TESOL, TEFL, ESOL, ESL Teacher Training and Certification: English for Life Academy

Who should apply to this program?

People ready to travel abroad, explore a new culture, and teach English in another country.
Current ESL teachers who want to upgrade their skills.
Recent college graduates looking to increase their marketability in the international arena.
People interested in teaching ESL to adults in the United States but feel they don't have the experience or training to get that kind of job.
ESL program administrators seeking a comprehensive, practical training program for themselves or their staff.
Individuals faced with the task of creating and implementing an ESL program in their communities and are uncertain how or where to begin.
Anyone who wants a career that gives them opportunities to meet fascinating people, be their own boss, travel, and experience the worlds' diversified cultures.

Why do I need this TESOL Certification?

If you are going to teach overseas, most schools require at least a TEFL Certification. ENGLISH for Life Academy's TESOL Certification is much more comprehensive than most other TEFL or TESL certification programs available today. Currently, there is not a national standard for certification for a position teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) to adults in the United States. However, with the demand for qualified teachers increasing as urban international populations increase, and with the world becoming one interconnected global community, certification standards are on the way.

For a part-time adult education teacher not interested in pursuing a lengthy and more expensive Master degree, ENGLISH for Life Academy's International TESOL Certification program is an excellent option. Our program adheres to the highest standards for teachers who wish to teach both within the United States and internationally.

How do I earn Graduate Credits for this course?

Complete ENGLISH for Life’s TESOL Certification course as a Graduate Certificate! By taking and completing the TESOL Certification Course and Practicum, you can earn up to nine Graduate credits through the College of Charleston’s Office of Professional Development in Education.

Upon completion, you will receive a transcript from the College of Charleston for each of the following three credit courses:

EDPD 806-Y60:    ENGLISH for Life TESOL Certification part I: TESOL Theory and Methodology

EDPD 806-Z60:     ENGLISH for Life TESOL Certification part II: The Principles of Language Teaching

EDPD 807-A60    ENGLISH for Life TESOL Certification part III: Instructional Design in the Student-Centered Classroom

In order to be eligible to earn Graduate Credits, you must have completed an undergraduate degree (or the equivalent in your country) and you will need to send your official transcripts to the College of Charleston along with course registration. All of this will be taken care of on your first day of class. If you are not eligible or interested in earning Graduate Credit, the course is still open to you, and you may still earn your TESOL Certification with the following requirements:

•    a college degree and/or have demonstrated an ability to do college level work
•    fluency in English
•    a strong interest in learning and teaching
•    a willingness to work cooperatively and reflectively
•    the self-discipline to complete all designated course assignments

Why would you be interested in earning Graduate Credits for your work? If you are currently a teacher, you can count your work in this course toward your professional development requirements. If you are not currently enrolled in Graduate School but plan to attend one in the future, you may be able to apply these credits to your study. As always, you must consult an advisor in your school to determine if any course work taken at a different school or in non-degree status may be credited toward your degree.

An additional fee is required to earn Graduate Credits. Please contact us for more details.

Can I teach in a public school with this certification?

You may be able to work as a classroom aide in a public school. Although it might contain similar material, this program is not the same as a K-12 endorsement or add-on certification. Check with your local school district for what qualifications it requires in order to teach K-12.

Will this certification be recognized by schools overseas?

A TESOL or TEFL Certificate is the basic requirement for teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) -- which means in countries where English is not the dominant language. Most reputable schools require at least a TEFL certificate as well as practical experience. In most every case, the ENGLISH for Life TESOL Certificate goes well beyond the basic certification requirements and will open up a wide range of opportunities for teaching overseas. Search specific schools (or schools in a specific country) to learn what teaching credentials each is looking for.

Can I take this course in a distance learning or online class format?

Listen to some of the words used to describe ENGLISH for Life classes ... cooperative learning ... experience and reflection ... group interaction and accountability ... a communicative environment where individual experience and input count ... a safe and challenging place to explore your new skills. When we find a way to transmit these qualities through a computer, we will ... and we'll construct a distance learning online class format for this program. Until then, we hope you can find your way to our campus soon. We know you will find it worth the trip!

How do I know which TESL, TEFL, TESOL certificate or degree program is right for me?

Confusing, isn't it? The field of ESL resembles alphabet soup. Let's spell out those acronyms. ESL = English as a Second Language. EFL = English as a Foreign Language. TESL = Teaching English as a Second Language. TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language. TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

The point is, the acronym is not as important as the contents of the training program being offered. Both overseas and in the United States, the most important criteria in the eyes of employers is, without exception, experience. Make sure the program you choose includes a supervised teaching practicum of not less than 20 hours. If you are not sure what to pick -- a college degree, a 2-year certification program, something equally intensive but compressed into a shorter time frame, or a quickie "my-plane-leaves-in-3-days-maybe this-will-come-in-handy" weekend course -- take our Fog Cutter Quiz and get your feet pointed in the same direction as your career expectations.

If I don't meet the course completion requirements, will I still get my certificate?

As in any university or reputable educational institution, you will be accountable for meeting the requirements of the course in order to receive certification. A transcript or letter of attendance will be issued to those unable to meet course requirements.

I don't speak any other languages and I've never taught before. Can I still teach ESL?

Having had experiences with other languages and cultures helps. So does teaching experience. But relax! Most ESOL teachers are teaching students from around the world, and we certainly don't speak the languages of every student in our classes! With the techniques taught in the TESOL Training and Certification Program, you will learn how to teach students from anywhere at any level without speaking a word of their languages.