INTO University Partnerships’ segment dedicated to teacher training, NILE, is taking a significant step by contributing to the introduction of an innovative TEFL qualification with English UK.
The programme, AccessTEFL, aims to lay down a pathway for aspirants of English language teaching careers within the UK, blending practical training with a guided CPD initiative.
AccessTEFL is set to open doors for those who have yet to obtain a TEFL certificate, providing them with TEFLi status and making them eligible for teaching roles as per Accreditation UK standards.
The scheme will be run by English UK, with day-to-day support, oversight and moderation from teacher training specialists from NILE – Norwich Institute for Language Education, part of the INTO University Partnerships group.
NILE, recognized for its extensive professional development training for over 70,000 English language teachers from around 90 countries since 1995, stands as a beacon in the field.
This initiative took shape from the insights gained during Accreditation UK’s routine assessment, which shed light on the advantages of an apprenticeship model in teacher training.
To this end, English UK has unveiled an economical, in-service qualification pathway that seeks to expand the cadre of qualified ELT professionals, make the sector more approachable, and improve the support structure for newcomers. With the professional guidance of NILE’s seasoned educators, participants will acquire essential skills tailored to the UK ELT environment, supported by mentorship and professional development from their respective schools.
Thom Kiddle, Director of NILE, stated his enthusiasm about the project: “We are excited to be working on a new project with the team at English UK – developing and managing a situated and supported CPD scheme, AccessTEFL, for new teachers joining English UK schools.”
“The scheme, to be launched later this year, will ensure new entrants to the profession are supported with structured, focused development activities, observation and feedback while they learn their craft and help accredited English UK members recruit teachers in combination with the traditional TEFLi routes.”
The AccessTEFL framework entails 40 hours of academic study and 80 hours of teaching practice, offering mentorship and opportunities to work alongside seasoned educators. The programme covers essential topics including The English Language, The English Language Learner, The English Language Classroom, and Reflective Practice.
On the initiative, Jodie Gray, Chief Executive of English UK, commented: “We are delighted to launch ATEFL after many months planning. Many ELT centres have been struggling to hire enough qualified teachers to meet increasing student demand, and that could impede the continuing growth of UK ELT.”
“We believe ATEFL is a great way for centres to grow and develop their own staff, supporting people who are keen to teach English in the UK but who do not have a conventional TEFLi qualification. This is an affordable and accessible way for centres to train high-quality staff as part of their staff CPD, and we hope that as many as possible will be able to take advantage of it.”
