Want to be a TEFL Certified Teacher: 6 Steps That You Need to Follow

A TEFL certified teacher teaches English to non-native English to improve their understanding – reading, comprehension and speaking of the English language. They work with both young students and adult learners. And to do so, they need to complete specific training and credentials that will ultimately help them to work in a proper institutional environment, with community programs and in private companies. Being a TEFL teacher, you can also explore the world and earn a handsome salary.

But what you need to do to be a TEFL teacher? Here we have put together a few steps that you need to follow –

1. Complete a Bachelor’s degree

To work as a TEFL teacher, one needs to have at least a bachelor’s degree though a master’s degree adds better value to your credentials.  Many employers look for candidates who hold a master’s degree and are ready to offer a better salary for this. Besides, taking courses in linguistics and theories of the second language adds value to your profile. To be an ESL teacher, you don’t need to be fluent in a second language. Most online TEFL courses require you to complete an internship, commonly known as student teaching. There are other ways to certification. Even one who has a degree in the non-education field can become aTEFL teacher.

2. Get your certification

ESL certification requirements vary from a state to another one. If you have completed a TEFL course online and obtain an accredited certificate, then you are more likely to earn better teaching opportunities. Many degree programs that are predominately focused on education, nowadays, are offering ESL endorsements.

3. Look for professional development

With the aim to keep up with the latest research and improve their teaching skills, many adult teachers have shifted to professional development classes. Public school teachers also need to meet the mandates of professional growth to keep their licenses current. The compulsory minimum hours of professional development and other certificate requirements may vary and authorisations being provided to ESL teachers.

4. Obtain a Master’s degree

As an ESL teacher, if you want to teach adult students in college or university, then you need to get a master’s degree. A teacher with a Master’s degree can use more useful teaching techniques and also work with students from various backgrounds effectively. In some programs, teachers also possess specialisations, including adult basic education, secondary education, or an online TEFL course. Being a part of a professional organisation, which serves teachers of students from diverse language backgrounds, will help you stay abreast of everything that is happening in the professional ESL teaching world.

5. Focus on career advancements

Being a certified TEFL teacher, you should always look towards various advancement opportunities based on the program with which you have been affiliated. With part-time teachers often being hired, if you are working as a part-time teacher, you can work on to advance your job into a full-time position as you gain experience. Based on the program chosen, there can also be options for advancing to a program director or program coordinator stage. Non-profit programs are also offered where the ESL teacher can move to a design of program materials or work on the research side of their profession.

6. Stay focused  

At the end of the day, a TEFL certified teacher always needs to look at the bigger picture, not distracted by the smaller details. While it is quite simple to say, realising it is not that easy. Once you have decided to pursue a TEFL course online, go for a program that you feel will meet your professional needs. When you enrolled yourself in the course, make sure to stay on track and complete the program on time. Maintaining an outline of due dates will help you maintain focus towards your end goal.

Always keep your goal in mind – you need to get an accredited ESL certificate from a renowned institution. It will help you to meet the daily challenges and accomplishing the necessary things on time. And when you choose an institution like APTTI, we will not only help you complete your course modules on time, but also assist you to stay focused. After the completion of the course, we will offer you an internationally accredited certificate that will allow you to teach in various parts of the world. So, wait no more. Apply today!

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