Revised list- Match 5, 2024
One of my favorite classic cartoons as a kid was The Jetsons. In one episode, Jane’s friend called on the television, but she wasn’t ready to speak to her. So, Jane put on her “morning mask.” Some days I wish I had a morning mask to put on when I am feeling groggy or don’t want to put on makeup.
Oh wait, that’s why filters were invented!
Besides a morning mask, a good-functioning computer, reliable Internet connection, and wanting to be a positive influence in a learner’s life, the requirement to teaching online is not extensive.
Did you know you can teach online with various companies without a bachelor’s degree? If you plan on teaching English as a second language (ESL), most companies will require at least a TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) or TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certification. TESOL/ TEFL programs will essentially serve the same purpose.
Where do you start? There are so many certificate programs! It can be overwhelming to determine which is one will be the most valuable to you. I have narrowed down my top 4 picks for U.S programs:
Bridge Education Group– offers two TESOL/TEFL programs, a 120-hour master certificate and 150-hour graduate-level IDELT (International Diploma in English Language Teaching). Both programs offer the option to potentially earn transferrable college credit through ACE (American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service). This is important if you wish to continue your education by earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Bridge also offers specialized certificates and micro credentials for professional development. If you fall in love with teaching English as a second language, and plan to earn your degree later then Bridge Education Group will lead you to the right path in your educational and teaching dreams.
Cost of program:
- 120-hour- $710 originally, but offers promotional discount as much as 45% off ($389)
- 150 hour- $1,495 originally, but offers promotional discount as much as 45% off ($820)
- Bridge offers monthly deals (anywhere from up to 55% off!)
Highlights of programs:
- Leading organization is bridging languages, cultures, and education.
- Personal tutor
- University credit and continuing education units
- Job placement assistance
- Cohort of classmates (150-hour)
- Earn credits toward a graduate certificate, master’s, or doctorate program at Bridge university partners worldwide (150-hour)
Arizona State University, Global Launch via Coursea– offers a 150-hour TESOL professional certificate. There are 8 required courses that includes two capstone projects. In the program, you will be creating lesson plans, doing observations, and recoding videos of yourself teaching. This is great preparation for entering into the teaching field. The program can be completed as soon as 16 weeks. (This is a non-credit program.)
Have you always wanted to attend a top tier university with top rated professors? This program will prepare you in your teaching journey by learning how to design lesson plans, participating in teacher observations, and recording your one of your created lesson plans.
Cost of program: $49/ per month (which allows you to take multiple courses per month). Financial aid is available.
Highlights of program:
- From reputable a university in the United States
- Favorable among potential employers if you wish to teach English language learners in person
- Peer reviewed assignments
Greenheart Travel– offers a 170-hour online TESL certification. (The organization also offers in person courses in Chicago, United States and other countries such as Italy, Japan, and Argentina.) This 170-hour program includes 150 hours of course work and 20 hours of student teaching. After you complete the program, Greenheart Travel offer their alumni on-going support including $100 discount off any future Greenheart Travel programs and lifetime worldwide job placement assistance.
Do you love to travel? Do you plan on teaching abroad or want to travel and teach online abroad? This program will satisfy your nomadic heart.
Cost of program: $1,499
Highlight of program:
- Non-profit organization
- Satisfies 20 hours of student teaching requirement to teach in South Korea
- Waived fee for EPIK (English Program in Korea) program
- Lifetime job placement assistance
International Open Academy– offers a 120- hour TESOL/TEFL certification. The program was created by an English teacher. This certificate is favored by online teachers due its price (IOA is known for their discounts and have offered programs as low as 99% off!) and how quickly it can be completed.
If you need a certification to complete right now, looking to solely teach online and wanting to test the waters in the online ESL world then this program will put you in that direction.
Cost of program: $119.
Highlights of programs:
- Cost effective with a $11.99 membership plan
An accredited university– check your local university to see if they offer a TESOL/TEFL certification. Teaching English as a second language online is a growing field and many U.S. universities offer an online certificate. I am based in California and majority of the university offer the certificate. (See my post Teaching ESL without a degree which I mention some universities offering the certificate.)
Whichever program you decide to pursue, a teaching certificate is a great investment and step towards starting and or enhancing your teaching career.
