TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. In other words, it is a teaching qualification for teaching English to anyone whose first language isn’t English.
TEFL certificates are academic qualifications that are provided upon successful completion of a TEFL course. TEFL certificates can be used anywhere in the world, although the TEFL acronym is most commonly used when referring to teachers in the UK and Europe.
Almost all schools expect their ESL teachers to be fluent in the English language, with sound communication skills and an ESL teaching qualification (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA). CELTA shares some similarities with TEFL and TESOL courses. It is overseen by the Cambridge university and is predominantly a qualification for teaching English to adult learners.
TEFL and TESOL qualifications are overseen by varying accreditation institutions and government bodies. The teaching methods learned during a TEFL or TESOL course are wide-ranging. They are suitable for use with English students of all ages and varying English language levels. Teaching English using specialized methods and just the English language is similar to the way that native English speakers learn the language from their families and natural surroundings.
There is often some confusion around whether a TEFL certificate has any advantages over a TESOL certificate. The simple answer is that there aren’t any advantages or added benefits other than personal preference. TEFL and TESOL are 2 acronyms that are applied to the same course and the same teaching positions. The certificates are interchangeable. Either certificate can be used when applying for teaching and tutoring roles in classroom settings and with online schools.
TEFL, TESOL and CELTA courses all provide instruction in ESL teaching methods, classroom management and lesson planning techniques.
A TEFL certificate from ITTT is a symbol of a competent and professional ESL teacher. ITTT course graduates have been proven to deliver effective and engaging English lessons using the English language and basic supporting materials. Our trainees acquire a range of teaching methods during their courses and an understanding of classroom management, material development and lesson planning.
Towards the end of an ITTT online course, our admin team will contact each trainee to ask them which acronym they would like displayed on their certificate. Graduates are sent one certificate per course. The cost of the certificate and worldwide regular postage is included in the course price.
