What is TESOL Certification?

Preface

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages(TESOL) is a profession that first gained a lot of traction in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Since then, the world has become much more connected, thanks largely to the Internet, booming international trade and improved accessibility to international travel.The TESOL industry has expanded in turn and is expected to continue to grow. Recent developments have altered the landscape of the industry however, and it is no longer the unregulated and somewhat disorganised sector that it was decades ago.

A common misconception is that anyone can be a TESOL teacher, as long as they can speak English. In truth, many organisations and countries have separate requirements for people wishing to enter the field. While a solid command of the English language is certainly a pre-requisite for a successful teacher, anyone who is serious about pursuing TESOL as a career, should strongly consider becoming certified.

The demand for quality English teachers remains high across the globe. Certified TESOL teachers will stand out from the rest and will be much more likely to secure employment. Many institutions across Australia and overseas such as private language schools or business English programs have specific requirements for applicants, such as a completed course of study. Some institutions are also likely to offer a higher paygrade to fully certified TESOL teachers.

TESOL Certification

In simple terms, if someone has completed a qualification or accredited course in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), then they are TESOL certified. A successful completion of a TESOL course is essentially a professional endorsement from the registered training organisation (RTO) you were enrolled with. It is also proof that you have demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skills required to instruct students learning English as a new language.

TESOL is a generic term that isn’t copyrighted by any one organisation, much like TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). This means that a fully accredited TESOL certification from a licensed RTO will be recognised by institutions and organisations all across the globe.

In Australia, there are several different TESOL courses available to prospective teachers, with varying coursework, study-load, and pricing.Applicants need to make sure that the course they choose is right for them, and that the course is VET Accredited. (For more information on what constitutes an accredited course, visit: https://www.asqa.gov.au/course-accreditation/overview )

Certificate IV in TESOL

A Certificate IV is one of the most popular choices for prospective teachers looking to get TESOL certified, whether it’s for improving their chances at employment, expanding on their existing knowledge and skills, or even just for personal development. The Certificate IV in TESOL (Course code: 11245NAT), offered by the Sydney Higher Education Institute, is a fully accredited and internationally recognised qualification. The purpose of the course is to produce skilled and knowledgeable entry-level TESOL teachers, teaching assistants and tutors. The course will also enable experienced but unqualified people to acquire a formal qualification in TESOL. This course is intended to provide participants with a range of knowledge and skills to perform a variety of functions associated with teaching English to speakers of other languages, and to help them obtain teaching assistant, tutoring, or teaching positions. A successful completion of this course will mean that you are certified to teach English to non-native speakers.Throughout their studies, learners will also gain a deeper understanding of the English language and TESOL industry, as well as develop a toolset to instruct students of a wide range of demographics. There is also a practical component at the end of the course, where learners will gain valuable experience in delivering TESOL lessons to a group of students. Potential future employment may include:

English teaching assistants
Teaching English to visa holders
Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in Australia
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) outside Australia
English tutors
Volunteer teaching of migrants and refugees

In addition to studying through the course, there is another option where experienced teachers can apply for credit in one or more of the course’s units. This is often referred to as “Recognition of Prior Learning” or RPL. By pursuing RPL, applicants who have had past experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages can get work through the course and get accredited faster, including the practicum. For example, one of the units (TAEDEL401 – Plan, Organise and Deliver Group-Based Learning) is a popular unit in other qualifications, and can be skipped entirely if the applicant already completed it in a previously studied course.

Want to Get Certified?

In conclusion, getting TESOL certified is a great idea if you wish to improve your career prospects and develop the fundamental skills required to deliver engaging lessons to your students.If you are interested in getting enrolled, learning more about TESOL certification, or if have any questions about the Certificate IV in TESOL course offered by the Sydney Higher Education institute, please don’t hesitate to contact: support@sydneyinstitute.org