|
ESL stands for English as a Second Language. ESL certification is a good idea for anyone wanting to work as an ESL tutor or teacher, at home or overseas. It shows that you have made an investment in yourself. An ESL certificate is also required by many programs as proof of preparation. See Ericdigests.org for a more complete discussion of the need for certification. Many colleges offer classes to prepare ESL teachers. At a minimum, these consist of low-level classes in teaching techniques and classroom tactics. The more thorough programs are at the Masters level and include ESL theory and training in the psychology of language learning as well as cross-cultural sensitivity. Check the course offerings of the school nearest you. Their programs be under "Education" or "International Studies". If no such training is offered locally, a deeper search should reveal programs via Home Study (also called Continuing Education, Extension, or Remote Learning by some colleges). A firm named I-to-I offers an online certification course for Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (see Onlinetefl.com). Another is ICAL, at Teacher-training.net. Also see Eurotefl.com. More programs can be explored at Worldwidelearn.com. Most of these programs are inexpensive, often about $300, and studying is at your own pace. There are many describing opportunities to teach ESL abroad (for example, see Eslemployment.com). They don't always say if certification is required, but it is safe to assume that will increase your chances for getting hired. If you are considering a particular school, as them what kind of certification or preparation they prefer. Certification by certain programs is specifically not honored by some schools.
|
ESL Certification
