The WTEFLAC’s code of practice was designed as a standard that all legitimate and reputable TEFL providers should be able to offer.

The World TEFL’s primary goal was to raise overall TEFL and TESOL sector standards. A key pillar in its strategy was the code of practice – a set of criteria that defined key qualities all TEFL and TESOL providers should be expected to achieve. The code established clear baseline for all providers to meet and raised the overall bar for all courses to meet. In doing so the code contributes to a more robust, transparent, and trustworthy TEFL sector.

The WTEFLAC code of practice.

The code of practice was crucial in setting a baseline for the sector to follow. The WTEFLAC accreditation board drew up a set of criteria that any reputable provider should be expected to meet. It was designed to eliminate common failings such as poor course structure, untrained staff, and inaccurate marketing materials.

After detailed investigations, the team drew up the following criteria.

·       Qualifications of staff: The code sought to ensure that staff were not only qualified to teach, but they also had practical experience. All staff employed by a provider had to be able to demonstrate at least three years of experience as an EFL (English as a foreign language). Such experience enabled them to offer practical advice to help people deal with the day-to-day challenges of managing a classroom.

·       Marketing material: The industry was experiencing a growing issue with unsubstantiated marketing claims. When assessing a provider, the accreditation board would examine the contents of each course and compare them against what was claimed on the websites and marketing collateral. They wanted to make sure that all claims could be backed up by what was delivered.

·       Course structure: The code demands that courses meet best practice standards in terms of structure and content. Each course had to be laid out clearly, covering all the key skills teachers needed. They also needed a significant element of peer-to-peer learning to help build practical abilities.

·       Culture: Each provider had to demonstrate a clear commitment to equal opportunities, with staff being given plenty of opportunities for professional development through training. The company also had to show a structure for continual improvement, with courses being reviewed regularly to ensure the company continues to maintain standards.

·       Assessment: The code also made sure that the final assessment would lead to a recognised qualification. Students should be given clear expectations about what they are expected to achieve and how they should be marked. At the end, they should have a clear certification to demonstrate their achievements.

The code was not meant to be exclusive. It incorporated a wide range of courses at all price. What it did ensure is that any provider bearing the WTEFLAC logo could be trusted to deliver on their claims. It would be run by qualified, trained, and reputable people who could help you forge a lucrative new career teaching English as a foreign language.