding teaching techniques and lesson planning. He is confident that he can now lead his own classroom and is excited to start working as an English 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. ...  [Read more]

  Anna took ITTT’s 120-hour TESOL course and our Certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners course. In this TESOL review video, Anna tells that during these courses Anna learnt a great deal about lesson planning and other aspects of teaching such as how to approach teaching students of different ages and abilities. Anna hopes to be able to put the knowledge she gained through studying with ITTT to use in a job working as an English 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...  [Read more]

  In this video for a teaching English second language teaching idea the students are given a sheet of paper with a series of pictures and each picture has a prompt with complicated verb structure as well as irregular verbs. The students will have to look at the prompts and order the pictures so as to make a story in the past simple tense. For higher level students you could remove the prompts and leave it up to them to create their own story. Teaching English as a second language is an increasingly popular career move. Not only do get the opportunity to help a variety of people around the world achieve their language learning goals but you also get to experience what it is like to live in another culture, often quite different to your own, which is always a rewarding experience....  [Read more]

  Another great benefit of completing a TEFL course with ITTT is that you can issue your students with a high-quality certificate of completion once they have finished a series of lessons. Your certificates allow you to fill out the name of the student, the level of the classes they attended, and the number of study hours. The certificates also have a unique identification number and a section where you can include your own ITTT TEFL certification number. Once issued, your students and anyone who takes an interest in their English language skills will be able to see that they were taught by a legitimate EFL teacher. Being in a position to issue official certificates of course completion is a great way to stand out from the crowd if you are working in an area where the competition...  [Read more]

  This video is part of our series on the past tenses in English. We start off the series with the past simple tense. In this video, we focus on the usages of the past simple tense, which mostly include completed actions at a definite time in the past. 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. This Unit was as challenging as I expected it to be. I however learnt a lot of grammar points that I didn't previously know. I learnt about Zero, First, Second,...  [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]

  In this ITTT TEFL review video Irina from Russia shares her course experiences. Irina was already teaching in her country but decided to complete ITTT's 120 hour online course in order to enhance her work in the classroom and to learn more skills. Thousands of people from all walks of life and from different backgrounds have become graduates of ITTT. Many of our trainees are practicing teachers who decide to complete one of our courses in order to become more effective in the classroom. 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...  [Read more]

  This video is part of our video series on "Evaluation and Testing of Students". In this video, we look at the diagnostic and progress test. A diagnostic test gives the teacher information about the students' current strengths and weaknesses, while a progress test is usually held multiple times during a course covering all the material taught up until that point to check understanding. 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. This unit was a difficult...  [Read more]

A TEFL certificate can be an invaluable asset when teaching English to underserved populations. As an expert in TEFL, I can attest to the numerous benefits that a TEFL certification can bring to those working with marginalized communities. First and foremost, a TEFL certificate equips teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a second language. This includes understanding language acquisition theories, lesson planning, classroom management techniques, and assessment strategies. When working with underserved populations, who may have limited access to quality education, having a solid foundation in TEFL can make a significant difference in the learning outcomes of students. Moreover, a TEFL certification demonstrates a commitment to professional...  [Read more]

  Next, a couple of issues surrounding the use of worksheets and workcards. Firstly, these types of materials can either be bought or they could be made by yourself. Very often many of the book series that we use will have workcards in their teacher resource book. Worksheets and workcards are very useful because they can act as a prompt to introduce an activity or topic. They can also be used for role plays and one of the things you need to be aware of when making worksheets and workcards yourself is that you need to make them durable. So whenever you create a workcard, if you put it on some hard backing and then put it inside some cellophane or covered plastic just to make them durable then those types of workcards and worksheets can last for years. So examples of worksheets and...  [Read more]

  This video is part of our series on the past tenses in English. In this video, we take a look at the past perfect tense. This tense is used to talk about a past action and a related past action before that. We relate two past actions to each other. 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. The unit contains the basic aspects of what it takes to be a good teacher, the various levels of proficiency and what you will find in a good learner. It also...  [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]

  This video is part of our video series on "Evaluation and Testing of Students". In this video, we cover the different types of evaluations and testings that teachers, not only those working in the EFL field, will come across over the course of their career. 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. In the fourth unit \"Materials\" I got information about the materials, that are available in the Clifton usage. Also now I know how this material can be...  [Read more]

The British Council estimates there are 1.55 billion English language learners around the world, and at least 10.2 million English teachers. www.theguardian.com/education/2013/nov/07/tefl-for-british-language-learners A fair proportion of these learners will be taught in language schools and through private lessons, including online teaching. There do not appear to be any official figures as to the number of TEFL and TESOL training centers worldwide, but it would be a fair guess to say they number in the thousands. Most countries in the world control education through government regulation and oversight. This is also true of private education provision. This means that each country’s government tends to make the rules and regulations concerning the training standards required of ESL...  [Read more]

When it comes to teaching English in community centers, it is essential to choose a TEFL course that not only equips you with the necessary skills but also prepares you for the specific challenges and opportunities that come with this teaching environment. One of the best TEFL courses for teaching in community centers is the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) course. The CELTA is highly respected and recognized worldwide, making it a valuable qualification to have when applying for teaching positions in community centers. The course provides a solid foundation in English language teaching methodology, classroom management, and lesson planning, all of which are crucial for teaching in diverse community settings. Another excellent option is the TESOL...  [Read more]

When considering the best TEFL course for teaching in rural communities, it is essential to prioritize practicality, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity. Rural teaching environments often present unique challenges, such as limited resources, diverse student populations, and a lack of access to educational materials. As such, a comprehensive TEFL course that equips educators with the necessary skills and strategies to thrive in such settings is crucial. One of the most highly recommended TEFL courses for teaching in rural communities is the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program. Offered by Cambridge Assessment English, the CELTA certification is globally recognized and provides a solid foundation in English language teaching methodology. The...  [Read more]

Securing a TEFL teaching contract can vary greatly depending on several factors. The timeline can differ based on your qualifications, experience, location preferences, and the demand for English teachers in the specific country or region you are targeting. If you are well-qualified with a TEFL certification, a bachelor's degree, and teaching experience, you may find opportunities more quickly than someone without these credentials. Additionally, some countries have high demand for English teachers, making it easier to secure a contract in a shorter period. On average, the process of securing a TEFL teaching contract can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Here is a breakdown of the typical timeline: 1. Research and Preparation (1-2 weeks): Start by researching potential...  [Read more]

  Globalization and the increasing demand for English speaking professionals all over the world, especially in emerging regions, has brought about a new, steadily growing sector: English as a Second Language (ESL). An ESL teacher is, therefore, an educator who works with English Language Learners (ELLs) whose native language is not English. The goal of the ESL teacher is to help the students reach a certain level of fluency in English, on both a spoken and written level. ESL educators are not to be confused with foreign language teachers. ESL teachers do not share the same native language and are specifically trained to offer explanations and directed teaching methods to non-English speakers. This teaching style is mainly focused on repetition, drills, demonstrations, and...  [Read more]

There is no simple answer to this question because there are so many different TEFL providers offering a wide range of different TEFL courses. However, at ITTT, we are happy to state upfront what is and isn't included in our TEFL course prices. Essentially, the course price you see advertised on our website covers everything you need to complete your training and receive your TEFL certificate. Unlike many other TEFL course providers, we will never ask for additional payments to cover additional things such as study resources, exam fees, or certificate fees. Our online TEFL certificate courses include high-quality course materials that you can download and print out for you to keep. Even though we do provide you with a recommended reading list during your TEFL course, you do not have to...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video, ITTT course graduate Kateryna from Ukraine has been working as an English for two years. In order to be able to travel and explore the world, she took a TEFL course. She decided to take an online TEFL course from ITTT and is now embarking on her teaching adventure in Vietnam.  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video, ITTT course graduate Anton from Russia shares her thoughts on TEFL courses from ITTT. Anton completed the 120-hour TEFL course online with ITTT and thought the course was well-structured and enjoyed working through the different units. He recommends this course to anyone wanting to teach English abroad.  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video, ITTT course graduate Gina from South Africa shares her thoughts on taking online TEFL courses with ITTT. She really enjoyed the flexibility of the course and loved that she could study at her own pace outside of her full-time working hours. She also liked the fact that ITTT has excellent reviews and is very transparent in their outline.  [Read more]

When considering this question it is important to first outline the different types of class levels found in English language classrooms worldwide. A fairly common classification of EFL teaching levels is indicated by the book resources available. If you consider book series such as, Reward, New Headway, and many others, you will find five levels. These levels are, Starter (or Beginner), Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, and Upper-Intermediate. Now we have established the general language levels of students, we can now consider the four skills of English. It is very important to remember that there are four skills that are required by any language user. These four skills are, reading and listening (known as the receptive skills) and writing and speaking (known as the productive...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video, ITTT course graduate Gurpreet shares her thoughts on completing her TEFL course. Gurpreet has been working as an education assistant in Hong Kong and decided to take the next step in her career and get TEFL certified. She enjoyed the course a lot and would definitely recommend the course to anyone wanting to teach English abroad.  [Read more]

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. The culture is warm, friendly and genuine. There is a big expat community out there, so you’re in a new and exciting culture but also engaging with many different cultures through the expat network as well. The travel opportunities are wonderful, either around Thailand itself or to neighboring countries. AND the food is delicious and fresh! Hua Hin is a beautiful city on the beach in central Thailand, approximately two and a half hours away from Bangkok. The area has some amazing beaches, mountains, viewpoints, temples, night markets, water parks, and dining experiences for you to choose from and enjoy at any time of the year. Hua Hin itself features a beautiful, powdery sand beach, plenty of waterside seafood restaurants, a lively night market...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video Jamin talks about his experience taking ITTT?s 120-hour online TESOL course. Jamin is currently living and working as an English teacher in South Korea. He has been working as a teacher for the past 5 years. Despite working as a teacher for several years Jamin found that he still learned several things throughout the course. Jamin recommends the 120-hour course to anyone thinking of taking a TESOL course. 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...  [Read more]