What Does TEFL Accreditation Mean?

TEFL Accreditation

 To many, teaching English as a foreign language sounds exotic, more like an adventure than a career. To those that embark on this profession, you know that it is truly a most unique and exciting mix of both adventure and serious career and profession. That is why you should exerise great care and caution when selecting your course of study to become a teacher of English as a foreign language. You will want to ensure that your program is certified by the worldwide TEFL accrediting body. When you do, you assure yourself of many things, including a better chance of success in your future.

The world TEFL Accrediting Commission (WTEFLAC) has developed and promotes a strong code of conduct that drives their organisation and all programs that they certify. In order to be certified by WTEFLAC, a program or institute must agree to abide by all principles noted in the group’s code of conduct. The guidelines from the TEFL accrediting body cover a variety of topics including: program advertising, student admissions, course modality and delivery, content of courses, formal assessment, staff development and an overall focus on quality and method for assuring ongoing quality.

In each of these areas, there are some general themes. Consistency, truthfulness and accuracy must remain high priorities for any school, institute or program. What is advertised or promoted to potential students must actually be the realisation once they sign up and are admitted. This includes everything from the advertised costs to the quality of the content. The requirements for admission must be consistently applied across all applicants and a high level of English competency must be required. The global TEFL Accrediting Body also requires that clear educational methodologies be utilised with a strong focus on peer to peer teaching and exercises throughout the program. Additionally, faculty at a program certified by the TEFL accredited body must each have a minimum of three years of experience of teaching English as a foreign language themselves. At a base course level, all course materials are required to meet certain standards from pace to continuity and sequential development of themes. Methods for and timing of assessment of students should be clearly identified and consistently followed.

The above items are just some of the areas ensured by certification by the world TEFL accrediting body and why you, as a prospective student of a program for teaching English as a foreign language, should consider only those schools and programs that have the certification from the global TEFL governing body. Doing so will ensure you the highest level of instruction and the best chance for success post graduation.