Why TEFL from the University of Toronto Faculty of Education?
Increase your chances of landing a job
TEFL graduates are qualified for an ESL job overseas in over 25 countries or online English tutor positions.
100% online and self-paced
Get TEFL certified from anywhere in the world, at a pace that fits your schedule.
Internationally recognized
This course reflects the reputation of a world-class, top 20 university that is globally recognized for its academic excellence.
Over half of our TEFL grads received job offers in 3 months!
Schools that have hired our TEFL alumni
We’re here for you every step of the way
Enroll in TEFL
There are no prerequisites to enroll in the OISE TEFL course, so enrollment can be completed at any time and you can begin the course instantly!
Complete your course
On average, students finish in 6-12 weeks with 2-3 hours of study a day.
Apply for jobs with Teach Away
Qualify for hundreds of ESL teaching jobs on our job board.
Get hired
Land your dream job and start your teaching adventure!
Who is a TEFL certification for?
University Graduates
A university graduate, or soon-to-be graduating student, seeking an exciting opportunity to travel and broaden their horizons.
Aspiring Teachers
Teachers new to teaching with no formal teaching experience, with or without a teaching license or qualifications.
Experienced Educators
Educators with a teaching license seeking a professional development certification to prepare for teaching English language learners.
Graduate Testimonials
Wealth of reference materials
“The program fit my needs perfectly and I trusted that the university would not lend their name to an inferior course. This course has a wealth of reference material.”
Dan
Middle School Teacher, China
A Lifesaver
“I think the most useful part of the OISE TEFL course was the lesson planning unit. Being able to plan lessons and manage my own classroom has been a lifesaver.”
Bethany
Language School Teacher, Japan
Teach you how to reach the students
“The OISE University of Toronto TEFL course will help you to understand why and teach you how to reach students.”
Byron
Licensed Teacher, Saudi Arabia
Course Curriculum
The course is offered in a 100, 120 and 150-hour format so you can select the best option for your career goals.
Module 1: Introduction to English Language Teaching
This 20-hour module discusses the function of English as a global language and the structure of the language itself. Why does English function as it does? Which learning methods work best around the world?
During this module, participants will learn about:
- The role of English as a global language
- Principles of second language acquisition
- Teaching methods
Module 2: Teaching Language Skills
This 20-hour module covers the basics of teaching language skills to English Language Learners. The unit focuses on creating student-centered lesson plans. Which elements of English, specifically, can be difficult for students to learn, and how can these difficulties be addressed in the classroom?
During this module, participants will learn about:
- The Dos and Don’ts of ESL/EFL
- Introducing activities, giving instructions and assessing student comprehension
- Providing feedback and correcting student errors
- Teaching the six major elements of language learning: reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar and pronunciation
Module 3: Structuring and Delivering Lessons
This 20-hour module guides students through the process of developing the components of a successful
lesson. Students will learn the elements of effective instruction and assessment. Students will also learn how to identify learner needs and how to choose activities that facilitate productive learning. The unit will enable students to reflect on their teaching and further their professional development.
During this module, participants will learn:
- Effective lesson planning
- Identifying individual needs
- Tailoring lesson plans to different student demographics
Module 4: Managing Your Teaching Environment
This 20-hour module covers classroom management, and teaches participants how to adapt to the needs and learning different styles of students. Classroom techniques vary substantially across the world. Which techniques remain constant in all regions?
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Principles of classroom management
- Building rapport with students
- Elements of effective instruction-giving and checking
Module 5: Resources and Materials
This 10-hour module introduces methods of finding, adapting and personalizing teaching materials. How can teachers adapt materials to meet the needs of English Language Learners?
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Selecting, supplementing, and adapting language-learning materials
- Supporting learners’ use of supplementary and authentic materials
- Evaluating and using online resources
Module 6: Digital Technology in the Classroom
This 10-hour module introduces students to the use of new technologies and meaningful ways in which these can be used to improve language learners’ learning practices. Best practices for language learning via technology – including project-based, mobile, games, apps and more – will be examined.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- The advantages and disadvantages of using computers in language learning
- Integrating technology into a learning environment
- Best practice for using smartphones, learning management systems, and more
Core Modules
Module 1: Introduction to English Language Teaching
This 20-hour module discusses the function of English as a global language and the structure of the language itself. Why does English function as it does? Which learning methods work best around the world?
During this module, participants will learn about:
- The role of English as a global language
- Principles of second language acquisition
- Teaching methods
Module 2: Teaching Language Skills
This 20-hour module covers the basics of teaching language skills to English Language Learners. The unit focuses on creating student-centered lesson plans. Which elements of English, specifically, can be difficult for students to learn, and how can these difficulties be addressed in the classroom?
During this module, participants will learn about:
- The Dos and Don’ts of ESL/EFL
- Introducing activities, giving instructions and assessing student comprehension
- Providing feedback and correcting student errors
- Teaching the six major elements of language learning: reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar and pronunciation
Module 3: Structuring and Delivering Lessons
This 20-hour module guides students through the process of developing the components of a successful
lesson. Students will learn the elements of effective instruction and assessment. Students will also learn how to identify learner needs and how to choose activities that facilitate productive learning. The unit will enable students to reflect on their teaching and further their professional development.
During this module, participants will learn:
- Effective lesson planning
- Identifying student needs
- Tailoring lesson plans to different student demographics
Module 4: Managing Your Teaching Environment
This 20-hour module covers classroom management, and teaches participants how to adapt to the needs and learning different styles of students. Classroom techniques vary substantially across the world. Which techniques remain constant in all regions?
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Principles of classroom management
- Building rapport with students
- Elements of effective instruction-giving and checking
Module 5: Resources and Materials
This 10-hour module introduces methods of finding, adapting and personalizing teaching materials. How can teachers adapt materials to meet the needs of English Language Learners?
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Selecting, supplementing, and adapting language-learning materials
- Supporting learners’ use of supplementary and authentic materials
- Evaluating and using online resources
Module 6: Digital Technology in the Classroom
This 10-hour module introduces students to the use of new technologies and meaningful ways in which these can be used to improve language learners’ learning practices. Best practices for language learning via technology – including project-based, mobile, games, apps and more – will be examined.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- The advantages and disadvantages of using computers in language learning
- Integrating technology into a learning environment
- Best practice for using smartphones, learning management systems, and more
Elective modules (choose from two of the following specializations)
Elective Module 1: Teaching English to Korean Speakers
In this 10-hour module, participants will become familiar with the common difficulties native Korean speakers face when they enter an English language classroom, as well as activities and techniques to help students overcome these difficulties.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Recognizing common phonological errors to help improve Korean speakers’ pronunciation of English vowels, diphthongs and consonants
- Counteracting the problems caused by differences in syntax and morphology between Korean and English
- Improving students’ use of English tenses and verbs
- Adapting teaching style and classroom management techniques to better suit the culture of Korean-speaking students
Elective Module 2: Teaching English to Arabic Speakers
In this 10-hour module, participants will become familiar with the common difficulties native Arabic speakers face when they enter an English language classroom, as well as activities and techniques to help students overcome these difficulties.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Recognizing common phonological errors to help improve Arabic speakers’ pronunciation of English vowels, diphthongs and consonants
- Counteracting the problems caused by differences in syntax and morphology between Arabic and English
- Improving students’ use of English tenses and verbs
- Adapting teaching style and classroom management techniques to better suit the culture of Arabic-speaking students
Elective Module 3: Teaching English to Mandarin (Chinese) Speakers
In this 10-hour module, participants will become familiar with the common difficulties native Native Mandarin speakers face when they enter an English language classroom, as well as activities and techniques to help students overcome these difficulties.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Recognizing common phonological errors to help improve Mandarin speakers’ pronunciation of English vowels, diphthongs and consonants
- Counteracting the problems caused by differences in syntax and morphology between Mandarin and English
- Improving students’ use of English tenses and verbs
- Adapting teaching style and classroom management techniques to better suit the culture of Mandarin-speaking students
Elective Module 4: Teaching English to Young Learners
Teaching young learners presents its own set of challenges, no matter what the language of instruction. Traditional language learning principles are often geared towards adults. Participants in this 10-hour module will learn how to apply these principles with approaches that work best in young learners’ classrooms.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Designing a balanced lesson aimed at young learners
- Engaging young learners through a variety of media, activities, and teaching techniques
- How to effectively teach the major language skills as well as grammar and vocabulary to young learners
- Strategies to properly incorporate technology in the classroom
- How to assess young learners
Elective Module 5: Teaching Test Preparation Courses
In this 10-hour module, participants are introduced to the structure and function of English language tests worldwide.. Participants are taught strategies to provide students with useful study tools for major English language tests.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Identifying and teaching key features of major proficiency tests
- Planning and organising a test preparation course
- Preparing students for reading, writing, speaking and listening tasks
- Teaching vocabulary and grammar in a way that meets test requirements
- Teaching successful test-taking strategies
Elective Module 6: Teaching Business English
This 10-hour module covers the foundations of Business English teaching. English is the language of international business. As the world grows increasingly smaller, the role of English in business grows even larger. Professionals around the world use English either as a first language or as a common second language.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Designing and implementing a Business English course
- Teaching business language and industry jargon
- Helping students practice communicating in a business environment
- Properly adapting material to be culturally appropriate
- Assisting students in writing business correspondence
Module 8: Online Teaching and Learning
In this 10-hour module, students prepare for online teaching and learn how to overcome the challenges of
an online setting.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Harnessing their working environment and improving their online teaching practices
- Adapting online teaching to diverse learners and learning styles
- Gaining awareness of their teaching style and creating a path forward for their professional
development
Module 9: Learner-Centred Classrooms
In this 10-hour module, participants will learn how to give students control of content and language output. This module also covers how to teach discovery and noticing techniques to help students become more independent learners.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Creating a friendly learner-centred classroom
- Teaching behavior structures
- Using student choice activities
- Introduce cooperative and collaborative learning structures into the classroom
- Teaching noticing skills and use language exploration activities
Elective Module 9: Teaching Abroad
This 10-hour module equips new teachers with the knowledge to research destinations, organizations and work environments overseas. International contracts and business norms may differ vastly from those in the teacher’s home country. By learning to address common difficulties and misconceptions when teaching overseas, participants are prepared for all aspects of teaching abroad.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Researching destinations and work environments for teachers abroad
- Resume and interview preparation
Core Modules
Module 1: Introduction to English Language Teaching
This 20-hour module discusses the function of English as a global language and the structure of the language itself. Why does English function as it does? Which learning methods work best around the world?
During this module, participants will learn about:
- The role of English as a global language
- Principles of second language acquisition
- Teaching methods
Module 2: Teaching Language Skills
This 20-hour module covers the basics of teaching language skills to English Language Learners. The unit focuses on creating student-centered lesson plans. Which elements of English, specifically, can be difficult for students to learn, and how can these difficulties be addressed in the classroom?
During this module, participants will learn about:
- The Dos and Don’ts of ESL/EFL
- Introducing activities, giving instructions and assessing student comprehension
- Providing feedback and correcting student errors
- Teaching the six major elements of language learning: reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar and pronunciation
Module 3: Structuring and Delivering Lessons
This 20-hour module guides students through the process of developing the components of a successful lesson. Students will learn the elements of effective instruction and assessment. Students will also learn how to identify learner needs and how to choose activities that facilitate productive learning. The unit will enable students to reflect on their teaching and further their professional development.
During this module, participants will learn:
- Effective lesson planning
- Identifying student needs
- Tailoring lesson plans to different student demographics
Module 4: Managing Your Teaching Environment
This 20-hour module covers classroom management, and teaches participants how to adapt to the needs and learning different styles of students. Classroom techniques vary substantially across the world. Which techniques remain constant in all regions?
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Principles of classroom management
- Building rapport with students
- Elements of effective instruction-giving and checking
Module 5: Resources and Materials
This 10-hour module introduces methods of finding, adapting and personalizing teaching materials. How can teachers adapt materials to meet the needs of English Language Learners?
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Selecting, supplementing, and adapting language-learning materials
- Supporting learners’ use of supplementary and authentic materials
- Evaluating and using online resources
Module 6: Digital Technology in the Classroom
This 10-hour module introduces students to the use of new technologies and meaningful ways in which these can be used to improve language learners’ learning practices. Best practices for language learning via technology – including project-based, mobile, games, apps and more – will be examined.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- The advantages and disadvantages of using computers in language learning
- Integrating technology into a learning environment
- Best practice for using smartphones, learning management systems, and more
Module 7: Online Teaching and Learning
In this 10-hour module, students prepare for online teaching and learn how to overcome the challenges of
an online setting.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Harnessing their working environment and improving their online teaching practices
- Adapting online teaching to diverse learners and learning styles
- Gaining awareness of their teaching style and creating a path forward for their professional
development
Module 8: Learner-Centred Classrooms
In this 10-hour module, participants will learn how to give students control of content and language output. This module also covers how to teach discovery and noticing techniques to help students become more independent learners.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Creating a friendly learner-centred classroom
- Teaching behavior structures
- Using student choice activities
- Introduce cooperative and collaborative learning structures into the classroom
- Teaching noticing skills and use language exploration activities
Module 9: Teaching Abroad
This 10-hour module equips new teachers with the knowledge to research destinations, organizations and work environments overseas. International contracts and business norms may differ vastly from those in the teacher’s home country. By learning to address common difficulties and misconceptions when teaching overseas, participants are prepared for all aspects of teaching abroad.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Researching destinations and work environments for teachers abroad
- Resume and interview preparation
Elective modules (choose from two of the following specializations)
Elective Module 1: Teaching English to Korean Speakers
In this 10-hour module, participants will become familiar with the common difficulties native Korean speakers face when they enter an English language classroom, as well as activities and techniques to help students overcome these difficulties.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Recognizing common phonological errors to help improve Korean speakers’ pronunciation of English vowels, diphthongs and consonants
- Counteracting the problems caused by differences in syntax and morphology between Korean and English
- Improving students’ use of English tenses and verbs
- Adapting teaching style and classroom management techniques to better suit the culture of Korean-speaking students
Elective Module 2: Teaching English to Arabic Speakers
In this 10-hour module, participants will become familiar with the common difficulties native Arabic speakers face when they enter an English language classroom, as well as activities and techniques to help students overcome these difficulties.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Recognizing common phonological errors to help improve Arabic speakers’ pronunciation of English vowels, diphthongs and consonants
- Counteracting the problems caused by differences in syntax and morphology between Arabic and English
- Improving students’ use of English tenses and verbs
- Adapting teaching style and classroom management techniques to better suit the culture of Arabic-speaking students
Elective Module 3: Teaching English to Mandarin (Chinese) Speakers
In this 10-hour module, participants will become familiar with the common difficulties native Native Mandarin speakers face when they enter an English language classroom, as well as activities and techniques to help students overcome these difficulties.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Recognizing common phonological errors to help improve Mandarin speakers’ pronunciation of English vowels, diphthongs and consonants
- Counteracting the problems caused by differences in syntax and morphology between Mandarin and English
- Improving students’ use of English tenses and verbs
- Adapting teaching style and classroom management techniques to better suit the culture of Mandarin-speaking students
Elective Module 4: Teaching English to Young Learners
Teaching young learners presents its own set of challenges, no matter what the language of instruction. Traditional language learning principles are often geared towards adults. Participants in this 10-hour module will learn how to apply these principles with approaches that work best in young learners’ classrooms.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Designing a balanced lesson aimed at young learners
- Engaging young learners through a variety of media, activities, and teaching techniques
- How to effectively teach the major language skills as well as grammar and vocabulary to young learners
- Strategies to properly incorporate technology in the classroom
- How to assess young learners
Elective Module 5: Teaching Test Preparation Courses
In this 10-hour module, participants are introduced to the structure and function of English language tests worldwide.. Participants are taught strategies to provide students with useful study tools for major English language tests.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Identifying and teaching key features of major proficiency tests
- Planning and organising a test preparation course
- Preparing students for reading, writing, speaking and listening tasks
- Teaching vocabulary and grammar in a way that meets test requirements
- Teaching successful test-taking strategies
Elective Module 6: Teaching Business English
This 10-hour module covers the foundations of Business English teaching. English is the language of international business. As the world grows increasingly smaller, the role of English in business grows even larger. Professionals around the world use English either as a first language or as a common second language.
During this module, participants will learn about:
- Designing and implementing a Business English course
- Teaching business language and industry jargon
- Helping students practice communicating in a business environment
- Properly adapting material to be culturally appropriate
- Assisting students in writing business correspondence
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! As an internationally recognized qualification to teach English abroad, a TEFL certification is a common requirement set by most international employers. While you may come across the occasional job posting where a TEFL certification is not explicitly listed as a requirement, being TEFL certified will help you stand out among other candidates when applying for jobs teaching English abroad.
The OISE TEFL course is 100% online and self-paced. This means you can begin at any time, study at your own pace and complete the course alongside your work, school or family schedule!
On average, the 100-hour OISE TEFL course takes approximately 6-8 weeks to complete, the 120-hour course takes 8-10 weeks, and the 150-hour course takes around 10-12 weeks. However, the course is completely self-paced and you have one year to complete the course.
For more answers to common questions related to the OISE TEFL course, check out the full TEFL Certification FAQ or request a call back from a course advisor today.
