In response to the proliferation of short-term TESOL certificate programs around the world, TESOL International Association has developed a set of standards for entry-level short-term certificate programs. The standards are intended to provide a framework for organizations to use in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs that prepare candidates to teach English as a second or foreign language. The new standards require 120-180 hours of study and are structured around three main areas: organization and program management standards, curriculum and instructor standards, and candidate standards.
“For many years, TESOL has fielded requests to evaluate short-term certificate programs,” said Executive Director Rosa Aronson. “The association is pleased now to offer standards that program administrators can use to measure their programs and a tool to assist in improving the quality of instruction provided to teaching candidates.” Many people starting in the field of teaching English as a second, foreign, or additional language pursue an entry-level credential through various short-term certificate programs. These independent short-term TESL/TEFL certificate programs vary widely in quality and rigor. However, because no single organization officially oversees them, TESOL International Association developed the standards to help certificate programs provide the professional training necessary to ensure that English language teachers can meet their students’ needs while still allowing for flexibility to create personalized learning experiences.
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