To meet the challenges of reform in English language teaching in China, the Joint Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (JCertTESOL) is designed for English language teachers throughout China.  Its main aim is for participants to develop an increased awareness of appropriate teaching methodology and to improve classroom teaching skills in the local context.

Participating teachers must have

• • a local qualification for a teaching post
• • experience in English language teaching
• • a minimum language level equivalent to CEFR B2: Trinity GESE 8, Trinity ISE II, IELTS 5.5, Cambridge FCE (or local equivalent)
• • a willingness to work cooperatively as a member of the training group and respond constructively to feedback on personal performance

Considering the practical issues of large numbers of teachers in need of training and a limited amount of time in which these teachers can be released from duties, a two week training program is offered, supported by practical pre-course tasks and a post-course assessment.

The JCertTESOL comprises 70 hours of study: 10 hours independent study before the course, followed by an intensive two week program of 60 contact hours. The number of teachers per course is 48.

Each teacher is expected to attend the full course and complete the final assessment to the required standard in order to qualify for the award. The program is designed by Train the Teacher for the local context with international validation by Trinity College London.