TESOL / TEFL Certification Courses in Virginia

Astar Education Institute, Washington DC Metro Area:
Located in Manassas in the Northern Virginia / Washington DC metro area, Astar Education Institute (AEI) is a leader in the field of international education and ESL certification. We provide an intensive, 140-hour TEFL / TESOL certificate program for students who want to live and work abroad as an English language teacher. This program is internationally-accredited, and we provide international employment opportunities for students who wish to travel to China and teach English.

English Teacher Certification Program:
Duration: 140 hours

The CORE section of the TEFL / TESOL certificate is mandatory, and must be completed before taking any of the elective courses.

It aims to provide an introduction to teaching English as a second language, and all the basic knowledge necessary for an in-depth understanding of the field.

Teaching of each of the 4 sections of language acquisition – listening, speaking, reading and writing – forms the central focus of the course, inclusive of elements of teaching pronunciation, methods of vocabulary building, conversation, grammar, and reading comprehension.

General Course Features:
- Learn about ESL curricula, and how to create and execute appropriate lesson plan
- Theories that underpin current approaches to teaching English, and some of the controversies and contraindications surrounding these same approaches
- Assessing learners' needs, and how to motivate individuals to strive for excellence in their learning
- Methods and approaches, including information about historical background, to TESOL are explained and examined.
- Practical knowledge about classroom management

Core Modules:
• Introduction to TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
• Methodology and Linguistic Theory in ESL Teaching
• Assessing English Language Proficiency
• Teaching Speaking and Listening English
• Teaching Reading and Writing English
• Teaching Grammar, Vocabulary and Lesson Planning
• ESL Classroom Management
• Teaching Practicum

Elective Modules:
• Teaching English to Children
• Teaching English for Academic Purposes 

On successfully completing this course, you will be able to analyze a curriculum, create an appropriate lesson plan, target the learning needs of class participants, develop high expectations of student learning, and monitor and assess student progress.

Teaching Practice: 
Teaching practice (practicum) provides an opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience in a real classroom environment.

You will be able to observe and deploy the application of the theories you have learned about in an authentic teaching-learning scenario.

All professionals agree that there is no substitute for direct and authentic teaching experience, especially in the areas of correct pronunciation and conversational skills.