How To Become A High School English Teacher?
Steps to Becoming a High School English Teacher
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in English.
- Get your teaching license.
- Pass the required tests.
- Gain in-classroom experience.
Contents
- 0.1 What qualifications do you need to teach English?
- 0.2 Can I teach English without an English degree?
- 0.3 What qualifications do I need to teach English in Europe?
- 1 How can I be a professional English teacher?
- 2 What is involved in teaching English?
- 3 How do I become an English teacher in the Netherlands?
- 4 Is 30 too old to do TEFL?
- 5 Can you teach English without a TEFL certificate?
What qualifications do you need to teach English?
teach first. – An emerging option for people looking to land a job as an English teacher is to apply under the Teach First route, which provides immediate professional placements within the most challenging schools in the United Kingdom. Candidates will need to have done particularly well during their undergraduate students (often passing with credit or higher) and demonstrate the professional qualities necessary to deal with some of the UK’s toughest schools.
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How do I become a high school English teacher UK?
To teach in a state school in England, you must have a degree, and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by following a programme of Initial Teacher Training (ITT). You must have achieved minimum requirements in GCSE English, maths, and science if you wish to teach at primary-level.
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Can I teach English without an English degree?
2. Get TEFL/TESOL certified – Most countries that do not require English teachers to have a college degree ask that prospective English teachers are TEFL-certified. TEFL/TESOL certificates teach you the fundamentals of English grammar and how to apply it to classroom instruction. These certifications will also help prepare you for the job so you know what to expect (like classroom management!) and how to be successful on your first day.
- TEFL certification courses are delivered either online, in-person, or in a hybrid format.
- If your TEFL program is accredited, it will be accepted worldwide – even those you earn through online study.
- When exploring your options for TEFL certification programs, try to select a course that offers teaching observation and practice.
Not only will employers usually give preference to teachers who have completed these types of programs, but they will also better prepare you for the classroom, more than simply completing the assignments. Keep in mind that doing your TEFL course abroad in the country you want to work in can help get your foot in the door.
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What qualifications do I need to teach English in Europe?
Poland – Poland has a booming TEFL market and English teachers interested in teaching in Poland will have a range of opportunities. Poland is beloved by travelers for its welcoming people, delicious and hearty cuisine, and affordable prices. Why not make it home? As an English teacher in Poland, you will likely make between $700-$1,500 USD a month.
- Meet the basic requirements, To teach English in most European countries, you’ll need to have a TEFL certificate and a clean criminal record. For competitive jobs, you may need prior teaching or childcare experience.
- Submit your application, Make sure to have a copy of your resume, university transcripts, references, passport photos, and your TEFL certificate, if needed.
- Prepare for the interview, Practice some questions with a family member or friend to feel more comfortable. Know your reasons for why you chose the country you did!
- Apply for a visa, Contact the country’s local consulate for clarification on any documents you may need.
Europe is diverse and the classroom cultures you will encounter vary from country to country. Overall, you can expect your European students to be open, talkative, and inquisitive. Some countries like Spain take a laid-back approach to teaching and learning, while you may find more structure in places like Germany.
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How long does it take to get TEFL?
Will the TEFL course include sufficient instruction? – As we mentioned above, the length of your TEFL certification does matter. A short TEFL certification might sound great – or seem more affordable – but it may preclude you from landing a sweet teaching job later. According to international standards recognized by leading accrediting bodies and thousands of language schools around the globe, a professional-level TEFL certification for teaching English abroad must incorporate at least 100 hours of class time and academic coursework as accredited by a recognized independent body.
However, the industry standard is 120 hours of training. That 120-hour course typically includes 100 hours of training and 20 hours of teaching practice (six hours is the absolute minimum). In many cases, you must prove you have had a certain amount of teaching practice as part of your TEFL certification, so look for TEFL courses that offer the minimum for any job you’re considering.
Anything less – including weekend courses, two week courses, etc. are not going to meet international standards for a professional level TEFL certification. Note: We commonly get questions about how long a TEFL course lasts. Typically, a fully accredited TEFL certification course will last anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months.
Shorter, 4-week long courses will generally run full-time (30-40 hours per week) and are very demanding. However, a longer 3 to 6 month-long course will let you get certified part-time and is a more realistic option for students who need to work or take care of other obligations while getting their certificate.
If you’re taking an online TEFL certification, you may have the option to set the pace for yourself – and move as quickly or slowly through the course material as you choose. However, upper tier online courses are more structured and follow a set calendar to incorporate more interactive aspects of the course like peer-to-peer interaction and live virtual lectures and discussions.
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How can I be a professional English teacher?
How to Become an English Teacher – A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required to become an English teacher. For traditional-route educators in K-12 schools, the bachelor’s program should include a teacher preparation program that is approved by the state board of education.
A student seeking initial certification via a bachelor’s degree program must typically complete two years of general education courses. After prerequisites are met, the student must apply for admission to the university’s teacher education program, which typically occurs in the junior year. From that point, the student will take advanced English and literature classes as well as classes in pedagogy designed to instruct the candidate on how to teach English successfully in the grade level(s) in which the candidate intends to pursue certification.
Most K-12 public school candidates will complete the following steps to become an English teacher. (Note that private school candidates should check with schools of interest, as they may not require licensure.)
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in English or a related subject that includes a teacher preparation program.
- Complete a student teaching internship in English and related subjects, such as reading and literature.
- Take your state’s required tests for teacher certification.
- Apply for your teaching license.
- Begin applying for open positions for English teachers.
Some students decide to teach after they have already completed their bachelor’s degree in English or a related field. In this case, an alternative route to teaching certification may be a good fit. Many universities also offer master’s in education degree programs designed for prospective teachers who already have a bachelor’s degree.
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What is involved in teaching English?
What Does TEFL Involve? – Teaching English as a Foreign Language involves working abroad; therefore, working as a TEFL teacher involves living in a foreign country, either temporarily, for the completion of a specific job, or permanently, as a freelancer or contracted employee.
TEFL may involve private tutoring or working in language and state schools for larger groups. TEFL does not always require being fluent in another language; however, it is quite typical for foreign employers to request bilingual educators for TESL work. In addition, most educators find that being fluent in another language helps them while living or working abroad.
Teaching English as a foreign language involves being able to convey the English language in an articulate and interesting manner. TEFL educators encourage students to improve their English skills through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. TEFL is often facilitated through the use of course books, audio-visual aids, and technology-based materials.
Planning, preparing and delivering lessonsProviding feedback on oral and written workAdministering examinations and other assessmentsCreating and writing materials
Can a foreigner be an English teacher in the UK?
Search for a teaching job and apply for a skilled worker visa – The main visa route for non-UK teachers in England is the skilled worker visa. To apply for a skilled worker visa, you will first need to search for a teaching job in England. You can use the UK government’s Teaching vacancies service to search for available teaching roles.
you have a job offer from a school that is a licensed Home Office sponsor you can speak, read, write, and understand English your salary meets the requirements for a skilled worker visa
What is a teachers salary UK?
All qualified primary and secondary teachers will have a starting salary of at least £28,000. Qualified teacher salary.
| Area | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| England (excluding London) | £28,000 | £38,810 |
| London fringe | £29,344 | £40,083 |
| Outer London | £32,407 | £43,193 |
Can I be a teacher if English is not my first language?
One of the most common questions that we get asked at i-to-i is ‘Can I be a TEFL Teacher if English isn’t my First Language? ‘ The simple answer is YES!
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How much does the TEFL course cost?
How Much Does TEFL Certification Online Cost? – The cost of a TEFL certification online can vary from $99 to $3,000 USD. However, cheaper courses under $1,000 typically do not meet recognized international standards and often do not include live practice teaching, which is required by most employers in the field.
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What country can you teach English without a degree?
Countries that do not require a degree to teach English abroad: – The best countries for where to teach English abroad without a college degree are Cambodia, Costa Rica, Spain, Argentina, Mexico and Myanmar. These countries do not require a college degree to teach in, and are popular among TEFL teachers.
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How do I become an English teacher in the Netherlands?
Key Facts –
Popular locations for TEFL jobs : The Hague, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Leiden Average salary for EFL teachers : The basic monthly salary for full-time positions is likely to be in the region of €2,200 (£1,900/$2,370) per month, with salaries fluctuating from €1,480 (£1,300/$1,600) to €2,600 (£2,270/$2,800). Freelance contracts offer hourly rates of around €22 (£19 – $24) to €27 (£23.50 – $29). TEFL qualification requirements: A 120-hour online TEFL qualification is a minimum requirement, but the Dutch speak English very well, so you’re more likely to get hired if you have further qualifications. Prerequisite university degree: You need a degree to teach in public school, but private language schools may not require a degree. With fierce competition for well-paid jobs, the more qualified you are, the better. Term times : The school year runs from September to June Currency : Euro Language : Dutch Teaching programmes : Business English, Legal English and Academic English at language schools, Adult Education Centres, Public Schools, Universities, Freelance Age restrictions: None Previous teaching experience: While positions may not clearly state what experience you need, with tough competition for the best jobs, you won’t get far without some relevant experience under your belt. Your pay might also depend on your experience level.
The Dutch are some of the best second language English speakers in the world. EF’s English Proficiency Index actually ranks them as number one, holding a top 3 position since 2011. What this means for TEFL teachers is that demand is limited – with such a high level of proficiency, there isn’t much call for catch-up classes for those who didn’t learn as kids.
English lessons are compulsory in Dutch schools, and English is a popular degree subject, so there is scope for employment in the public sector more so than at private language schools. Private language schools in the Netherlands are usually geared towards training in specific fields, such as Business English, Legal English or Academic English, and will expect teachers to be experienced in certain topics.
With advanced students, you can’t just wing it as you might with teaching to beginners or young learners. If you don’t have knowledge of these specialist subjects you might be able to find work teaching IELTS or other exam preparation classes. Giving one-to-one classes on a freelance basis isn’t so popular in the Netherlands.
- Locals will have a good knowledge of English by the time they’re adults, and even university students don’t often seek extra classes because they’re already so well catered for.
- However, as the Netherlands is a popular place to live, you might find a small market for teaching English to people from other nationalities who are less advanced in English, such as Spanish students studying at local universities.
Being on time is really important to the Dutch, and they consider it very rude to cancel plans at short notice. Learn as much about the culture as you can before you go to make a good impression with your students, and learn to take their brutal honesty on the chin – it’s just the way they are and doesn’t mean you’re doing a bad job.
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Is 35 too old for TEFL?
Am I too old to TEFL? – While, sadly, it’s true that some countries and their visa requirements can be an obstacle, we can’t stress this enough: no, you are not too old to TEFL. We believe that everyone should have opportunities to teach English as a foreign language if they have the skills to do so.
- Age is not a barrier if you want to take the first steps – that is, gaining a TEFL qualification – and most employers with a grain of common sense will realize there are inherent advantages to having teachers of different ages.
- The online teaching sphere is can be very important here.
- Are TEFL employers not considering you because of your age? Prove ‘em wrong! Setting up your own TEFL business in the internet age couldn’t be easier, and you could easily find yourself tutoring eager students and running the show on your own.
Experience is so valuable. If you have the energy, the wherewithal and the ability to go off the beaten track, you are not too old to TEFL. Far from it – you’re likely to have an extensive list of transferable skills and great ideas that make you perfect for teaching English.
One route of particular interest is tutoring to prepare students for exams like the IELTS, which helps English learners find work and study in English-speaking countries. Alternatively, the world of volunteering is a fantastic opportunity if you’re an older English teacher – finding opportunities locally to help refugees, for example, is a fantastic endeavor.
The options are certainly there. If some closed-minded employers are closing the doors, open new ones.
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How hard is the TEFL exam?
Why would you fail the TEFL? – Generally speaking TEFL is not hard to pass. Face-to-face courses generally have interviews and strict admission requirements so if it is not likely to complete or pass the course, they will not be admitted in the first place.
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Is 30 too old to do TEFL?
Are There Age Restrictions for TEFL Courses? – Anyone aged 18 and older can take a TEFL course from International TEFL Academy (ITA). However, know that more teaching opportunities will become available to you as you move in your 20s and beyond. The good news is, your TEFL certification & access to job search support from ITA never expire. Going further: Am I too young to teach English abroad? 
Kent Nancollas moved to Chile at age 60 to teach English in Valparaiso. Read his story !
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Which is better CELTA or TEFL?
Key takeaways 🔑 –
CELTA stands for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (now known as Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. TEFL refers to any certification program that trains an English speaker to teach their language to others. CELTA, on the other hand, is an intensive ESL teaching certificate, designed by Cambridge University. It is considered one of the most prestigious qualifications for teaching English abroad. You can also think of CELTA as a brand of TEFL. Price is often the deciding factor for students who opt for a TEFL certification other than a CELTA. Due to the prestige of the program, obtaining your CELTA can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the school. TEFL courses, meanwhile, can cost anywhere from $200-$2000.
It’s perhaps no surprise that one of the most popular jobs for native English speakers abroad is teaching their mother tongue, but choosing a certification for this career option can make it feel like you’re drowning in a veritable alphabet soup of acronyms: TEFL, TESOL, TOEFL, TESL, CELTA How are you to know the difference and, more importantly, how are you to know which one is right for you and your career ? When I was 22 years old, I decided to become certified to teach English after having finished my undergraduate degree.
TEFL : Teaching English as a Foreign Language TESOL : Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages TESL : Teaching English as a Second Language CELTA : Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (now known as Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
While at their roots, each of these acronyms means something slightly different, in practice, the first three are often used interchangeably to refer to any certification program that trains an English speaker to teach their language to others. CELTA, meanwhile, is the name of a very specific one of these programs sponsored by Cambridge University; think of CELTA as a brand of TEFL, TESOL, or TESL program (which, for the sake of succinctness, I’ll refer to as “TEFL programs” here).
Related: What’s the Difference Between TEFL & TESOL? Because any school offering the CELTA must adhere to strict standards and employ teachers that have been certified by Cambridge, it is often perceived as being the most prestigious of all TEFL program options – in fact, you’ll sometimes see job offers for English language teachers citing the CELTA specifically as a prerequisite to be hired.
That said, CELTA is far from the only worthwhile TEFL certification. Many other programs offer equivalent standards – and some even go above and beyond a CELTA course. The main difference is that while with a CELTA, the quality of the course you’re paying for is pretty much guaranteed, with a TEFL, you’ll need to do a bit more research to make sure the program is offering what you’re looking for.
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What qualifications do you need to be an English teacher UK?
- Is teaching right for me?
- How to become a teacher
- Train to be a teacher
- Fund your training
- Salaries and benefits
- Non-UK teachers
- Get help and support
- Events
Discover if a career teaching in a primary or secondary school in England is right for you. These steps can help you to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS), which you need to teach in many primary and secondary schools in England. You do not have to follow the steps in order and some may take longer than others.
- If you have a degree or equivalent qualification, you can do postgraduate primary or secondary teacher training. If you do not have a degree and are not studying for one, you can do undergraduate teacher training. To train to teach, you’ll need to have GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths. If you want to teach primary, you will also need a GCSE at grade 4 (C) or above in science. Find out more about the qualifications you need to teach,
- Undergraduate and postgraduate teacher training course fees are around £9,250 per year. You can apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans, even if you already have a student loan. If you’re interested in teaching certain subjects, you might be able to get up to £29k tax-free to support you while you’re training. This money does not have to be paid back. Find out how to fund your training,
- Experiencing life in a school can help you decide if teaching is right for you and who you want to teach. This is a good way to give you a taste of what the classroom is really like. Learn more about getting classroom experience,
- Full-time postgraduate teacher training courses usually take 9 months, while part-time courses can take from 18 to 24. Whichever course you choose, they all involve school placements with some theoretical learning. You can search for postgraduate teaching courses in England (opens in new window) to study for qualified teacher status (QTS). If you do not have a degree and are not studying for one, you can do undergraduate teacher training, These courses usually take 4 years to complete.
- You can usually start applying for postgraduate training in October, the year before your course starts. You can apply any time throughout the year, but some courses do fill up quickly. Get tips on making a great application including finding the right references and writing a personal statement. Apply for teacher training (opens in new window),
What are the requirements to be a English teacher in the UK?
What qualifications do you need to train? – To train to teach in primary and secondary schools in England, you’ll need:
GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths (and science if you want to teach primary) a bachelor’s degree (this does not have to be in teaching)
Different training providers may also have specific criteria. For example, some may ask that you have a bachelor’s degree class 2:2 or above. Some training providers may consider candidates with pending GCSEs. If you do not have the GCSEs required, they may also ask you to sit an equivalency test or to offer other evidence to show your ability.
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Can you teach English without a TEFL certificate?
Do I Need a TEFL Certification to Teach English Abroad? – No, you don’t always need a TEFL certificate to teach English abroad. However, it depends entirely on where you’d like to work, what level you’re interested in teaching, and your professional and educational background. You may not need a TEFL certificate to teach English if you meet one or all of these qualifications:
- Possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree, especially if it’s in education
- Have 1-2+ years of previous teaching experience
- Hold other related qualifications like a CELTA, TESOL certificate, or teaching license
- Can show proof of work authorization in the country you’d like to teach English
- Your desired country doesn’t require teachers to have a TEFL certificate for a work visa
- Are a native English speaker
- And most importantly, the teaching job you’re interested in doesn’t require it.
