What we do

what is actdec?

ACTDEC stands for Accreditation Council for TESOL Distance Education Courses. We are a non-profit independent accrediting body, responsible for maintaining professional standards in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) online and distance programmes. Our function is to provide frameworks and accreditation structures for providers of ELT (English Language Teacher) training programmes.

We accredit course providers by ensuring that they meet and continue to adhere to a rigorous professional Code of Practice and we accredit specific courses from these providers at different levels, from introductory to advanced. While the same domains of learning, standards and learning outcomes are covered at the respective levels by all ACTDEC providers, the course methodology, approach and delivery may differ. Our partners and their accredited courses are regularly audited to ensure that quality expectations are being met.

Want to experience the expertise of ACTDEC for yourself? Contact us today and we will be in touch to see how we can help you get your organisation and your course(s) recognised internationally.

WHY is ACTDEC important?

Standards are essential in the training of teachers of English to speakers of other languages. This is especially true in the case of free-standing, online TESOL programmes as the anonymity of cyberspace can provide ideal camouflage for some unscrupulous operators. Organisations that are not prepared to submit themselves or their courses to the scrutiny of external accreditation very often have something to hide. The really first-class ELT training organisations take pride in their provision and prove it with accreditation.

However, many online course providers simply "accredit" themselves through "virtual universities" which are not recognised universities in any commonly understood sense. Such providers are not subject to regular inspection or external audit.

ACTDEC is one of the longest-standing internationally recognised non-profit-making independent accreditation bodies whose regulatory function aims to benefit all those interested in raising standards and protecting the public. Our conscientious accredited members take pride in offering their teacher trainees a superlative learning experience and know that by becoming accredited they are able to prove it. Whether they are just starting out or are already experienced course providers, we help them to improve their course(s) and enhance the service they provide on an ongoing basis.

Our story

Bill Lee - a truly international figure

ACTDEC was founded in 1993 by a small group of TESOL course providers concerned about the dubious and insubstantial quality of TEFL/TESOL distance courses on offer. ACTDEC was established to advance professionalism by setting standards for online programmes offering training in TESOL.

The first Chair of ACTDEC – and one of its driving forces – was the late Dr William R. Lee, a leading expert in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT). Well-known as a teacher, writer, examiner, the 20-year editor of ELT Journal and the founding father of IATEFL, Bill was instrumental in creating ACTDEC's Code of Practice and accreditation procedures. He left an indelible mark on the profession and on ACTDEC itself.

Since those early years, ACTDEC has been run by a small group of dedicated TESOL professionals. We feel strongly that teacher trainees deserve to get great value for their money and feel thoroughly prepared to step into the classroom by the end of their chosen course. To that end, we help course providers improve their courses and provide them with the recognition they deserve.

Structure

Our accredited providers become ACTDEC partners and members of our Council, thus ensuring and maintaining interest in keeping ACTDEC transparent and moving forward. The Chair of ACTDEC, Secretary and Treasurer are elected annually from among accredited members.

Other Council members may include prominent figures in the ELT profession and members proposed by accredited providers.

The Audit & Accreditation (A&A) Panel is appointed by the Council and typically consists of a two-person team – a first reviewer and a second reviewer. A&A Panel members are independent and appropriately qualified, with experience and expertise in the field of TESOL and training.

Non-profit

ACTDEC has a long history of being run by volunteers and minimally paid staff - we are certainly not in the business to make money! In 2020, membership and accreditation/audit fees were reviewed and updated in light of the fact that they had not been increased since 2013!

The annual membership fee we charge covers a minimal monthly retainer for our Administrator and our Audit & Accreditation Panel (A&A Panel) and the remainder is used for administrative purposes. Accreditation fees go directly to our A&A Panel members on a course-by-course basis and represent only a fraction of the time they invest in reviewing our members' courses and organisations.

We are committed to transparency in our operations and our accounts, registered with Companies House in the UK, can be reviewed at

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/06713832/filing-history.

Meet the Team

At ACTDEC, we have an exceptional team with a vast range of experience and expertise in TESOL. We are commited to staying on top of research and learning new ways of doing things. We love being able to provide you with a personalised service that will get you where you want to go. Learn a bit more about us below.

Administrator

Andrew bowdler

MA in Applied Linguistics; B.Ed. (Hons)

I have worked in the TEFL industry for some 25 years, as a teacher, teacher trainer, coordinator, and administrator, both in the UK and abroad.

I joined ACTDEC as Administrator in mid-2019. Since then I have worked closely with our small team to help revise our various structures and update the Audit & Accreditation process.

Perhaps most importantly, I have worked on getting ACTDEC’s name more widely known. Over the next few years, I hope to help further increase the number of our member providers.

Audit & Accreditation Panel - Reviewer

catriona scott

PhD in Education, MA in TESOL, BA Hons

I have worked in the field of TEFL and TESOL for 20 years, as a teacher, teacher trainer, coordinator, researcher and lecturer. My particular area of expertise is language testing and assessment.

I joined ACTDEC’s Audit and Accreditation Panel as a second reviewer in 2014. While I work closely with the first reviewer, each of us approaches the review independently so our providers gain the benefit of feedback from both of us.

What I most enjoy about working with ACTDEC is the chance to collaborate with our enthusiastic providers on the design of their courses and see a wide range of projects come together.

Audit & Accreditation Panel - Reviewer

MAYA BRIGGS

M.Ed in TEFL, DTEFLA, CTEFLA

I became a TEFL teacher way back in 1995 and since then I have worked as a TEFL teacher, high school teacher, English coursebook designer, and have been a teacher trainer since 2008.

I joined ACTDEC's Audit & Accreditation Panel in 2014 and took a lead role in revamping our audit and accreditation procedures in 2020.

What I most love about the work is that it keeps me on my toes and up to date with the latest research on education and TEFL. I learn just as much from our members - their creativity and dedication to their students is awe-inspiring - as they do from me.

what is actdec?

WHY is ACTDEC important?

Meet the Team

Promoting excellence in TESOL distance education course since 1993