What is TESOL?

TESOL, is the acronym for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This is a specialized course and a test that certifies candidates with the professional skills and qualifications to teach the English language to foreigners who live in an English-speaking region. This qualification is very similar to TEFL, that is Teaching English as a Foreign Language in non-English speaking regions. Students aspiring to take the TESOL test might often come across courses that give a combined term like TESOL/TEFL in their course description though there are minute differences in both these certifications.

Who Should Take TESOL?

Candidates who wish to teach English to foreign students can enroll and complete the internationally accepted certification, that is TESOL. Many language institutes and schools do not require any additional qualifications or teaching experiences besides a TESOL certification. The only requirement to qualify for a TESOL certification is complete fluency and proficiency in English. However, it terms of career it si best if candidates have completed a Bachelors degree before doing a TESOL course. Countries like the US, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom are booming with opportunities where a TESOL is required for amazing teaching opportunities.

TESOL Prerequisites

The prerequisites for TESOL programs vary by the program taken. Each organization offering the program will set their requirements. Bachelor's degree is the most common requirement for the course because most institutions will not employ a TESOL certificate holder if they do not have an undergrad degree under their belt.

Types of TESOL Certifications

• Add-on or Introductory programs: These programs are 1 to 2 semesters long. They provide introductory knowledge or knowledge on a specific topic to enhance EAL skills. They may provide an opportunity to teach English basics overseas, but not in US and Canada. These add-on programs can be used as a credit towards their Master's degree if they decide to work in US or Canada.
• Endorsement or EAL Add-on Certification: These programs are full-time 2-4 semesters long. They are useful for candidates that have a degree in education. Along with the endorsement from an accredited institution and an education degree, candidates can teach in US, Canada and overseas.
• Short-term TESOL Certificate: Running from 2 weeks to 6 weeks long, these short term certificates are great for candidates not looking to pursue a Master's degree. These courses provide a fast-track route to teach abroad. These full-time intensive programs are usually 4-6 weeks long, although there are some shorter programs too. The longer programs have more acceptance overseas. They are 100+ hours long, not including practical training.
• TESOL Core Certificate Program: Provided by TESOL organization itself, this is 140 hour blended-learning intensive program that covers ELT education from scratch. Candidates with little to no ELT knowledge will find this program as their best option.
• Master's Degree: This option is the most accepted option overseas and in US. As a degree program, it requires 30 - 36 credit hours along with thesis and practical work for completion. Provided by many universities in US and Canada, this degree covers it all.
• SIT TESOL Certificate:

TESOL Certification - How long is it valid?

The TESOL certification gives candidates a life-long qualification to teach English. Since there is also no age limit as to when someone can complete the TESOL certification, candidates can also teach at at legal age. The purpose of a TESOL certification is to get a job, it is advised that the minimum age should be eighteen.

Curriculum for TESOL

The TESOL curriculum is designed to include the basics of the English language such as Grammar, as well as skills for teaching languages to foreigners and understanding classroom management, language assessment, etc. The most common subjects are-

• Teaching English Vocabulary
• Teaching Reading
• Classroom Management
• Lesson Planning
• Teaching Tools
• Teaching Listening
• Teaching Writing

TESOL Course Format: In-class & Online

The TESOL course and certification is offered by several language schools, institutions and organizations. Because of the demand for this certification. Candidates have the option to complete the course in person or virtually online. Each of the courses are different and it is up to candidates to decide which type of course best suits them.

In-Person TESOL Certification: Many candidates find the interaction of in-person classes more beneficial and believe that the intensive nature of the course in those few weeks can have a lasting impression as they pursue their teaching career. Hence, in-person TESOL courses are designed to provide candidates with a rounded training experience to help gain a first-hand interactive experience in teaching the language. Most in-person course last for four weeks. Some aspects to consider with in-person location is if they are courses available in the desired places. Some in-person courses may cost more than the average online TESOL course. Most in-person courses are above $1000

Online TESOL Certification: Online courses for the TESOL certification are the most common method by candidates owing to the flexible nature of the course and the way in which it offers candidates the opportunity of taking courses from anywhere in the world. Many institutions and organizations accept the online TESOL certification as an accredited qualification. There are some online teaching positions that are favorable towards those candidates who have completed the course online because they understand the nature of the medium. The programs that are offered online can be more cost-efficient and provide flexibility so that candidates have the opportunity of completing the course at their own pace. Most online courses, depending on the number of hours or the type, they can be within $120 to $500.

Choosing a TESOL Certification Program

The TESOL Program that candidates enroll in must be accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and approved by the Department of Education in the state it is being offered in. After confirming the credibility of the institution, candidates can explore the curriculum to know if the course is theory-oriented or practice-oriented. It is helpful to enroll in a course in institutions that have a high placement rate since some institutions also offer candidates help in finding jobs after their course completion.

Oxford Seminars: The Oxford Seminars offer candidates a TESOL/TESL/TEFL certification along with a job placement guarantee. They have courses offered in over 100 locations in the US and Canada. Their 120-hour courses includes a live instructor who have practical experience and well qualified degrees for TESOL teaching. The course also includes sixty hours of online study and more importantly job placements at the end of the course. This course offered by the Oxford Seminar is around $1300 depending on the course and if any discounts are available at the time of enrollment.

International TEFL and TESOL Training: ITTT offers a combined course for TEFL and TESOL in the online format for candidates through different plans that are suited to their specific needs. Their courses range from 120 hours to 200 hours, and the cost for these courses range from $150 - $400. The 120-hour course is a basic standard TESOL course that are usually recommended for candidates with some experience teaching. The 200-hour course also offers 20-hours of teaching practice. The other courses are also designed for specific levels allowing candidates to choose what is best. ITTT online courses not only offers video classes where qualified instructors provide theoretical knowledge, but they also offer videos of actual TESOL teaching classes. These courses also require candidates to complete assignments that are assessed. ITTT also has offers for job placements after the course is completed.

York University: The York University offers a TESOL course to candidates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree with a 5.0 GPA. Applicants may also prove English proficiency through IELTS or any other standardized English test. The TESOL program from the York University can be taken either as a part-time course or as a full-time course.