What qualifications do I need to be a TESOL teacher?
If you have decided to pursue a career teaching the English language, it is time to figure out what you will need to get started. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching ESL, the following are the most commonly required qualifications to become a TESOL teacher:
- A TESOL qualification with a minimum of 100 hours
- You must be a native or fluent English speaker
- A degree is beneficial but not always required
- A high level of adaptability
Do I need to be fluent in English to get a job in TESOL?
Although it may appear obvious, English fluency is required for TESOL instructors. We recommend that you look for another job if you don't speak, read and write English well.
Do I need to be a native English speaker to get a job in TESOL?
Non-native English speakers who are fluent in the language can find work in a variety of locations, including South and Central America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. Being a native English speaker, on the other hand, is almost a requirement in some parts of the world. Countries like China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia are probably not for you if English is not your first language.
Do I need a TESOL qualification to teach English?
If you want to work in TESOL for a living, you will typically need to demonstrate that you have completed an accredited 120-hour TESOL course from a reputable course provider.
You may be able to find work as a TESOL teacher if you are a native English speaker with no official TESOL certification. However, it is likely that this will be a low-paying job in an unappealing location. As a result, a TESOL certification is highly recommended.
Can I get a TESOL job if I have completed a TESOL taster course?
If you only want to do a few days of volunteer teaching, you could definitely get away with a TESOL taster course (also known as a TESOL foundation or TESOL introduction course). This type of introductory course will undoubtedly assist you in navigating your volunteer experience. However, if you want to work as a paid, full-time English teacher, you must complete a minimum of a 120-hour TESOL course.
What is a 120-hour TESOL certificate course?
A 120-hour TESOL course is usually the minimum qualification for obtaining a paid TESOL position in classrooms all over the world.
A comprehensive 120-hour TESOL course will teach you how to write well-structured lesson plans, teach the various types of lessons you will be expected to deliver (vocabulary, grammar, and the four skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking), create appropriate materials and activities for a class, and manage a classroom full of students.
There are both online and classroom-based 120-hour courses available. Most employers accept either, but if you plan to teach in a specific country or school, check to see if they have any specific requirements before enrolling in a course.
Should I take additional TESOL courses to enhance my job opportunities?
Since a 120-hour TESOL course has become the international standard qualification for teaching English, obtaining more TESOL training hours can help you stand out from the crowd.
If you want to teach English in a school focused on children, you should consider including a specialized TESOL course in teaching English to young learners in your portfolio. If you want to teach business English as a career, enroll in a specialized course in teaching business English.
It may also be a wise decision to select one of our convenient TESOL course bundles. They include a collection of high-quality courses and save you money when purchased together.
