ESL / TEFL Teacher (Training)
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Teach English Abroad
ESL (English as a Second Language) / TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) means teaching English to those whose first language is not English. It allows you to: learn new skills; travel the world; interact with a range of new people; learn another language; assert your independence.
To be an ESL / TEFL teacher you need to have a good understanding of the English language and to be able to express and explain what you know to others. Additionally, employers will look for the following abilities: a friendly and confident manner; good time management and planning skills; an ability to work well under pressure; flexibility; clear speech / pronunciation.
Your main job responsibilities include: planning, preparing and delivering lessons; giving feedback on students work; being available to answer language queries and questions; participation in social and cultural activities.
Your teaching role is predominantly related to conversation, not grammar, and it is widely accepted that ESL / TEFL teachers should only speak in English during classes; the ability to speak a foreign language not being a requirement for teaching English abroad.
Nearly all ESL / TEFL jobs require you to be a native speaker; this means that you were born in the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, and that English is your first language. You can be any age from 18 to 80; though it can be more difficult for teachers under 21 and over 50 to find employment.
Most ESL / TEFL jobs require you to have a university degree, though it is not necessary for that degree to be a teaching or English language related degree. It is possible to find ESL jobs without having a degree but: you will be limited in the countries you can work in; will likely be offered lesser paid jobs; may have to work illegally (i.e. without a work permit).
ESL / TEFL specific certifications / qualifications are not required to teach English abroad, but job prospects and salary increase if you do have them. A quality TEFL course / program / certificate should consist of: at least 100 hours of studying teaching practices and methodology; at least 6 hours teaching real students under the supervision of an experienced teacher; accreditation from an overseeing body (a university or examining board).
The most recognised, trusted and preferred ESL / TEFL qualifications are the ‘Cambridge Celta’ and the ‘Trinity CertTesol’. These courses involve: sessions on language, teaching materials and classroom management; observation of experienced teachers; teaching practice; assessed written essays.
Online / 'Distance-learning ESL / TEFL courses' are becoming increasingly common due to their price (approximately $400-$800) and flexibility. They offer a good introduction to ESL / TEFL; however, many are not internationally accredited and as such may not be accepted by future employers as a valid teaching qualification.
The standard recruitment procedure is as follows: a school contacts a recruiter; the school tells the recruiter how many teachers they require and their required qualifications / experience; the recruiter conducts the interview / selection process; the recruiter receives a fee from the school for every suitable teacher that they find.
Most overseas positions are for fixed-term contracts of between nine months and two years (year long contracts being the most common) and, in most countries, you'll work five days a week, with 20 to 25 teaching hours and 10 to 15 hours class preparation time.
Before agreeing to a contract, ask for clarification on: working hours; age / ability of students; location of the school / institute; accommodation; salary.
Links
www.iteslj.org : TEFL articles. How to be a better teacher. Lesson plans and worksheets.
www.eslsite.com : TEFL resources and teaching ideas.
www.eslbase.com : Find TEFL training course providers. TEFL job listings. Lesson plans and worksheets.
www.ihworld.com : Provider or TEFL training / qualifications. Courses available worldwide.
www.tefl.com : TEFL job website.
www.britishcouncil.org : Official British Council website. TEFL job listings. Lessons plans and worksheets.
www.eslcafe.com : TEFL internet forums. TEFL job listings. Lesson plans and worksheets.