I am probably in a different position to most people who complete a TESOL course, in that I have had several years experience in ESL teaching. So why on Earth would I complete a TESOL course if I have formerly been a teacher to students learning English as a Second Language? Shouldn't I know the course content already? Doesn't the hands-on experience I've had count for more in the eyes of prospective employers?

My previous teaching background certainly gave me a great head start for the TESOL course content, however, there are so many different teaching methodologies and techniques that it's hard to know which is most effective and which one a language school would expect. Learning about the ESA (Engage, Study, Activate) technique allowed me to tie together all that I have been doing in the classroom prior into a neat little package with structured guidelines that are recognised world-wide.

I have taught in Japan, where having a TESOL qualification isn't always a pre-requisite. I had a wonderful time and urge people to embark on a journey overseas to teach. Once I had the experience in schools and private teaching I was expecting that I could then go to any other country I pleased and they would be happy for me to teach there based on the knowledge and skills I had accumulated and the exposure I had as a teacher in the classroom. I quickly found out that I was sadly mistaken. In Europe I couldn't get any work as a ESL teacher, at all...without a TESOL qualification, I wasn't even considered.

Naturally, we tend to focus on how much a teacher completing a TESOLL course will benefit their students. But let's not forget the stress it relieves for the teacher, particularly inexperienced ones! Imagine creating a needs analysis, course syllabus and lesson plan if you've never been taught how to do so (that's if you've even heard what they are!). We do these things to benefit the students, of course, but they make the teachers' job a lot smoother as well. How about a teacher who walks into a classroom with a group of adults who are really shy and very reluctant to speak? How is the new teacher expected to know how to turn this situation around? Completing a TESOL course gives you so much information on a large number of topics that you could be expected to find within a classroom and the tools to successfully tackle what you'll face. If nothing else, it's worthwhile for this reason alone. I remember my first couple of weeks teaching where my training was very minimal, it was very scary. I would have felt much more comfortable (and slept better at night!) if I had finished a TESOL course before starting my teaching career.

Now look at things from a students' point of view. Many students pay hefty fees to be able to learn English from a native speaker and so it is reasonable to assume that they expect their teacher to have studied to best accommodate their needs. If you were learning another another language, and paying for the privilege, I'm sure you'd expect the same from your teacher and want them to be as knowledgeable as possible.

I would highly recommend undertaking a TESOL course as it gives the beginner teacher such a huge advantage for when they finally step into that classroom. They are much more prepared with knowledge, techniques and tools for making their course beneficial to their students. I know that when I step back into the classroom again my lessons will be greatly enhanced now that I have completed a TESOL course. It opens so many doors around the world and they are opportunities not to be missed! I really believe that a TESOL course is the best way to prepare yourself as an English teacher and you're students will thank you for it.

Melissa Gibson