How to Become an English Teacher: TEFL & TESOL Certification
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Qualifications for English Teacher: Why TEFL and TESOL Certifications Matter

For today’s global citizens, it is crucial to be able to stay connected with people from every corner of the Earth. The English language has increasingly become vital in connecting these people for communication, education, business, and travel. English expertise is an essential skill in today’s job market. So naturally, the qualifications for English teachers have become more important than ever. As the English language learners rises, institutes are looking for skilled and certified English teachers. Thus, the most important question right now is: What are the requirements for English teacher roles in today’s job market?. 

This is the question that we will answer in this blog today.

Educational qualifications for English teachers that are required for teaching English include certifications like TEFL and TESOL. Aspiring English language educators should understand that these certificates are required to teach in their home country or abroad.

Table of Content

  1. The Demand for Qualified English Teachers
  2. Educational Qualifications for English Teacher Roles
  3. TEFL and TESOL: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?
  4. Atheneum Global’s TEFL & TESOL Certification Courses:
  5. Requirements for English Teacher Jobs
  6. Key Skills to Augment with TEFL/TESOL:
  7. Why Choose Atheneum Global?
  8. How to Become an English Teacher: Step-by-Step
  9. To Summarize…

The Demand for Qualified English Teachers

With a large number of English learners worldwide, there are a lot of English teaching opportunities. But not every English speaker can be a good English teacher. Schools always look out for certified teachers who understand teaching the language properly, classroom management, and learner diversity.

This is where the qualifications for English teacher positions come into play. A degree alone is often not enough. A student should know how to teach English effectively. This is why professional courses like TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are being chosen by educators. They teach you how to meet the requirements for an English teacher to be recruited in the language institute.

Educational Qualifications for English Teacher Roles

Traditionally, a degree in English and Education or a Linguistics degree was all that you required to become an English teacher.

But with more awareness, educational institutes are demanding more. 

Minimum educational qualifications for English teachers:

  • A bachelor’s degree (any stream, although Education or English-related degrees are preferred)
  • Professional certification such as TEFL or TESOL
  • Fluency in English (some countries may require native-level fluency)

While your educational qualification for English teacher can help you as it is, obtaining a TEFL or TESOL certification can improve your chances of employment, better pay, and desirable locations a lot!

TEFL and TESOL: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?

The difference between TEFL and TESOL certifications often sounds the same, but there are subtle differences:

Certification

Stands for

Best For

Focus

TEFL

Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Teaching abroad (non-English speaking countries)

Methods to teach English to non-native speakers

TESOL

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Teaching in both English-speaking and non-English

speaking countries

Teaches English as a Second Language.


Atheneum Global’s TEFL & TESOL Certification Courses:

Atheneum Global provides globally recognised, flexible, and affordable certifications which can help aspiring educators to fulfil their career goals. It can help you meet the requirements for English teacher worldwide. 

Course Offerings:

  168-Hour TEFL Certification:

  • Fully online and self-paced
  • Industry-ready certificate issued upon completion
  • Methods of teaching English to Foreign Language students.

150-Hour TESOL Certification respectively:

  • Fully online and self-paced
  • Includes modules on classroom management, engaging lesson planning methods, and methods of teaching international students
  • Industry-ready certificate issued upon completion

150 hours Level 7 Diploma in TESOL:

  • Advanced diploma, equivalent to a postgraduate qualification
  • Suitable for leadership roles or experienced teachers
  • Includes understanding language, teaching methods and resources, principles of teaching English and a Research report to be shared.

Requirements for English Teacher Jobs

Most English language teaching jobs list TEFL or TESOL as mandatory. These courses not only fulfill the qualifications for English teacher positions but also trains candidates with practical (subject-specific) teaching tools that a regular teaching degree might not offer.

Here’s how they help:

  •  Provide internationally recognised credentials
  •  Offer practical skills like lesson planning and language assessment
  •  Prepare you for teaching in multicultural and multilingual environments
  •  Improve classroom management techniques
  •  Open doors to teaching abroad, online jobs, or even teacher training positions

If you're wondering how to become an English teacher in countries like Japan, Thailand, UAE, or even in ESL communities in the USA or UK, the first step is almost always taking admission in a TEFL or TESOL course.

 Key Skills to Augment with TEFL/TESOL:

Just being fluent in the English language is not enough as skills for English teacher. There are many areas that you need to be skilled in, to be in a better position to be an impactful language trainer. 

Skill Area

Description

Communication

Learn how to explain concepts clearly and use learner-friendly language

Patience & Empathy

Develop sensitivity towards learners struggling with new concepts

Adaptability

Adjust teaching methods for different age groups and cultures

Creativity

Design engaging lessons and use storytelling, games, and visual aids

Classroom Management

Maintain order while encouraging participation and interaction


Why Choose Atheneum Global?

Atheneum Global stands out due to its:

  • Accreditation: Internationally recognised certificates.
  • Flexibility: 100% online and self-paced learning.
  • Affordability: Courses are made affordable for all aspiring teachers.
  • Support: Expert academic advisors to guide you as needed.

How to Become an English Teacher: Step-by-Step

Here is a guide on understanding how to become an English teacher:

  1.   Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (any stream, preferably English or Education)
  2.   Enroll in a TEFL or TESOL certification course (choose Atheneum Global’s 120-hour or Level 7 Diploma)
  3.   Develop your teaching skills (with the help of assignments, lesson plans, and hands on projects)
  4.   Apply for English teaching jobs locally or internationally
  5.   Continue learning (explore specialised modules, upgrade to a diploma, or pursue teacher training roles).

To Summarize…

To summarize, the qualifications for English teacher, is not just a degree in the English language. What you need is the knowledge to teach English effectively. And Certifications like TEFL and TESOL bridge the gap between knowing English and teaching it well.

If you are serious about building a career in English language education, now is the time to act on it. Enroll on Atheneum Global’s globally TEFL or TESOL programs and fulfill the requirements for English teacher jobs across the world.

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