As the world is getting both more educated and globalised, the demand for skilled English teachers around the world is as high as it has ever been. However, it’s not just non-English speaking countries that want teachers, as even English-speaking nations develop their own language skills too.
As we all know, you can’t really teach formally without any qualifications (particularly as competition has gone up, since travelling around is easier than ever). Your choices without getting qualified are simply the situations where you stay at a family’s home, and in exchange for a bed, you do chores and/or teach them English informally.
But, for those looking to get paid, you will need to research different certificates. Below are the four major certificates to look out for: TEFL, TESOL, TESL, and CELTA.
TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. This one is perhaps the most widely recognised, as it is specifically designed for educators looking to teach English in areas where English is not native.
The duration of TEFL courses can vary widely, from intensive four-week programs to more extended courses, perhaps a few months. These certifications are available both online and in-person, making it a versatile choice for most people.
With a TEFL certificate, teachers can find opportunities in private language schools, sometimes in public school systems too, and of course, in private tutoring. The primary advantage of TEFL certification is its versatility; it allows educators to travel and teach in a vast array of countries.
TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
TESOL is a little more comprehensive, as it has the methodologies and practices necessary for teaching in both non-native and native English environments where the demands are a little higher. This makes TESOL a rigorous certification for those who are undecided about where they want to teach (it will open up more doors than a TEFL) or who desire the flexibility to work in a variety of settings.
Typically, TESOL courses range from about 100 to 120 hours of training, which can be both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching experience. Graduates of TESOL programs are generally -equipped to work in a wider range of educational settings than TEFL, meaning they may have a better chance of teaching in a public school.
One of the key advantages of a TESOL certification is its global recognition, too. This means that you can travel to a wide range of countries.
TESL: Teaching English as a Second Language
TESL is slightly different as it’s tailored for instructors teaching English within English-speaking countries to non-native speakers. The course duration for TESL certifications generally spans from a few weeks to several months, depending on the intensity and depth of the program.
TESL certification opens up opportunities for teaching in settings such as community centers, language schools, and through private tutoring services, This is ideal if you’re looking to teach mostly immigrants and possibly refugees, who are seeking better English skills to better integrate.
The significant advantage of TESL is the growing demand for English language instruction in these communities, providing a rewarding career path for those dedicated to making a difference in the lives of new English learners. Generally, it’s less versatile, works in fewer countries and schools, but it’s more specialized, which has its own advantages.
CELTA: Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults
CELTA is a globally recognized qualification awarded by Cambridge University, specifically designed for those who wish to teach English to adults. This is a particularly prestigious certification (due to the Cambridge connection) and is renowned for its rigorous training and comprehensive curriculum.
A CELTA certification course, like the one at IHMadrid, can be done outside of Cambridge, making it similar to the others in its accessibility. It focuses on both theoretical instruction and practical teaching experience, and courses typically last four to five weeks for full-time study, but they can be extended. A distinctive feature of CELTA is its emphasis on hands-on teaching practice with real students, making it a little more classroom-ready and robust than some of the other certificates.
One of the standout advantages of CELTA is the competitive edge it gives its holders in the job market. Teachers with CELTA certifications are often preferred by reputable language schools due to the high standard of teaching competence they are expected to achieve. This means that it’s both more specialized and also opens up more doors around the world.
Conclusion
Choosing the right English teaching certification — be it TEFL, TESOL, TESL, or CELTA — depends on your aspirations and preferred teaching location. If you’re looking for the simplest and easiest avenue to teaching children, a TEFL may suffice. However, some of the others are a little more focused and specialized, which may help in the competitive market. Before making your decision, you must know who you want to teach, where, and in what context.
