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The Importance of Accredited TEFL Providers for Online English Teachers

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After banking, information & technology, and a few others, the education industry is one of the most affected by the transformation the world of employment has undergone in recent years.

After losing the familiarity of the classroom environment, educators and learners have had to quickly adjust to online teaching and learning. Despite some teething problems at first, remote education has shown its true potential, providing all the parties involved with several advantages, such as flexibility and accessibility.

The industry of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) hasn’t missed the invaluable opportunity to follow suit and even do one better than many other educational institutions. While TEFL is renowned for its teachers travelling abroad to offer their services, the trend is changing. An increasing number of teachers - experienced and newly qualified alike - are switching from classroom-based to online lessons.

With the extensive list of advantages that online teaching offers, this shift is hardly surprising. However, it creates the need to develop specific accreditations that set the standard for good quality online English courses.

If you are planning to become an online English teacher, you should be considering acquiring a TEFL qualification. This allows you to teach confidently from your very first lesson, but choosing the right course might be your first hurdle. To simplify your selection, start by making a list of accredited courses and providers. This narrows down your search, focusing only on quality training. Here are a few reasons why accreditation is important:

Ensuring trust and quality

Credibility plays a vital role in the online English teaching industry. Accreditation from reputable bodies establishes the credibility of TEFL providers, assuring employers and students that the teachers have received proper training and meet industry standards. When online English teachers hold certifications from accredited TEFL providers, it instills confidence in their competence and expertise. Accreditation acts as a seal of approval, making it easier for employers and students to trust and select qualified instructors.

Building a solid foundation

Effective teaching requires a solid foundation of pedagogical knowledge. Accredited TEFL providers offer comprehensive training in language teaching methodologies, theories, and principles. Through accredited TEFL programmes, online English teachers gain a deep understanding of various teaching approaches, such as communicative language teaching, task-based learning, and student-centred instruction. This pedagogical knowledge equips teachers with the tools to design engaging and effective online lessons, cater to individual student needs, and foster language acquisition.

Accredited TEFL programmes also emphasise the importance of understanding language systems, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Online English teachers who acquire strong pedagogical knowledge through accredited TEFL providers can confidently explain language concepts and provide clear instructions to their students. This solid foundation enhances their ability to facilitate language learning and support students in their language development journey.

Enhancing teaching skills

Teaching skills are vital for online English teachers to create engaging and effective learning experiences. Accredited TEFL providers focus on developing these essential skills, ensuring that teachers are well-prepared to deliver high-quality instruction. Through accredited TEFL programmes, online English teachers acquire practical skills in lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement techniques.

Lesson planning is a key component of effective teaching. Accredited TEFL programmes guide teachers in structuring well-organised lessons that align with learning objectives, incorporate interactive activities, and utilise appropriate teaching materials. By acquiring strong lesson planning skills, online English teachers can create engaging and dynamic online classes that cater to different student learning styles and maximise student participation.

Classroom management is another critical skill for English teachers, but there are considerable differences between in-person and online settings. Accredited TEFL providers equip teachers with strategies for maintaining a positive and productive learning environment, handling classroom disruptions (e.g. tech glitches), and managing student behaviour effectively. These skills are particularly important in the online teaching context, where teachers must maintain student engagement and foster a sense of discipline and respect through virtual platforms.

Moreover, accredited TEFL programmes focus on enhancing student engagement techniques. Online English teachers learn how to use various interactive tools, games, and activities to keep students motivated and actively participating in the online classroom. These skills contribute to more dynamic and enjoyable lessons, fostering a positive and effective online learning experience.

Opening Doors to Success

Accredited TEFL certifications offer online English teachers numerous career advancement opportunities. Furthermore, accredited TEFL providers often have partnerships and connections with reputable online teaching platforms and institutions. It’s undeniable that connectivity - and networking - can lead to unexpected job opportunities. A distinctive feature of accredited TEFL programmes is job placement assistance, providing guidance and support to teachers as they embark on their teaching careers.

Many reputable online teaching platforms and institutions prefer to hire teachers with certifications from accredited TEFL providers. Holding an accredited TEFL certification can give online English teachers a competitive edge in the job market and increase their chances of securing desirable positions.

Career advancement opportunities also extend beyond job placement. Online English teachers with accredited TEFL certifications may have access to professional development programmes, workshops, and networking opportunities. This continuous growth and learning allow teachers to enhance their teaching skills, stay updated with the latest trends and methodologies, and potentially take on leadership roles within the online English teaching community.

Accreditation as a form of quality assurance

Accredited TEFL providers play a crucial role in the success of online English teachers. By ensuring credibility, providing comprehensive pedagogical knowledge, enhancing teaching skills, and offering career advancement opportunities, accredited TEFL programmes equip online English teachers with the necessary tools to excel in their profession. Teachers with certifications from accredited TEFL providers are well-prepared to create engaging and effective online learning experiences, gain the trust of employers and students, and pursue fulfilling and successful careers in the online English teaching industry.