Why the WTEFLAC?
Although the WTEFLAC is no longer active, during its lifetime, it provided benefits both to customers and providers.
The World TEFL Accrediting Commission set out to provide validation of TEFL and TESOL courses. Using its code of conduct it assessed companies on the strength of courses, staff and the honesty of its marketing material. It pointed people in the direction of those providers who could be trusted and helped to raise overall standards. As such it was a vital resource for customers and providers alike.
Validation
Without any information to work on TEFL and TESOL course providers would be free to make any claims they like. Often, they did. Content would over hype the quality of a course giving people the impression they could access a world class TEFL qualification for a tiny amount of money. In reality courses were poor quality and came with hidden costs.
The WTEFLAC assessed all providers against their code of conduct to make sure they met minimum standards of quality and performance. An accreditation mark from the WTEFLAC gave customers the reassurance of knowing that this provider was legitimate, accountable and run by professionals.
An information Resource
Aside from providing accreditation, the WTEFLAC website also served as an information hub. By checking out the guides and blogs on the site, potential students could access teaching tips and more information about the TEFL sector in general. It was an information rich experience which focused not just on building skills but also giving people insights into the sector so they could translate a successful TEFL course into a long-term teaching placement.
Stand out from the crowd
It wasn’t just customers who could benefit. Providers regularly applied to the WTEFLAC looking to be assessed and accredited. Once that happened the board would look at all the company’s information, assess the quality of its courses, the experience of its staff and check the accuracy of its marketing materials.
Only if the provider met all the standards set out in the code of conduct would they become accredited in which case they could display the logo on all marketing collateral. This was an independent stamp of approval with which nobody could argue.
Improve services
The accreditation process was about much more than simply proving your work. The collaborative process forced companies to go back into their operations, understand how they worked and where they could make improvements.
Just because a company met the minimum thresholds set out in the code of conduct didn’t mean there weren’t opportunities to do things better. By going through their old documents and reviewing course content, businesses were effectively auditing their services. This could throw up areas for improvement.
Going forward
Overall the WTEFLAC helped to raise standards and provide all parties with access to reliable information about reputable providers. Sadly it has now closed its doors, but the work to improve information and accountability in the TEFL and TESOL sectors continues.