subject: Esl / Tefl Teacher Training Guide [print this page] ESL (English as a Second Language) / TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) means teaching English to people who do not speak English as their first language. Being an ESL / TEFL teacher means you can: travel the world; interact with a range of new people; learn new skills.
To teach English to those who are not native English speakers you need to have a good understanding of the English language and be able to express and explain your knowledge to others. Having the following attributes will also be of benefit to you: good time management and planning skills; the ability to work under pressure; a friendly and confident manner.
The main job responsibilities include: planning and delivering lessons; answering students questions and queries; participation in social and cultural activities. An ESL / TEFL teachers role is predominantly related to conversation, rather than grammar, and it is generally accepted that teachers speak only in English for the duration of their classes; being able to speak a foreign language not being necessary when teaching English abroad.
The vast majority of ESL / TEFL jobs require you to be a native English 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. No age restrictions are in place but it can be more difficult for teachers under 21 and over 50 to find a teaching position.
Most ESL / TEFL jobs require you to have a university degree, however, that degree does not need to be an English or teaching related one. You can find ESL / TEFL positions without having a degree but you: will be limited in the countries you can work in; will probably be paid less; will have difficulties getting a work permit (which you need to work abroad legally).
ESL / TEFL specific qualifications are not required to teach English abroad, but job prospects and salary increase if you do have them. If you want to get yourself an ESL / TEFL qualification, look for a program which consists of: at least 100 hours of study; 6 or more hours of practice teaching real students; official accreditation from a university or examining board.
The most recognized, trusted and preferred ESL / TEFL qualifications are the Cambridge Celta and the Trinity CertTesol. These are standardized courses that involve: seminars on teaching materials and classroom management; input and observation from experienced teachers; observed teaching practice; assessed written modules.
