ESL Certification

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With the rise of global diversification in culture, customs and languages, learning native English has become very important. ESL is ‘English as a Second Language’ for people speaking foreign languages. Number of ESL teaching professionals has grown rapidly. The growing need of teaching English to people from different countries has led to the growth of teaching ESL and the rise of ESL Certification courses. English language teaching is known in various names – EFL, ESL, TEFL, TESL, TESOL, and ELT. All of these mean the same; teaching English to foreign language people. Non-native English speakers are taught by certified English language experts.

Native English speaking individuals earn certificates to teach English as a second language to make way for global diversification. ESL teacher certification can be obtained from United States depending on whether one needs to teach in US or in other nations. An individual opting to teach ESL abroad does not require an ESL certification but only a Graduate Degree from a recognised University or College and valid work papers in order to teach in other nations. A person wanting to teach ESL within US territories need to undertake general teacher certification to obtain his/her ESL teacher certification. The specialized certification makes an individual have a better chance over other competing candidates applying for an ESL job in another nation.

ESL Certification Online

Teaching English have reached a never-ending path where growing need to know English by non-English speaking nations have increased. Expanding nature of International relations, global conferences between nations on issues related to economy, crisis, war and development have made ESL, EFL (English as a foreign language) TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) teacher-training centers and courses have come up in many places. Distance or online ESL certification programs have also expanded.

Online Teacher training certifications in ESL, EFL, and TESOL must be pursued from accredited institutes. Online courses are easier and have a varied scope of learning. An individual can ask for references, check with online English teaching forums, and perform extensive research of courses before paying for the programs. Online courses are being taken up by people who find it difficult (cost, time, distance and many other factors) to attend live classes and ESL teaching programs. The demand has increased because of enormous learning opportunities.

Some of the institutes providing ESL, EFL, and TESOL Online Certification Programs have been mentioned here.

  • Notting Hill College – NHC is a renowned British education institute that boasts of academic partnerships with premier universities like Eton University. It has wide networks and regional offices in UAE, Egypt and other parts of Africa. NHC provides higher education and vocational training courses.
  • ICAL – Get yourself an approved TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) or TESL (Teach English as a Second Language) online certificate from ICAL. Headquartered in London, this institute lets you earn a TEFL Certificate for $265 USD. Riding on a successful 10 year journey, ICAL provides a dedicated learning atmosphere. Suitable study materials, all-inclusive 24/7 support, experienced teaching facility and help in providing job placement after course completion are some of the high-end benefits in the 120-hour tailor-made ICAL TEFL course.
  • ESL Certified – Earn your TESOL/TEFL certificate from this online institute in a tailor-made course that will take less than 4 weeks to complete. Interact and learn under the helpful guidance of skilful teaching staff. Learn at your own speed and enjoy 24/7 help and support to complete the 100-hour TESOL course. Even if you are an ESL teaching professional you can enrich yourself and sharpen your existing ESL teaching skills by taking up any of the 5 ESL professional development programs.
  • American TESOL Institute – Become a professional ESL teacher with the help of this American TESOL Institute’s enhanced learning programs. After completion a wide world of ESL jobs will open up in front of you. Expert ESL training techniques are provided in this institute’s ESL programs.
  • Drexel University Online – Earn an ESL certificate from Drexel University which is one of the topmost higher education providers in USA. Get your graduate degree at your own pace with Drexel’s enhanced e-Learning methods. TESL course has been formulated for teachers willing to work in US. The course has not been designed for teachers planning to work outside US.
  • ESL/EFL Teachers’ Resource Center – Get enrolled in grammar workshops designed for teachers. Extensive study resources and support form a significant part of ESL/EFL teacher needs. The distance certification offers open enrolment and is handed out on timely completion.

ESL Teacher Certification

With each passing day USA is becoming a flocking ground of immigrant population. There is a growing need for ESL teachers to teach foreign language speakers the right tone of English. Initial stages of teaching for an ESL primary teacher for foreign language students include reading, writing, elementary English including vocabulary, verbs, nouns and sentence construction.

The challenging task of imparting right knowledge in English requires an approved ESL teacher certification. The certified individual is able to take ESL classes in elementary and secondary schools. There are standard ways of teaching that make it possible to teach a group of diverse students speaking Spanish, German, French, Chinese or Italian.

ESL teachers need to take a test before earning his/her ESL teacher certification. Alternative Teacher Certification Programs are offered in some states. These programs let interested non-graduate candidates to become certified teachers. The process depends on a state’s education department. Alternate certification is quite similar to the regular certification having classroom experiences, approved University services, mentoring and other coursework quite in line with ESL Teacher Certification. It is a great way of earning and learning for non-graduate teachers opting for alternate certification processes.

There are a few common ways to attain ESL certification. Some of them are:

Degree

An individual choosing to become an English language teacher might opt to take up a degree program in English. ESL programs are carried out in several US colleges. A degree in English along with supplemental minors in other languages form an integral part of ESL certifications. An ESL teacher needs to undertake degree programs in English, Education, ESL or Applied Linguistics which are the standard courses suited for ESL teachers.

An individual residing in Europe and UK must undertake a TEFL course to become an ESL teacher. The courses take 4 to 8 month’s time for completion depending on the nature and extent of the course. There are basic, advanced and business ESL courses that vary in nature and scope depending on the institute. A person must check for the authenticity and accreditation of the ESL program before opting to pursue one.

Professional Experience

Individuals having excellent English language skills often turn out to be fabulous ESL teachers. High level of English proficiency works well for individuals wanting to become an ESL teacher. There are organizations like Voluntary Service Overseas and the United States Peace Corps who offer volunteer positions and train them to turn out as ESL teachers after being recruited in the programs.

There are numerous schools and training camps worldwide, providing on job training for individuals choosing an ESL teaching career.

ESL Certification Programs

There are several colleges and Universities providing professional certifications and degrees in ESL. Here are a few ESL Certificate programs that are worth mentioning:

  • UC Berkeley’s TESL course is a complete package providing potential ESL teachers with methods and materials in teaching English, cross-cultural communication, grammar basics, Language Fundamentals and building communication skills through right teaching pronunciation. There are additional programs imparting listening and speaking skill development lessons.
  • TEFL International works under the official accreditation of the British Council. TESOL degree provided here comes at a cost of $2,290 and is carried out in 120 training hours. Guaranteed job placement in Mexico and other assistance in job placement is carried out.
  • The Oxford Seminars are cost-effective and is an instant choice for many. Teacher placement service is offered in the 6-month course costing $1,095.
  • Transworld Schools offers TESOL program that costs $2,000. It is approved by the state of California and recognised by ACCET. They give job placement assistance.
  • International Teacher Training Organization hands out a TESOL degree at a cost of $2,000. The institute is recognised by ACCET and has been official approved by the State of California.

 

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