How to become an ESL English Teacher

Introduction

There are some English conversation jobs and countries where English conversation practice is required. The conversation job requirement is native speaking ability. These positions are open to native English speakers. These positions are for ESL conversation practice not ESL teaching. Countries such as Viet Nam, China and Africa will allow foreigners English conversation practice jobs without university degrees.

Most international ESL teaching jobs require a work permit. In most countries, it is impossible to obtain a work permit for a professional ESL teaching position without a university degree and a professional ESL teacher training certificate.

Conversation ESL Teaching Certificates

Many ESL teacher training organizations have created programs to provide initial ESL teacher training for international ESL conversation classes. Some of these programs have value as they introduce some teaching theory and methodology; however, most are completely worthless. The worthless programs only talk about how teachers benefit mankind, getting jobs without degrees and the excitement of overseas travel.

You will save money and be better prepared if you read texts such as "Teaching by Principles" and "Principles of Teaching" by Douglas Brown, "Learning Teaching" by Penny Ur and "Grammar Dimensions 2" by Victoria Badalamenti and Carolyn Stanchina and "Basic English Grammar" by Betty Azar than all of the internet or introductory conversation teacher training classes.

Prospective teachers should use common sense - why spend $1000, $750, $500 or even $199 for a couple of binders of photocopied book chapters and lists of internet resources that are free. You can get all five of the whole books for less than $160 and the internet resources are free.

There are complete ESL curriculums, lesson plans, rubrics and tests free on the internet. Many of these free ESL curriculums, lesson plans, rubrics and tests have been provided by Canada and UK Ministries of Education, British Council, Education foundations and charitable organizations. Do not be a victim of a sleazy "fast buck" promoter with an overstated hyped program.

TEFL TESL, CELTA Certificate Programs

There are a wide variety of certificate programs offered by universities, colleges, private schools, non-profit educational organizations, and fly-by-night paper mills. Some programs offer partial credit towards specific university programs, some are excellent introductory programs that cover all the basics needed to start teaching ESL, others are completely worthless.

Most quality TEFL/TESL courses offer 150+ classroom hours and have an additional 150 hours of supervised practical training and teaching. These intensive courses focus on "practical training", "language methodologies" and "learning theory in practice" because of the scope of information that must be covered in a 150-hour program.

Look for a certificate program with masters level qualified trainers, trainers with Canadian UK, USA, Australian, NZ public and overseas teaching experience, current teachers certification with provincial Ministries of Education, TESL Canada approved curriculum, and supervised practicum.

To teach in most private language schools in Canada and many international locations a CELTA, TESL or TEFL certificate and university degree is required.

Master's Degree

The Master's degree is a requirement for teaching higher education such as community colleges, university and teacher training. Eight universities in Canada offer masters degrees. Masters degrees can be named Master of Education (MEd) in TESOL, Master of Arts (MA) or Science (MS) in applied linguistics, MA in English with an emphasis in TESL, MA in teaching (MAT) in ESL. Any of these programs will prepare graduates to teach ESL as well as offer training in learning theory, curriculum development, teaching methodology, and linguistics. The excellent Masters programs require 30-36 hours of credit, a thesis option and supervised teaching practice.

Faculty of Education ESL Endorsement

Elementary or secondary school teachers in Canada must have a degree in education with an endorsement or add-on certification in ESL. Certification requirements can be obtained from university teacher-training programs. Many TEFL certificates do not count toward employment qualifications for public schools in Canada, but add-on faculty of education certifications in ESL do. Please ask your local Board of Education for clarification.

Distance Learning

Good introductory certificate programs focus on practical training, making distance education unrealistic and unreliable. Distance education is well suited for those who have completed a teaching practicum, are teaching ESL and want to pursue additional degrees or qualifications while continuing to teach. We do not recommend any distance programs that offer introductory programs completely by distance.

Continuing Education for Professional Development

Highly recommended for ESL teachers. Workshops, seminars, demonstrations, introductions to new technology, resources, and materials can benefit all professional teachers. Be prudent, investigate the quality of the instructors, the price and application to your current or near future teaching applications.

For additional info go to Original post: ESL in Canada Directory


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