Beyond the Certificate: Why a TEFL Practicum Can Make All the Difference
- admin107422
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
If you’re exploring options for getting TEFL certified, you’ve probably come across dozens of online courses promising everything from lifetime access to international job placement. It can be hard to know what really matters.
But here’s one factor that can set you apart from other new teachers—and it’s often overlooked: the practicum.
What Is a TEFL Practicum?
A TEFL practicum is a structured opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your course in a real or simulated teaching environment. It might involve observing live ESL classes, preparing and delivering lessons, or receiving feedback from an experienced mentor.
In short: it’s where theory meets practice.
And it’s where you gain the confidence, clarity, and credibility to walk into your first teaching job and say, “I’ve done this before.”
Why It Matters to Employers
Many new TEFL teachers run into the classic Catch-22: you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience. A practicum helps break that cycle.
Some employers—especially online schools and international programs—require teaching hours in addition to a 120-hour certificate. Others strongly prefer candidates who have already led a class or been observed in action.
A practicum can:
Strengthen your resume
Help you stand out in competitive hiring markets
Give you real examples to reference in interviews
Reduce first-day teaching anxiety
What We Offer at Brook Hill
At The Brook Hill Training Institute, we know how valuable hands-on experience is—especially for new educators. That’s why we offer more than just TEFL certification.
All our learners have access to:
A free 15-hour Basic Practicum, with teaching practice and opportunity to observe professional teachers
Optional Advanced Practicum tracks with personalized feedback
Flexible, online-friendly formats to suit your schedule and goals
Whether you’re preparing to teach online or abroad, our practicum options are designed to build your skills—and your confidence.
Certification Is the First Step. Practice Makes It Real.
A high-quality TEFL course is essential. But real preparation means more than passing quizzes or watching videos. It means applying your knowledge, getting feedback, and growing as a teacher before you're in front of a class full of students.
If you’re serious about teaching English and want more than just a certificate, choose a program that includes practical training.
At The Brook Hill Training Institute, we’ll help you turn your training into real teaching experience—so you can step into your new role with purpose and professionalism.
Comments