A TEFL degree is not required to teach English as a second language, but many employers prefer it. Generally, a student obtains a TEFL degree through a TEFL course, which may last one day or up to one year depending upon the course selected. Upon the conclusion of the course, the student will be qualified to teach English to adults by himself, with no need to 'team-teach' or student-teach.
Trinity College identifies the following factors to consider when choosing a course: length (many employers will not accept a course with under 100 hours of instruction), supervised teaching time (typically, employers look for a course with a minimum of six hours of actual teaching time with genuine language learners, supervised by course instructors), and accreditation by an external body. A student who takes an online TEFL course may not receive a full range of training and may find post-course teaching positions limited, the guide warns.
Not every employer requires potential English-language teachers to have a TEFL degree, but most prefer it. A TEFL degree plus, in most cases, a university degree are the standard qualifications for many English-teaching jobs overseas. The demand for teachers with a TEFL degree is also growing in the United States; the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the job outlook is favorable for TEFL teachers due to an increasing number of immigrants from other countries and that employment opportunities for TEFL teachers are expected to grow faster than the average.
Students with a TEFL degree or certification are eligible for a larger number of jobs than those with simply a university degree. In some cases, they are also eligible for a higher rate of pay. Reputable TEFL certification programs also include at least six hours of face-to-face teaching time with real English-language learners observed by trained TEFL professionals, so students who are new to teaching altogether may benefit from the feedback and experience gained from these sessions.
Many TEFL degree courses claim to be internationally recognized, but are not. Generally, courses that are administered entirely online or include fewer than 100 hours of instruction time are not universally accepted by employers. Students should also be wary of courses that do not offer help after the course in finding a teaching placement, as this assistance is standard in most TEFL courses.