How to Become an ESL-TEFL Teacher

To teach English to those who are not native Englishgraduated from university with a degree, though it is
speakers you should have a solid grasp of the Englishnot necessary for that degree to be a teaching or
language yourself and be able to explain and expressEnglish language related degree. It is possible to find
your knowledge to others. Additionally, employers willESL/TEFL jobs should you not be a degree holder but
look for the following attributes: clear speech andyou: will be limited in the countries you can work in; will
pronunciation; a friendly and confident manner; goodprobably be paid less; may have to work illegally (i.e.
time management and planning skills.without a work permit).
The main job responsibilities include: planning andSpecific ESL/TEFL qualifications are not needed in
delivering lessons; answering students questions andorder to teach English abroad, but you will be able to
queries; participation in social and cultural activities. Anchoose from more jobs, and will be paid more, if you
ESL / TEFL teachers role is focused on conversation,have them. A quality ESL/TEFL course program
rather than grammar, and it is widely accepted thatshould consist of: a minimum of 100 hours of study; at
teachers should only speak in English during classes;least 6 hours teaching real students under the
the ability to speak a foreign language not beingsupervision of an experienced teacher; official
necessary when teaching English abroad.accreditation from a university or examining board.
Nearly all ESL/TEFL positions require you to be aThe most recognized, trusted and preferred ESL
native speaker; this means that either the USA,TEFL qualifications are the Cambridge Celta and the
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, IrelandTrinity CertTesol. These are standardized courses that
or the UK is your home country. You can be any ageinvolve: sessions on language, teaching materials and
from 18 to 80 but it can be more difficult for teachersclassroom management; observation of experienced
under 21 and over 50 to find employment.teachers; teaching practice; assessed written essays.
Virtually all ESL/TEFL positions require you to have