One Practice, Many Names
The profession originally known as ESL (English as a Second Language) has gone through many changes in name. TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) became TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) because English might not literally be the student's second language. Then came TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Though the names differ from one certification program to the next, TEFL techniques are well established. Get a certificate in one, and you can enter any program be it TEFL, TESL, TESOL, ESL, EFL, or ESOL.
TEFL Certification
If you want to teach English as a foreign language to non-native speakers, you'll need certification in TEFL. On campus, English Departments usually offer courses and certificate programs in TEFL. Online TEFL certification is available as well. Adults returning to school as well as traditional college students are attracted to certification in TEFL as it allows them to teach overseas. Since demand for TEFL teachers exceeds supply, you're likely to find a job.
TEFL, the Profession
English needn't be your first language for you to get a certificate in TEFL. Though you'll better understand your students' struggles if you've learned a second language yourself, it's not required. You could end up teaching a course in TEFL to students who speak a dozen different languages depending on whether you teach at the primary, secondary, or college level, or whether you teach ESL to adults.
Online TESL Schools
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Online TEFL Course
The i-to-i Online TEFL course trains people worldwide to teach English as a foreign language. The course is taken by people from all over the world, all ages and sectors, and is completely online. Students will have nothing to download, and a personal tutor will guide them through the modules and answer questions. The following online TEFL courses are available:
- 40-hour Online TEFL course (Online Certificate)
- 60-hour Online TEFL course + self-study grammar awareness module (Online Diploma)
The demand for English teachers is enormous and continues to increase. With the i-to-i TEFL course certificate or diploma, you'll gain the practical knowledge to be able to teach English anywhere in the world. Teach in countries including China, Thailand, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, Asia, Brazil and more!
Online TEFL Course is the only TEFL course provider accredited by the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council.
Learn more about these online TEFL programs.
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englishworld.ca
Presented by the University of Victoria, Canada, the Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language Communicatively is made up of two online courses. Each course is 13 weeks in length.
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University offers online courses specifically designed for you to earn ESOL endorsement in Florida or to meet other state or district ESOL requirements:
- Methods of teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL)
- Testing and Evaluation for ESOL Teachers
- Cross Cultural Communication and Understanding for Teachers
- Curriculum and Materials Development in ESOL Programs
- Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Indiana University Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington offers the following programs online:
- M.S. in Language Education
- EFL/ESL Certificate Program
Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The London Teacher Training Centre
The London Teacher Training Centre (LTTC) offers diplomas and certificates in TEFL and TESOL by tutor supported distance learning. The website also offers online resources and a job posting board for teaching English as a foreign or second language. LTTC is a member of the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language, the British Association for Open Learning, and is a partner school of St Clement's University.
Macquarie University (Australia)
Macquarie University offers TESOL and linguistic degree and diploma programs through distance education:
- Doctor of Applied Linguistics
- Master of Applied Linguistics
- Master of Applied Linguistics (Literacy)
- Master of Applied Linguistics (TESOL)
- Master of Applied Linguistics (Language Program Management)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics (Literacy)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics (TESOL)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Managing Language Programs
- Postgraduate Certificate in TESOL
- Postgraduate Certificate in Linguistics Research
Students have the option of web-based instruction as well as the submission of assignments via the web. Distance students may still opt to use printed materials if access to the web is unavailable. There are no residency requirements. Accredited by the International Council for Open and Distance Education.
New School Online University
The English Language Studies department of the New School University offers an English Language Teaching Certificate to qualified applicants. The curriculum stresses communicative, student-centered learning and has a very practical orientation. Students are introduced to a wide variety of methods and techniques readily applicable to classroom teaching, and they study the theories underlying those methods. This program does not certify teachers to teach ESL in the public schools. Many of the requirements for completion of the certificate can be fulfilled online through the New School Online University.
New School University and its degree programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middles States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Rio Salado College
Rio Salado College offers the following online courses for certified teachers:
- SEI/ESL Teaching Methods
- Reading/Writing in SEI/ESL Setting
Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
University of Birmingham (UK)
The University of Birmingham offers a Master of Arts in TEFL/TESL through open distance learning. The program is designed for practising teachers of English as a second or foreign language and consists of a set of interactive course materials for working teachers to complete in part-time, self-study mode over a period of 30 months. There is a short residency requirement each year. Accredited by the International Council for Open and Distance Education.
University of Florida
The University of Florida offers the following TESL courses through interactive, self-directed study:
- Introduction to TESL
- Materials and Techniques for TESL
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
University of London (UK)
The University of London offers a Master of Arts in TESOL degree program through distance learning. This two year program has no residency requirements. Accredited by the International Council for Open and Distance Education.
The University of Manchester (UK)
The University of Manchester offers a Master of Education in English Language Teaching. The program uses a variety of print and technology-based formats in its delivery. There are no residency requirements. Accredited by the International Council for Open and Distance Education.
University of Nevada, Reno
The University of Nevada, Reno offers the following ESL courses through independent learning:
- Theories of Second Language Acquisition
- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Language Testing
Accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.
University of Mississippi - Ole Miss Online
Ole Miss Online offers an online Testing and Assessment in Second Language Acquisition course. This course focuses on implementing the fundamental concepts and principles of psychometric measurements in the testing and assessment procedures specifically related to teaching English as a second/foreign language. This course is part of the curriculum necessary for the add-on endorsement for English as a Second Language to current Mississippi teaching certification. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
University of Surrey (UK)
The University of Surrey offers a Master of Arts in Linguistics (TESOL) through a 27-month distance learning program. There is no residency requirement. Accredited by the International Council for Open and Distance Education.
Washington Academy of Languages
The Washington Academy of Languages offers a graduate level TESL Certificate/ESL Endorsement program entirely online, or in combination with an onsite summer intensive program. The discussions are instructor led and available for individual users. Course Credit and Computer Support are provided by Seattle Pacific University. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) and the program fulfills Washington state ESL Endorsement Requirements.
Weber State University
WSU Online offers the "Foreign Language Methods Course" via the internet. This course is designed to address the needs and concerns of students preparing to teach foreign languages in the K-12 schools, and in-service teachers who need a methods course for endorsement or licensure. It will also serve in-service teachers who are seeking to update their knowledge of second-language acquisition and instruction for personal growth, academic credit toward state re-licensing, or national board certification.
Worldport ESL
Worldport ESL provides a 12 week Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language through distance learning. Worldport ESL is a member of the Canadian Association for Distance Education,TESL Canada and TESOL, Inc.
Language Courses
