The courses and qualifications mentioned here are appropriate for:

• trainee teachers of English looking for international qualifications and training
• experienced teachers of another subject who are starting to teach English
• teachers of English who would like to update their basic skills in English teaching skills

Basic skills for the English language teacher include subject knowledge, English language competence, understanding of learners and learning, classroom management skills, and lesson planning skills.

Courses

What types of course in the UK are there?
There are many high-quality short training courses for basic skills in ELT in the UK. Some courses will prepare you for recognised qualifications. Other courses offer more general training for less experienced teachers. Many combine teacher development modules with language improvement sessions. Courses with titles such as “English for Teachers” and “Classroom English” concentrate on helping you to improve your use of English specifically in the classroom. Most courses normally last from one to four weeks and take place at schools and colleges, both in the private and public sector, across the UK. Some courses are offered part-time, as well as full-time.

An increasing number of courses also now involve blended or distance learning delivery. When choosing a course, it is important to decide if you want practical teaching opportunities. It is generally accepted that the best way to learn to teach is by practising it, with an experienced trainer to guide you. Distance learning courses do not normally offer practical teaching: but they do offer theoretical training and the chance to participate in communities with other teachers.

How do I choose a suitable course?
Think carefully about what your needs are. It may help you to use some of the teacher development tools in the teacher section of this website http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/transform/teachers/teacher-development-tools. Perhaps a course leading to an international qualification will help you. Perhaps you want a course on primary or secondary teaching of English. Perhaps you want to develop a particular part of your teaching - for example, your English language methodology, teaching the skills or your language confidence. When you have decided on what type of course will suit your needs, search for courses on one of the websites suggested below in the How can I find a course? section.

It may be difficult to tell from the course title if it is right for your needs. Check in the course description that it is intended for teachers with your level of experience. You should also check that courses offer practice in teaching. You may also want to check that it is suitable for your language competence – this is often indicated using levels from the Common European Framework Reference for Languages. Assess yourself quickly with the can-do statements with this leaflet from the ALTE site.

How can I pay for a course?
For teachers in the EU, funding may be available through the Comenius Programme, under the Lifelong Learning programme. Teachers outside the EU will need to find their own funding or seek sponsorship from their employer or other body.

How can I find a course?
Courses can be found:

• via the Education UK website - From the drop down Your Study Options menu, choose 'Study English in the UK'. Then choose 'Courses for Teachers' under Types of Course.
• via English UK's website http://www.englishuk.com/ and its English in the UK guide.

The Accreditation UK Scheme http://www.britishcouncil.org/accreditation accredits UK English language learning providers and covers teacher development courses which include English language improvement as an aim.

Find out about Basic skills - qualifications here.