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International Open Academy TESOL
Having a teaching certificate has become nearly mandatory in the online English teaching world. Even for companies that don’t require it, it is a way to differentiate yourself from the competition.
The type of teaching certificate you should take varies greatly depending on your needs.
If you plan to make a career out of Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) in bricks & mortar schools, you may want to invest in a more involved certification delivered in-person over the course of a number of weeks or months. It is even quite helpful to choose a program that has an internship as part of its curriculum.
However, these programs can be quite expensive, costing thousands of dollars and months (or years) of your time.
If your goal is to teach English online (That’s why you’re here right?), a well-developed, fully-online, self-paced program is just what you need!
As a result of a partnership with International Open Academy (IOA), Online English Teaching is pleased to offer our visitors an exclusive discount on International Open Academy’s TESOL certificates.
These certificates can be done completely online at your own pace, and are recognized by all the online teaching companies we recommend.
We have personally used this certificate program in our online teaching careers.
TESOL Meaning
TESOL simply stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. When people refer to “having a TESOL” , what they mean is having a TESOL certificate.
What’s the difference between TESL, TEFL, and TESOL certificates?
All of these are a type of ESL certification.
TESOL, as we already touched on, is an umbrella term that stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and refers to teaching English to non-native speakers in your home country, or abroad.
TESL stands for Teaching English as a Second Language and technically refers to teaching English to non-native speakers in a native-speaking country. Practically speaking, a TESL certificate is much the same as a TEFL or TESOL certificate.
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and refers to teaching English to non-native speakers in a country where English is NOT an official language.
The term Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) seems to be used more in North America, while Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is used more in Europe and Australia.
Again, we’ve found that TESOL, TESL, and TEFL certificates are all a types of ESL certification that cover much of the same material.
There doesn’t seem to be any advantage for having one over the other when it comes to getting a job teaching English online.
Do I need TESOL certification to teach English online?
The short answer is “Yes, and no.”
Not all online English teaching companies require it, however applicants with a teaching certification generally enjoy better job prospects and higher pay.
What are the benefits of the International Open Academy TESOL certificate?
Having a teaching certificate offers a number of benefits, in general. These include:
allowing you to teach English worldwide;
enhancing your teaching skills, even if you are a native speaker;
giving you a competitive edge in job competitions where it isn’t required; and
enabling you to earn more.
We recommend The International Open Academy TESOL certificate specifically because:
It’s very affordable with our exclusive discount.
It’s completely online.
It’s totally self-paced.
It’s recognized by all the major online English teaching companies.
Can I do the International Open Academy TESOL certification online?
Yes! The TESOL certificates offered by us through International Open Academy can be done completely online at your own pace.
How long does it take to complete the International Open Academy TESOL certification?
The International Open Academy TESOL program is a 120-hour program. This means that it has 120 hours worth of instruction.
The actual time it takes to complete varies based on an individual teaching abilities, one’s pace of learning, and the time one has to devote to the process.
The flexibility of this online course allows learners to tailor their study pace to fit their schedules.
How long should my TESOL certificate be in order to get hired?
Right now, the industry standard for teaching English online is a 120-hour TESOL certificate. The vast majority of companies accept this length of study. As we mentioned before, the IOA program is 120 hours.
Does it really take 120 hours to complete?
For anybody who is familiar with the English language or education in general, the course can take much less than 120 hours. We’ve heard reports of teachers finishing the International Open Academy TESOL course in less than half that time.
However, if teaching English is totally new to you, you may need the full amount of time.
Can I Balance TESOL certification with My Current Commitments?
The International Open Academy TESOL course is designed with flexibility in mind.
With self-paced learning, 24/7 access to course materials, and the ability to study from anywhere, you can tailor the program to fit your schedule. The course empowers you to balance TESOL training with your existing commitments, whether you have a full-time job, family responsibilities, or a busy lifestyle.
This user-friendly approach ensures that you can pursue your passion for teaching while accommodating your life's demands.
Are there any prerequisites for the International Open Academy TESOL certification?
No formal qualifications are required to take the course we offer through International Open Academy.
How much does a TESOL certification cost?
The cost of a TESOL certificate can vary widely from less than $50, to well over $5000.
The International Open Academy TESOL course normally costs $129 USD.
However, we are able to offer this course to our website visitors for only $20 USD.
Is the International Open Academy TESOL certificate accredited?
Absolutely! The International Open Academy TESOL course holds accreditation from the International Council for Online Educational Standards (ICOES), an external organization dedicated to upholding educational quality (www.icoes.org).
This course also qualifies for Continuing Education (CE) / Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits. These CE/CPD credits are widely accepted and acknowledged by professional associations and academic institutions, both within the United States and on a global scale.
What career opportunities will it open?
TESOL certification unlocks a world of career possibilities, including roles as:
an English language teacher (locally or online),
a corporate trainer,
a curriculum developer,
an ESL program coordinator,
an educational consultant,
a content writer/editor,
a cross-cultural ambassador,
and more!
It can also lead to travel opportunities, academic advancement, language school management, and freelance teaching. TESOL certification offers versatility, allowing you to choose a career path that aligns with your interests and goals, making it a catalyst for a rewarding and impactful career journey.
Is obtaining a TESOL certificate the right choice for me?
Obtaining TESOL certification may be the right choice for some individuals' teaching goals and not for others due to varying circumstances and career objectives.
If you’re simply looking for a quick new side hustle where you chat to people in your native language, you may not need TESOL certification.
However, if you’re at all serious about teaching English online, we highly recommend it.
At only 120 hours and $20 USD, the International Open Academy TESOL certification is well worth your investment.
Why should I take the International Open Academy TESOL certificate?
Here’s why we like the 120-hour TESOL certificate from International Open Academy:
They have a 14-day, money-back guarantee.
The course is CPD certified.
They are Internationally Accredited by ICOES.
The course is also accredited by TQUK.
You have 24/7 access to the learning material. You can do the entire course on your own time.
It has an instructor. Unlike other courses, this one has a real person you can communicate with while taking the course.
Over 56,000 students have taken the course.
It is the most affordable price we have found, while still providing high-quality instruction.
The topics of instruction include:
Module 1: Teaching And Learning
Module 2: Linguistics
Module 3: Reading
Module 4: Writing
Module 5: Speaking
Module 6: Listening
Module 7: Pedagogy
Module 8: Lesson Planning
Module 9: Classroom Management
Module 10: Getting A TESOL Job
I am interested in a more in-depth TESOL certificate.
If you’re interested in more in-depth TESOL studies, you might like to try the International Open Academy 150-hour TESOL certificate.
What’s the difference between International Open Academy’s 120-hour and 150-hour TESOL certificates?
The 150-hour certificate course has 30 additional hours of course material in the form of eight additional modules.
Here's a summary of the differences:
Duration:
- 120-hour TESOL: 120 hours
- 150-hour TESOL: 150 hours
Accreditation:
- Both courses hold accreditation from ICOES (International Council for Online Educational Standards).
Curriculum:
- 120-hour TESOL:
- Encompasses 10 modules covering fundamental pedagogy, classroom management, English grammar, vocabulary, teaching skills, learning aims, and job preparation.
- 150-hour TESOL:
- Comprises 18 modules covering pedagogy, classroom management, English grammar, vocabulary, teaching skills, learning aims, job preparation, and additional modules specifically centered on online teaching techniques, technology requirements, and career paths.
Online Teaching Focus:
- 120-hour TESOL: General emphasis on teaching English.
- 150-hour TESOL: Additional, detailed modules specifically addressing online teaching techniques, technology requirements, and effective online teaching strategies.
Target Audience:
- Both courses are tailored for fluent English speakers interested in teaching.
- Both courses cater to those seeking TESOL certification for global teaching opportunities.
Career Paths:
- Both courses pave the way for careers as English teachers worldwide (in-person or online).
- 120-hour TESOL: Mentions opportunities as a private tutor, nanny, or Au Pair.
- 150-hour TESOL: Emphasizes preparing individuals for diverse teaching scenarios, including specialization in fields like business English or early childhood education.
Entry Requirements:
- Both courses have no formal qualification requirements for enrolment.
Exams and Certification:
- Both courses mandate completion of each module and exams, with a 55% pass rate for certification.
Certificate Recognition:
- Both courses confer certificates accredited by ICOES, with the option for students to purchase ICOES certificates.
Continuing Education (CE) / Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points:
- Both courses accrue CE/CPD points, recognized by professional bodies and academic institutions globally.
What is in the curriculum for International Open Academy’s 150-hour TESOL certificate?
The 150-hour TESOL certification adds eight additional modules, with a strong focus on teaching English online. Here is an outline of the curriculum:
Module 1: In the Classroom - Introduction to Pedagogy
To Learn a Language
Teaching a Second Language
Learners and Teachers
Cultural Differences and Language Barriers
Module 2: In the Classroom - Classroom Management
Establishing Rapport
Where Students Sit
The Teacher
Module 3: In the Classroom - Introduction to English Grammar
Nouns
Verbs
More Complex Grammar
Language Patterns
Presenting Grammar
Approaches to Teaching Grammar
Module 4: In the Classroom - Introduction to English Vocabulary
What is Vocabulary?
Types of Lexis
Learning Vocabulary
How to Teach Vocabulary
A Vocabulary Presentation
Module 5: In the Classroom - Teaching Reading Skills
Overview of Reading
Text Types
The Learner
Developing Reading Skills
Lesson Aims
Key Reading Skills
Module 6: In the Classroom - Teaching Listening Skills
Different Types of Listening
Considerations
What is Involved in Listening?
Typical Learner Issues
What Are We Listening For?
Typical Tasks for Developing Listening
Conversational English
Module 7: In the Classroom - Teaching Writing Skills
Introduction to Writing
Teaching Writing
What are the Essential Writing Skills?
Writing Sub-skills
Learner Issues
Typical Writing Aims
Basic English Sentence Structures
Module 8: In the Classroom - Teaching Speaking Skills
Introduction to Speaking
Characteristics of Speaking
Fluency
Types of Speaking Tasks
Potential Learner Problems with Speaking
Teaching Speaking
The Learners
Module 9: In the Classroom - Learning Aims and Lesson Plans
Basic Assumptions
The Learner
The Lesson Plan
Teaching Young Learners
Activities
Module 10: In the Classroom - Next Steps for Teaching
Further Study
A Career in ELT
Building a Good CV
The Interview
Where to Teach
Module 11: Online Teaching - Getting Started
Industry Overview
Finding Online Teaching Jobs
Technical Requirements and Equipment Overview
Setting Up Your Teaching Space
Module 12: Online Teaching - Your Job Application
Job Requirements and Application Processes
Nailing your Demo Lesson
Making a Great Intro Video
Successful Interview Tips
Module 13: Online Teaching - Your Teacher Profile
Creating an Attractive Profile
What Do Parents Look for?
Taking Great Profile Photos
Making your Profile Video
Module 14: Online Teaching - Online Classrooms and Teacher Portals
Features of the Online Classroom
Your Teacher Portal
Trial Classes
Scheduling, Slots, and Timezones
Lesson Time Management
How to Write Feedback
Module 15: Online Teaching - ESL Fundamentals Online
Comparison of Online and Offline Teaching
ESL teaching technique - TPR
ESL teaching technique - Scaffolding
ESL teaching technique - Modeling
ESL teaching technique - Repetition
ESL teaching technique - Prompts
Module 16: Online Teaching - Props, Resources, and Techniques
Essential Props for Teaching Online
Using Puppets and Toys
Using Music to Enhance Learning
Materials and Resources
Reward Systems
Module 17: Online Teaching - Successful Online Teaching
Career Paths in Online Teaching
Standing Out from the Competition
The Healthy Online Teacher
Maximising Income and Building your Business
Hacks for the Online Teaching Lifestyle
Module 18: Bonus Module - Getting Started in TEFL/TESOL
What I Wish I’d Known when I Started Teaching English
Tech Advice for Online TEFL Teachers
Presenting Yourself like a Pro in the Classroom
How to Research TESOL and TEFL Companies