Teaching English online has become a popular career choice for many people, especially those looking for remote work. Whether you’re a recent graduate or someone looking for a career change, teaching English online offers flexibility and the opportunity to work with students from all over the world. But before you can get started, you might be asking yourself: what certification do I need to teach English online?
In this article, we will cover the certifications required to teach English online, why they are important, and how you can choose the right one for your goals. We’ll also provide useful tips on getting started and what to expect from an online teaching career. Let’s dive in!
What Certification Do I Need to Teach English Online?
To teach English online, most platforms and employers require a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. This certification is widely accepted and helps ensure that you have the necessary skills to teach English to non-native speakers. Other certifications, like TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), may also be valuable depending on where and how you plan to teach.
While not all companies or students require a certification, having one significantly increases your chances of being hired and succeeding in this field.
Why Do You Need a Certification to Teach English Online?
Certifications like TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA show that you have formal training in teaching English. These certifications provide essential skills, such as how to:
- Plan lessons for students with different learning levels.
- Teach grammar, pronunciation, and conversation engagingly.
- Use teaching tools like visual aids, games, and technology to support learning.
Online teaching platforms want to ensure that their teachers can provide high-quality lessons, so they often require some form of certification. Additionally, students and parents tend to trust certified teachers more, knowing they have the qualifications to help students improve their language skills.
Types of Certifications for Teaching English Online
Three main types of certifications are widely recognized for teaching English online:
1. TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
TEFL is the most common certification for online English teachers. It focuses on teaching English to students whose first language is not English, typically in non-English-speaking countries. Most online platforms accept this certification, and many prefer candidates with at least a 120-hour TEFL course completed.
2. TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
TESOL is similar to TEFL but is more commonly used to teach English to non-native speakers in English-speaking countries. The certification is accepted by many online platforms and is a good choice if you plan to teach both online and in traditional classrooms.
3. CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
CELTA is a more advanced and rigorous certification than TEFL and TESOL. It’s often required by higher-end platforms and universities. The CELTA certification is issued by Cambridge University and focuses on teaching adults. While this certification can open more doors, it is also more expensive and takes longer to complete than TEFL or TESOL courses.
How To Choose the Right Certification
With several options available, how do you decide which certification to get? Here are some factors to consider:
1. Where Do You Want to Teach?
If you plan to teach English exclusively online, a TEFL certification is your best bet. It’s widely accepted, affordable, and equips you with the skills needed to teach online. If you think you may want to teach in person in an English-speaking country, a TESOL certification may be more useful.
For teaching adults or pursuing higher-level opportunities, CELTA is a great option but it requires more investment.
2. Consider Your Budget
TEFL certifications are generally more affordable than TESOL or CELTA courses. Many online programs offer TEFL courses for a few hundred dollars. CELTA, on the other hand, can cost upwards of $1,500 and requires more time commitment.
3. Time Commitment
If you need to get certified quickly, many TEFL programs can be completed in a few weeks, especially if you choose a self-paced online course. TESOL and CELTA courses may require more time, particularly if they include in-class teaching practice.
4. Reputation of the Certification Provider
Always choose a certification provider that is accredited and recognized worldwide. This ensures that your certification will be accepted by a variety of employers. Some well-known TEFL providers include i-to-i TEFL, Premier TEFL, and International TEFL Academy.
Quick Tips on Getting Certified to Teach English Online
- Look for a 120-hour TEFL course: Most employers prefer a TEFL course with at least 120 hours of instruction.
- Check for accreditation: Ensure the course provider is accredited by a reputable organization like the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).
- Consider a specialized TEFL course: Some courses offer specializations in teaching young learners, business English, or online teaching, which can help you stand out.
- Balance price and quality: While you don’t need the most expensive course, make sure the one you choose is well-reviewed and recognized by employers.
What Can You Expect from a TEFL Course?
A typical TEFL certification course covers the following topics:
- Teaching Methods: Learn different approaches to teaching English, including how to engage different types of learners.
- Lesson Planning: Understand how to structure lessons to meet specific goals, such as improving speaking skills or grammar comprehension.
- Grammar and Language Structure: TEFL courses often include a review of English grammar, so you can explain concepts clearly to students.
- Classroom Management: Learn how to manage student behavior and create a productive learning environment, even in a virtual setting.
- Practical Teaching Experience: Some TEFL programs include practice teaching sessions, where you apply what you’ve learned by working with real students or mock classes.
These skills will not only prepare you for online teaching but will also make you a more effective educator overall.
Do I Need a Degree to Teach English Online?
While having a TEFL certification is usually enough, some online platforms require you to have a bachelor’s degree in any field. However, there are many companies and freelance opportunities that don’t require a degree, especially if you have a certification. It’s always a good idea to check the specific requirements of the platform or employer you want to work for.
Companies That Hire Certified Online English Teachers
Once you have your certification, it’s time to find a job! Here are a few popular platforms that hire online English teachers:
- VIPKid: One of the largest online English teaching platforms that connects teachers with Chinese students. VIPKid requires teachers to have a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL or TESOL certification.
- Cambly: A flexible platform that allows you to chat with students from around the world. Cambly does not require a degree or certification, but having one can increase your chances of being hired.
- iTalki: A popular platform for freelance teachers. You set your rates, and having a TEFL certification can help you attract more students.
- Preply: Another platform that allows teachers to set their rates and teach students from all over the world. A certification is recommended but not required.
Each of these platforms offers flexibility in teaching hours, making them ideal for anyone who wants to teach English online.
Advanced Strategies to Succeed in Teaching English Online
Getting your certification is just the first step. Here are some advanced strategies to excel in your online teaching career:
- Specialize in a Niche: Consider specializing in areas like business English, exam preparation (IELTS, TOEFL), or teaching young learners. Specializing helps you stand out and attract specific types of students.
- Build a Personal Brand: If you’re freelancing, building a personal website or blog can help you attract more students. Share your teaching philosophy, experiences, and reviews from students.
- Use Interactive Tools: Leverage technology to make your lessons more engaging. Tools like Zoom, Google Classroom, or educational apps can make learning more fun and effective for students.
- Stay Updated: Continue developing your skills by taking advanced courses in online teaching or attending webinars to stay up-to-date with the latest teaching techniques.
Conclusion
So, what certification do you need to teach English online? For most people, a TEFL certification is the best starting point. It’s affordable, flexible, and accepted by most online platforms; for those who want to teach in more specialized areas or work with adults, a TESOL or CELTA certification may be more suitable.
Remember, certification is just the beginning. Building a successful career in teaching English online requires dedication, constant learning, and a passion for helping students improve their English skills. With the right certification and strategies, you can thrive in this rewarding field.
FAQs
- What is the difference between TEFL and TESOL?
TEFL focuses on teaching English in non-English-speaking countries, while TESOL is used more for teaching English in English-speaking countries. - Can I teach English online without a degree?
Yes, many platforms do not require a degree, but having a TEFL certification greatly increases your chances of getting hired. - Is CELTA harder than TEFL?
Yes, CELTA is more rigorous and requires more time and money to complete, but it is often considered a higher qualification than TEFL. - How long does it take to get a TEFL certification?
Most TEFL courses take 4-6 weeks to complete if done full-time, but many self-paced courses allow you to finish at your speed. - Do I need teaching experience to get certified?
No, most TEFL courses are designed for people with no prior teaching experience.