TOP 11 TEFL Courses in Maine

Looking for a TEFL course in Maine? Want to be a TEFL – certified English teacher in Maine? There are many good schools offering TEFL courses to help you become qualified to teach English in a foreign land. Most of these schools offer both TEFL certification courses that you can do in-class or online, at your convenience. In this article, we will try to understand the importance of TEFL certification courses and check out the Top 11 TEFL courses in Maine.

What is TEFL certification?

 TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. You might be a trained professional or maybe a college graduate but doing a TEFL course is necessary if you want to get eligible to teach English abroad, online, or from the comfort of your home. The TEFL market is growing fast and has unlimited opportunities. TEFL certification focuses on teaching English to both native English speakers and to those wanting to pursue further education overseas or find job opportunities abroad.

Listed below are a few certifications equivalent:

ESL– English as a Second Language.

ELT– English Language Teaching.

TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language)

TESOL – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.                                                                                

Tips to choose the Best TEFL certification

The TEFL industry is in great demand and quite vast. With so many institutes claiming to offer the best TEFL certification programs, choosing the right TEFL institute has become a daunting affair. Let us try to get a better understanding of the best TEFL course one should enroll in.

It is important to focus on two primary areas while doing your research to consider which TEFL institutes are the best. Let us take a look at these primary research focus areas in detail:

1. Academics:

Research to know more about the academic standards that the TEFL institute offers and the accreditation of their TEFL certification offered. Focus on the duration of the course, their accreditation, the qualification of the course trainers, and if the TEFL certification programs include hands-on teaching practices for the students.

Duration of the TEFL Course Offered by the Institute: Ask this simple question. Do any of these TEFL certification programs cover 120 hours of training? Yes, the minimum standard to be met for accreditation is 100 hours of academic training and live-practice teaching to ESL students for at least 6-20 hours. Any interactive TEFL certification programs having this structure will take 2-3 months to complete. TEFL training courses with less than 100 hours or no practical training will not be internationally recognized. Most employers have high standards and do not value these lesser certification courses.

Avoid cheap and short TEFL courses. They are quick to complete but do not meet TEFL industry requirements like 100+ hours and 6 hours+ of practicum. One can acquire a TEFL-affiliated course from a university but one needs to be aware of the length of the program. A basic budgeted program of a 100-hour lesson plan is mostly for new English teachers. A 120-hour lesson plan that includes practical teaching is designed for graduates seeking jobs abroad and for the smooth clearing of visas. A more comprehensive course of 150 hours is designed to accelerate one’s career growth. It is therefore a good idea to talk to your career advisor before undertaking a TEFL program.

Know if the TEFL course is Accredited: It is important to find out if these accredited TEFL certification programs you are planning to enroll in are accredited and recognized internationally or not. Many TEFL institutes set up their own faux accrediting bodies by trapping students with their attractive names and impressive websites. Unfortunately, it is often too late before one realizes that the accreditation of these TEFL institutes is recognized in the TEFL world.

Accreditation: Accreditation involves a rigorous and formal procedure of evaluation by a recognized accrediting body. There are many recognized accrediting bodies. These accrediting bodies are third-party independent groups that examine a TEFL institute’s academic and professional and academic standards. Online accredited TEFL certification programs offer quality assurance, and external authentication and are designed and delivered by an internationally recognized university. Below are listed a few independent accrediting bodies recognized in the TEFL industry. Most of these listed bodies have online accreditation too.

One can easily check the accreditation of any TEFL certification course claiming to be accredited directly by contacting these above accrediting bodies. For any other TEFL certification programs claiming accreditation outside of these, find out what that accrediting body is before signing up with them.

Qualification of TEFL Certification Course Trainer: Another important area to focus on is the qualification of the course trainer or instructor. What is the experience of the instructors who will be conducting the sessions of the claimed accredited TEFL certification programs? TEFL being a professional and university-level high qualification definitely needs to be taught by highly experienced, qualified, and professional instructors having a master’s degree in TESOL or an equivalent degree in the related field. They should also have taught English as a foreign language for a significant number of years or have done equivalent training like an ESL endorsement or degree in Education etc.

Many TEFL courses do not specify the qualification of their instructors Beware of such courses. They might look more affordable but they do not impart the required knowledge to their student and often are not recognized.

Practicum (Live Practical Student Teaching training): “Practicum” refers to the twenty hours of hands-on or practical teaching/tutoring that one needs to complete in an EFL or ESL classroom scenario to earn one’s accredited TEFL certification. Practicum is necessary as it helps one to gain actual experience and the necessary skill set to become an efficient teacher. Most organizations looking to recruit English teachers do not recognize TEFL certification courses that have not included practicum as a part of the course. The 20-hour hands-on training ensures that potential employers globally recognize your TEFL certification. 

2. Job support after completion of the TEFL course:

Find out if the institute assists its students to actually get employment overseas or online as qualified English teachers.

Support from Professional TEFL Advisors before Registration: Investing one’s money and time in any of these accredited TEFL certification programs to go overseas is not a small thing. One needs to not only be aware but also understand certain important areas like Where are good prospects available for teaching abroad? When are the main hiring seasons? How much start-up money one needs to go abroad, The qualifications required to work in different markets, What is the pay-package one can expect? Etc.

Getting the assistance of a professional advisor will definitely help to cover all of these doubts and provide information about working abroad and about online courses available. This helps one take better decisions before committing their money and time to any specific accredited TEFL certification programs.

Free Job Search Support: Most institutes these days offer lifetime free job support guidance. Check before enrolling if the TEFL institute provides you with career advice from proficient career advisors that should include giving insight and knowledge regarding matters related to finding an appropriate job. Eg.  How to write an international resume and a professional cover letter, How to negotiate a contract, and understand visa regulations. It is also good to enquire if the TEFL institute provides job search and placement guidance. Also, find out if this service is paid and its term before enrolling for the course.

Reviews and Testimonials: Consider taking a look at the online accredited TEFL certification programs’ testimonials and reviews to differentiate the good online TEFL certification courses from the not-so-good ones. Shortlist courses with good reviews. A course with no reviews or poor reviews automatically proves that the course has not got any rave about it. As an online learner, it is important to do one’s research well about the country that one plans to move into. Try to read impartial online reviews that give facts that one might have missed out on while researching. 

Maine and TEFL Course

Maine is the north-easternmost state in the US. It is well-known for its maritime history and rocky coastline. The Local governments of Maine are responsible for secondary and public elementary education under the supervision of the state board of education. Most rural zones have multi-community school administrative districts to provide education to the local people. Let us take a look at some of the Top TEFL courses in Maine.

1. Henry Harvin

Henry Harvin has one of the best TEFL certifications online. Their 120-hour TEFL certification online course is designed in such a manner that one qualifies for their certification on the first go.

Their TEFL certification program incorporates the most popular teaching approaches that are essential for effective teaching. Most candidates complete Henry Harvin’s TEFL certification program in 8 – 12 weeks. However, they have an option of completing the same within 52 weeks. The teachers at Henry Harvin are professional and experts in their domain. They have more than 10 years of experience in Teaching English to Non-Native Speakers and cover the course with ease.

Henry Harvin also offers job support to their students. Doing a Henry Harvin TEFL certification course means getting qualified for 12000+ jobs worldwide automatically with a handsome starting pay package of around $ 3000 /month package.

Course Highlights

• Get E-Learning Access like Projects, Recorded Videos, and Case Studies
• Assistance in facing the interview
• Guaranteed Internship
• Job Opportunities and 100% job placement assistance
• Access to LMS Portal with Case Studies and Exercises
• Professional and experienced instructors

2. ITTT Portland Maine

ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training), offers accredited best TEFL certification courses that aim to help aspirants towards meeting their career goals of being qualified to teach the English language overseas. They have more than 20 years of experience in this field and provide the best TEFL certification courses with quality in-class and online programs. Thousands of new English teachers have graduated from ITTT and gone on to work and live in countries worldwide.

ITTT provides top-quality and a diverse range of practical, best TEFL certification online courses. In addition to their 60-hours and 120-hour TEFL course, they also provide a 220-hour Master Package. This is a combination of 3 out of their most popular internationally recognized best TEFL certifications online – the 120-hour TEFL certification course, the 50-hour of CTEYL (TEFL course in teaching English to young learners), and the 50-hour of CTBE (TEFL course in teaching business English). All their courses are available with or without tutor support as per the student’s choice. ITTT also offers the 470-hour Professional Package and the 550-hour Expert Package for people who want to more about this field.

Course Highlights

• High-quality professional TEFL course at a reasonable cost
• Internationally recognized accredited TEFL Certification
• ITTT is associated with a vast network of renowned TEFL institutes that provide placements to their graduates
• Access to their extensive teaching job support services for life.
• Professional and experienced instructors

 3. International Career Institute, Online TEFL Diploma Course

If you want to study the best TEFL certification online in the comfort of your home in Maine, International Career Institute (ICI) is a good choice. ICI is an accredited online institute for students worldwide who are seeking to do high-quality TEFL courses online from home. ICI offers TEFL Diploma certification in English teacher training online.  They also offer a wide range of professional and in-demand ICI Diploma & ICI Advanced Diploma programs.

Course Highlights

• 24 weeks of Home Study
• Weekly intake Study Materials
• A flexible and automated self-paced program

4. CIEE TEFL Course

CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad venture. It is known for its intercultural exchange, and international education and for equipping its students with the skills they need to work in a global world. Their internationally-recognized TEFL courses focus on imparting knowledge of TEFL-related theories and teaching methodologies. CIEE claims they offer the best TEFL certification that helps aspirants earn international experience, be adaptable and work efficiently with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

CIEE offers a vast range of short introductory TEFL courses to a more interactive and rigorous eleven-week course.  They presently offer a 150-HOUR TEFL CERTIFICATION course with practicum, an introductory 60-HOUR TEFL CERTIFICATION course, and a 30-HOUR TEFL CERTIFICATE course.

Course Highlights

• CIEE offers more grants and scholarships as compared to other TEFL programs from other providers.
• A flexible and automated self-paced course
• Feedback and assistance from professional trainers
• Access to lessons regarding cultural values 
• Complete Job Support and Assistance   

5. Central Maine Community College

With the number of English language learners increasing every day around the world, TEFL-certified teachers are in great demand. CMCC (Central Maine Community College) offers globally recognized best TEFL certification online courses so that one can teach English abroad or online. Their 120-hours TEFL course online trains students on management strategies and focuses on preparing and delivering dynamic lesson plans. This course helps to prepare students for new career prospects or even helps them to advance within their current profession.

Course Highlights

• How to find and design teaching resources.
• Gives classroom confidence.
• Help find better job opportunities with handsome salaries.
• Opening to travel and work overseas

 6. Maine School Administrative District #40

Millions of aspirants worldwide work with TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) trainers to learn and understand the English language better. Maine School offers globally recognized best TEFL certification online courses so that one can get qualified to teach English abroad and online. This TEFL course teaches its students how English as a language needs to be taught to different audiences, that includes Young Learners and Business English Users.

The 220-hours TEFL course online offered by Maine school trains students on management strategies and focuses on preparing and delivering dynamic lesson plans. Aspirants are taught language skills and how one needs to teach these skills to others. 

Course Highlights

• How to find and design teaching resources.
• Gives classroom confidence.
• Help find better job opportunities with handsome salaries.
• Opening to travel and work overseas
• Specializes in Teaching the English language online focusing on niche areas like teaching Business English and Young Learners.

7. OxfordTEFL

OxfordTEFL provides an extensive TEFL course online with teacher training experience. They have carefully curated their best TEFL certification course to offer the highest quality and most effective tools and materials, making this course unique in the industry.

OxfordTEFL is an internationally recognized, prestigious TEFL qualification. This TEFL course focuses on covering grammar, teaching methodologies, and language awareness.

During the training sessions, students are made to work in small groups and team up as if in a real classroom scenario. This type of teaching methodology helps to prepare students to adapt well and become successful teachers in the future.

Course Highlights

• Convenience to study from anyplace
• Course for both non-native and native English-speakers
• Training imparted to teach both young learners and adults
• Self-motivated workshops and sessions via the online learning platform
• The dynamic and supportive learning environment
• World-class, professional trainers
• Career support

8. MyTEFL

MyTEFL offers the most affordable TEFL course online and in person from where one can choose the best possible option that meets their needs. MyTEFL is a member of the IATEFL and their certification is accredited by OTTSA, which is globally recognized.

They provide multiple courses of 40, 60, 80, and 120 hours of their best TEFL certification online programs. They also give their students 24/7 Tutor Assistance. The course is informative and well-planned. Most students complete their online classes within 3-6 weeks. Free job assistance and placements are also given to the students after completion of their course.

Course Highlights

• Opening to travel and work overseas
• The ultimate balance of theory and practical
• Help find better job opportunities with handsome salaries.

9. TEFLPros

TEFLPros is a newbie to the TEFL industry. Their certification is accredited by ACCREDITATION. TEFLpros courses are affordable. They offer a complete TEFL certification online for 120 hours. The course includes 10 modules related to lesson plans for reading, writing, speaking, and grammar. They also focus on classroom management and encourage student participation.

TEFLPros curriculum teaches new teachers how to analyze and also criticize their own performance as a teacher so that they can improve and succeed in different educational environments worldwide. Most students complete this certification in 3 to 6 weeks. Students are given job assistance after completing their certification.

Course Highlights

• The dynamic and supportive learning environment
• World-class, professional trainers
• Lifetime Job Assistance
• Internationally recognized accredited TEFL Certification

10. Bridge TEFL

BridgeTEFL is a well-known institute offering the best TEFL certification online courses. Bridge TEFL is accredited by ACCET.  They have 30+ years of experience in the field of TEFL and have assisted thousands to achieve their teaching English goals. Bridge TEFL give one the option to choose from their shorter 40 or 60-hour TEFL course online certifications. One can also select more in-depth online TEFL certification options of 100, 120, or 150 hours. 

All their TEFL courses over 100 hours of learning include tutor feedback, job placement, and assistance. Their offer 100% of their TEFL course online and can be completed from anywhere. They focus on imparting high-quality education through enjoyable interactive assignments. These courses are highly flexible and affordable.

Course Highlights

• Opening to travel and work overseas
• Blend of theory and practical
• Complete at your convenience – 100% online
• Personalized job placement assistance

11. i-To-i TEFL 

i-To-I TEFL is one of the best TEFL certification providers since 1994 offering both online and in-classroom course options. i-To-i TEFL courses are fully accredited and regulated by the government of the UK.  They offer a wide selection of courses from 120-hour introductory TEFL courses to 300-hour TEFL course online diplomas. They also offer a 320 hours combined TEFL Diploma which is a blend of both online classes and 20 hours of additional classroom-based learning.

Their course materials include a study guide. One can also purchase grammar eBooks and lesson plans from them. i-to-i TEFL has partnered with 300 institutions and schools which ensures a strong network base for aspiring candidates for teaching English abroad. After completion of the program one also gets access to the i-To-i job board that helps new aspirants in finding teaching opportunities overseas.

Course Highlights

• Highly qualified professional trainers
• Lifetime Job Assistance
• Convenience to study from anyplace
• Course for both non-native and native English-speakers

120-hours TEFL / TESOL Online Certification Course

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