Do you need TEFL teach English online?
So you want to become an ESL online instructor. But do you really need a TEFL certification to teach English online?! Generally speaking, yes! The majority of the highest-paying online teaching positions either demand or consider having a TEFL degree a benefit.
Here's how it works:
Some online learning systems do not need it, while others do. However, they are often paid far less.
A TEFL certificate is required if you wish to work as a professional online instructor and earn a substantial income.
With TEFL, you'll be eligible for ALL of the top online English teaching positions available. You may also use it to your advantage when negotiating for a higher salary throughout the employment process.
To say nothing of the fact that it will provide you with the confidence and ability to teach someone a foreign language–which is no small feat.
Aside from having a TEFL certification, there are a few more criteria for teaching English online. Let's get started.
What qualifications are required for the majority of online English teaching positions?
Let's go directly to the subject of this discussion. For the most part, you will need to meet the following fundamental prerequisites to get started:
A bachelor's degree (it doesn't matter what your undergraduate major was)
Fluency in the English language is required.
A certificate in English as a second language (ESL) or an English teaching certificate (like a TEFL certificate)
And that's pretty much everything for now, everyone!
If you have any previous experience dealing with children, it is an added advantage.
Even while you may significantly increase your hourly rate by possessing a teaching license, an online teaching certificate, an advanced degree, and a wealth of teaching experience, these qualifications are not legally necessary across the board.
There are also certain technical prerequisites you must meet in order to teach online, such as having a computer and a fast internet connection (which you should already have!).
What kind of qualifications do I need to be a virtual English teacher?
You'll need a TEFL certificate in order to be considered for the finest online teaching positions.
Even though it is not stated as a necessity on the job description, it might be that extra "something unique" that distinguishes you from other candidates and helps you get the position.
Bringing it all to a close
So, to summarize, if you have years of experience teaching English language learners, many organizations will still be willing to recruit you regardless of whether or not you have a TEFL certification.
But what if you don't have any genuine teaching experience and you aren't even a qualified educator?
You'll be competing against individuals who are already qualified, and who will likely go to the trouble of being certified if they don't already have it.
Are you all set to go? Start by looking at some of the top firms that allow you to teach English online from the comfort of your own home.