WTEFLAC Who Were They, what did they do and How did They Work?

 

wteflac


As the WTEFLAC ceases operations, we explain what the organization set out to do, how it worked, and where this leaves the industry.

The World TEFL Accrediting Commission has ceased operations. Since its inception it had been a leading accrediting company seeking to raise standards in TEFL and TESOL education. However, its logo continues to be displayed on the marketing literature of many of the companies it regulated. So what does that mark mean and can it still be used as a guide for quality?

Who were they?

The WTEFLAC was a private accrediting organization that provided accreditation of TEFL and TESOL courses. These qualifications should be recognized the world over for anyone looking to teach English as a foreign language. However, quality varies and not all providers give customers value for money.

An accreditation mark is crucial for anyone researching potential providers. It offers verification that this provider can back up its claims and that courses are delivered by professional and qualified individuals with a commitment to learning. For customers, it offers reassurance that this company is legitimate and will give them the knowledge needed to achieve their professional goals.

What did they do?

The company set a benchmark for minimum standards of quality providers would have to meet. Courses would have to be professionally structured and provide a clear pathway of learning. Students should be given a worthwhile certificate at the end of their studies – assuming they past the course – and marketing material should accurately reflect the content of the courses on offer.

All pricing information should be clearly displayed and potential students given clear guidance about what they would be expected to do and how much they would have to pay.

Staff would need to be professional and qualified with at least three years of experience teaching English as a foreign language. New recruits would need to be given training and ample opportunities for further professional development. Meanwhile the company would have to adopt a positive culture with a full commitment to equal opportunities.

How did they work?

To become accredited companies would apply to the WTEFLAC and an accreditation board would review their material and determine if they met the standards required. If they did then they could display the WTEFLAC logo on their websites and all marketing materials.

Some of those logos may still be on display even after the WTEFLAC has ended its operations. They represent a badge confirming that the company has been independently assessed and that it meets the required guidelines.

Moving into the future, the WTEFLAC itself is no longer here, but the need for verification and accreditation continues. The web has given people choice and any customer has a huge number of courses to choose from. However, they need independently verifiable information that the companies they are considering meet the minimum requirements in terms of quality and performance. For that they need companies capable of providing an honest and impartial appraisal of all course providers.

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