Should you get TEFL or TESOL certified? And if so, how do you choose a program that's actually worth your time and money?

In this episode, LJ tackles one of the most common questions from aspiring and current language teachers: whether certification is still relevant in 2025, given the rise of AI tools, online teaching platforms, and changing job markets. This isn't marketing hype or abstract career advice — it's an honest breakdown of what certification actually is (and isn't), who needs it and who doesn't, how to evaluate programs, and what certification can and can't do for your teaching career.

LJ covers the difference between TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA; the five critical questions to ask when choosing a program (hours, teaching practice, accreditation, online vs. in-person, reputation); and why teaching practice is the most important factor. The episode also addresses the changing industry landscape — AI tools, online platforms, and market competitiveness — and why good teaching remains deeply human work that technology can't replace.

This is for aspiring teachers considering certification, uncertified tutors wondering if it would make a difference, and certified teachers questioning whether they chose the right path.