If you have your TESOL certification, you are on your way to an exciting and rewarding career teaching English to speakers of other languages. With your certification, you will be able to work in a variety of settings, including language schools, community colleges, and private tutoring. But how can you make the most of your TESOL certification?
Get Experience:
One of the best ways to make the most of your TESOL certification is to get experience. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with some teaching experience. There are a few ways to get experience, even if you don’t have a full-time teaching job. You can volunteer to teach English at a local community centre or refugee centre. You can also offer private tutoring services.
Develop Your Skills:
In addition to experience, you will also want to develop your skills as a teacher. There are a number of ways to do this. You can take additional courses, either online or in person. You can also join a professional organization, such as TESOL International, which offers a variety of resources and professional development opportunities.
Communications:
When I applied to TESOL in the United States, I was also required to complete a two-year graduate degree at a school of my choice. The first step in the process was to complete the online TESOL course which includes a personal statement about your interest in teaching English as a Second Language.
Stay Up-to-Date:
The field of TESOL is constantly changing, so it is important to stay up-to-date with new developments. One way to do this is to read professional journals, such as “TESOL Quarterly” or “The Internet TESL Journal.” You can also attend conferences and workshops, which are often offered by professional organizations.
One way to increase your chances of landing a job is to get involved in the field. Start by finding an organization that is active in your area and volunteer to help them out. They may be willing to post your resume on their website. You can also volunteer for committees, work on a website or blog, or run for office.
Be Flexible:
Finally, it is important to be flexible when you are looking for a teaching job. You may have to start out working in a less-than-ideal situation, such as a school with large class sizes or a low salary. But if you are flexible and willing to work hard, you will eventually find a job that is a good match for your skills and interests.
Conclusion:
Making the most of your TESOL certification requires that you get experience, develop your skills, stay up-to-date, and be flexible. But if you do all of these things, you will be well on your way to a successful and rewarding career teaching English to speakers of other languages.