The teacher training arm of INTO University Partnerships, known as NILE, is at the forefront of developing an innovative TEFL credential in concert with English UK.
This new initiative, AccessTEFL, is aimed at opening doors to careers in English language teaching within the UK through a comprehensive CPD programme that includes practical training.
AccessTEFL is poised to offer an entryway for those without prior TEFL qualifications, ensuring their recognition under the Accreditation UK standards for teaching positions.
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.
Renowned for its extensive experience in training over 70,000 English language teaching professionals from upwards of 90 nations since 1995, NILE is a leader in the field.
The initiative was sparked by the insights gained from Accreditation UK’s routine evaluation, which highlighted the efficacy of an apprenticeship model in teacher training.
In response, English UK devised a cost-effective in-service qualification pathway aimed at increasing the pool of qualified ELT teachers, enhancing the industry’s accessibility, and bolstering support for newcomers. With the expert guidance of NILE’s teaching specialists, participants will develop vital competencies within the context of UK ELT, supported by their schools’ mentorship and professional development frameworks.
Thom Kiddle, NILE’s Director, shared his thoughts on 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 programme includes a mix of 40 study hours and 80 teaching hours, with mentor observations and opportunities for engaging with fellow educators. Key study areas include The English Language, The English Language Learner, The English Language Classroom, and Reflective Practice.
Jodie Gray, the Chief Executive of English UK, remarked on the initiative’s launch: “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.”
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