Why is TESOL important?
TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It is also the name of the course and subsequent qualification that teachers need in order to apply for ESL teaching jobs around the world. With a TESOL certificate in your back pocket you will be eligible for a wide range of different jobs that will allow you to live and work wherever you choose. It will also give you the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this unique teaching environment. There are many reasons why TESOL is important to both the teacher and their students and here we look at just a few.
Why is TESOL important for teachers?
A TESOL certificate is widely regarded as the entry point for ESL teaching jobs all over the world, which is the main reason why it is important for potential teachers. In years gone by it was often possible to find an English teaching job based on nothing more than your ability to speak the language. However, those days are largely gone as the vast majority of employers now expect their teachers to have completed some amount of genuine teacher training. Once you have completed a TESOL course you will be in a good position to apply for teaching jobs in your home country, overseas, or via online teaching platforms.
The other main reason why teachers take a TESOL course is to ensure they actually have all the unique skills and knowledge required to be an effective teacher in this environment. Teaching English requires all manner of skills to make sure that every single student in your class is able to reach their full potential. Many English speakers have made the mistake of thinking their language knowledge was good enough to actually teach it to non-native speakers without any form of training. Most of these soon find that it is far harder than they imagined and that some amount of specialist instruction is a must if you want to give your students the best chance of success. Attempting to teach English without the appropriate knowledge is not only difficult, but also unfair on the students who have put their time, money and faith into your classes.
Why is TESOL important for students?
While a TESOL qualification is important for teachers as it gives them the knowledge and paperwork necessary when applying for teaching jobs, it is equally important for students who need to learn English in order to improve their own prospects. For many people the ability to speak English to a decent standard is pivotal in their hopes of studying or working abroad, gaining a promotion in their existing job, finding a better paid job, or simply traveling overseas with comfort. With the help of a teacher who has undertaken TESOL training, it is possible for countless thousands of ordinary people every year to move forward with their lives in a positive way.
For some people, gaining a TESOL qualification offers a good way to earn some extra cash while traveling overseas, while others use it to start a whole new career in a new country. However, if you really want to get the most out of your teaching adventure, it is important that you take into consideration the needs of your students who will look towards you as the font of all knowledge when it comes to the English language. By completing teacher training with a reputable course provider such as ITTT, you will ensure that everyone that comes through your classroom will receive the very best language instruction and the very best chance of becoming fluent themselves.
