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maj0915
Joined: 04 Feb 2013
Posts: 61
Location: China
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 Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 3:08 am Post subject: CELTA, MA Education, or MA TESOL? |
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| How would you rank these, taking into account job prospects, value, etc.? |
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MuscatGary
Joined: 03 Jun 2013
Posts: 1364
Location: Flying around the ME...
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| Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 3:20 am Post subject: |
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| CELTA is your bus ticket, the other two are Business Class air travel. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 3:34 am Post subject: |
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Obviously, the CELTA ranks lower than the academic degrees; it's an entry-level qualification that doesn't require a BA for enrollment. An MA in Education is broad and is generally for those expecting to 1) teach content in a public or international school as a licensed teacher; or 2) work as a school administrator or curriculum designer. The MA TESOL appeals to the better employers at the university level and other EFL teaching situations with adult learners. (Not every employer considers an MA in Education relevant to TEFL unless it included a strong TESOL component.) There's no way to rank one MA over the other.
But really, the answer depends on where you want to teach and in what type of teaching situation. |
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suphanburi
Joined: 20 Mar 2014
Posts: 916
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| Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 5:09 am Post subject: Re: CELTA, MA Education, or MA TESOL? |
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| maj0915 wrote: |
| How would you rank these, taking into account job prospects, value, etc.? |
I would concur with the responses posted above.
CELTA is the entry level into EFL/ESL. It is the 120 hour/30-day bus pass.
If you are working in EFL now it will help you keep your job and perhaps do it a bit better than you otherwise would but there is a very solid glass ceiling.
The masters programs take considerably more work, more money and more time.
An MA.TESOL is (usually) for those looking at working in the tertiary sector in TEFL/TESOL. In my personal experience the MATESOL was more largely based in the theory of TESOL / linguistics rather than in pedagogy and strongly tends toward further progress in academia.
An M.Ed/MA.Ed (depending on the area of focus and faculty you are enrolled in) is often for those working in basic education (K-12) or looking at moving into admin positions within the basic education sector. A PGCE /B.Ed or equivalent is usually the entry to this path (although there are alternative routes to licensure). My M.Ed (TEFL) was strongly based in pedagogy with a bare minimum of linguistic theory.
Both my MA and my M.Ed required coursework (30 credit hours) and a research based thesis.
There are broad ranges of job prospects in all 3 cases.
It is more a case of what do you want to do (other than just make more money) when you "get all growed up" and want to settle down.
They are not the same thing and they all move on different (but related or parallel) career paths.
If you were looking for the "real money" in teaching (as a teacher) then a B.Ed or PGCE + teacher certification is the route to look at. Top international schools in Asia have pretty sweet remuneration packages.
Alternatively, a masters in education with a specialization in curriculum development (and a good publisher) is where the money is right now.
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MuscatGary
Joined: 03 Jun 2013
Posts: 1364
Location: Flying around the ME...
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| Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 5:33 am Post subject: |
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| A Masters in Educational Technology or Instructional design is also a good way in to the decent jobs and money. |
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esl_prof
Joined: 30 Nov 2013
Posts: 2006
Location: peyi kote solèy frèt
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| Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 1:25 pm Post subject: Re: CELTA, MA Education, or MA TESOL? |
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| suphanburi wrote: |
| In my personal experience the MATESOL was more largely based in the theory of TESOL / linguistics rather than in pedagogy and strongly tends toward further progress in academia. |
I would agree that this is typically the case. But shop around. MA TESOL degrees can be offered through a variety of university departments, most typically the Departments of Linguistics, Education, or English. An MA TESOL offered via a linguistics department is definitely going to be more theory based. Via an education department, it will be more practical and, essentially, the same as an M.Ed. Via an English department, the focus will vary from one school to another. Some will lean towards the pedagogical side and others will be more theoretical. In both instances, you'll likely have opportunities to pick up elective coursework in related areas like composition and rhetoric or literature, which may be a consideration for certain career trajectories.
If you're interested in the theoretical route, don't overlook MA programs in Applied Linguistics. Conversely, for a more pedagogical route, there are also a handful of MAT programs with concentrations in TESOL (SIT Graduate School in Vermont comes to mind), which I guess would be more akin to the M.Ed. option. |
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mnruman
Joined: 30 Mar 2015
Posts: 93
Location: Manchester, UK
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| Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 2:30 pm Post subject: |
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Hi, all
Sorry to intrude, but how valuable would an MA Applied Linguistics be compared to the ones mentioned above? In relation to a English teaching job abroad and also seeking employment in the UK. What options would such a qualification open up? |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 9:18 pm Post subject: |
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| mnruman wrote: |
| How valuable would an MA Applied Linguistics be compared to the ones mentioned above? In relation to a English teaching job abroad and also seeking employment in the UK. What options would such a qualification open up? |
Many job seekers with an applied linguistics degree secure TEFL contracts outside their home country. As for teaching positions in the UK, look at current job ads to see what British employers require. You can also ask on the UK forum about job prospects. |
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suphanburi
Joined: 20 Mar 2014
Posts: 916
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| Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 9:23 pm Post subject: |
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| mnruman wrote: |
Hi, all
Sorry to intrude, but how valuable would an MA Applied Linguistics be compared to the ones mentioned above? In relation to a English teaching job abroad and also seeking employment in the UK. What options would such a qualification open up? |
That would depend on what you want to teach while abroad.
If your aim is to teach linguistics or the application of such at the tertiary level then it is a start (potentially with a PhD down the road).
If you are looking at teaching EFL then, while it may get you there, it may also not be the best option. Phonetics, phonology and phonics are not the same thing. Do you want to be teaching semantics and pragmatics or English for Specific Purposes?
At the end of the day the path you desire will (or should) determine the training, qualifications and credential you want to get.
And as a parting thought..... a masters level (and above) degree is NOT like your undergrad work. It is NOT all about the coursework but training to do research based inquiry in your field.
If you want to become an English TEACHER abroad then getting a PGCE or B.Ed. with specific coursework in TEFL (or other subject areas that you might have interest in) might be a better choice.
They might be a quicker (1 year as opposed to 3-6 semesters for a thesis based MA), better for teaching (focused on teaching approaches, methodology, and classroom management) and a cheaper option than pursuing an MA in a field you are not particularly conversant with just because the name of the MA sounds impressive.
Oh, and qualified (QTS or licensed + experienced) grade level teachers at properly accredited international schools make far better money with nicer expat packages.
.
Last edited by suphanburi on Tue May 19, 2015 11:11 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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esl_prof
Joined: 30 Nov 2013
Posts: 2006
Location: peyi kote solèy frèt
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| Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 10:22 pm Post subject: |
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| nomad soul wrote: |
| Many job seekers with an applied linguistics degree secure TEFL contracts outside their home country. As for teaching positions in the UK, look at current job ads to see what British employers require. You can also ask on the UK forum about job prospects. |
Here in the U.S., I've seen lots of job adds for community colleges and university IEPs that require an MA in TESL, Applied Linguistics, or related field. So long as you meet the other criteria in the job announcement, namely having an established track record teaching in similar programs, you would be fine here. The U.K., on the other hand, may or may not be the same story. |
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AKChina
Joined: 29 Apr 2015
Posts: 52
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| Posted: Sat May 23, 2015 9:48 am Post subject: |
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Getting the PGCE/QTS is an absolute mountain of work though from what I've heard from others who took the course. We're talking planning 4 different lessons each day, for a whole school year, plus dealing with loads of paperwork and actually having to teach. And they probably won't be like the rich kids in Asia, who might be spoiled but at least are highly unlikely to pull a knife on you, they'll be the chavs and wannabee gangsters from inner city schools.
From what I heard, expect to regularly be working 14 hour days. Oh and the kicker is that there's no pay for this year, just a crappy government grant of 4000GBP or so (doesn't go far in the UK...if you are teaching Maths or Science the grant is a lot better though).
MA TESOL is a hell of a lot easier, at least if my BA is anything to go by. I did nothing for 2 and a half years, didn't attend a single lecture, then I crammed like mad for the final 3 months and got a 2.1 (Upper Second Class) degree. Can't imagine the MA is much of a step up - certainly it won't involve working from dusk till dawn at any rate.
And the better international schools want 2 years home country experience before hiring. So it's not just a year of this crap, it's three - albeit the lesson planning will be a lesser burden in years 2 or 3, but teachers back home still work long hours...certainly more than a typical 9-5 job.
However I think it's fair to say the PGCE offers a more reliable chance of high paying work in Asia. You can get decent packages all over the globe for that. The MA TESOL might have use if you luck out, but otherwise the only reliable way to get a return on investment from it is to go to the Middle East, which won't be most peoples cup of tea. |
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currentaffairs
Joined: 22 Aug 2012
Posts: 828
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| Posted: Sat May 30, 2015 12:33 pm Post subject: |
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| The PGCE is a hard course. You are working like mad planning, prepping and writing essays until 2am most nights. Often, one of your two placements will be in an inner city school, and the other at a grammar school/private school. I certainly learned a lot during the course and it prepared me for most eventualities! |
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En929
Joined: 22 Feb 2015
Posts: 25
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| Posted: Sat May 30, 2015 6:05 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
Obviously, the CELTA ranks lower than the academic degrees; it's an entry-level qualification that doesn't require a BA for enrollment. An MA in Education is broad and is generally for those expecting to 1) teach content in a public or international school as a licensed teacher; or 2) work as a school administrator or curriculum designer. The MA TESOL appeals to the better employers at the university level and other EFL teaching situations with adult learners. (Not every employer considers an MA in Education relevant to TEFL unless it included a strong TESOL component.) There's no way to rank one MA over the other.
But really, the answer depends on where you want to teach and in what type of teaching situation.
I would concur with the responses posted above.
CELTA is the entry level into EFL/ESL. It is the 120 hour/30-day bus pass.
If you are working in EFL now it will help you keep your job and perhaps do it a bit better than you otherwise would but there is a very solid glass ceiling.
The masters programs take considerably more work, more money and more time.
An MA.TESOL is (usually) for those looking at working in the tertiary sector in TEFL/TESOL. In my personal experience the MATESOL was more largely based in the theory of TESOL / linguistics rather than in pedagogy and strongly tends toward further progress in academia.
An M.Ed/MA.Ed (depending on the area of focus and faculty you are enrolled in) is often for those working in basic education (K-12) or looking at moving into admin positions within the basic education sector. A PGCE /B.Ed or equivalent is usually the entry to this path (although there are alternative routes to licensure). My M.Ed (TEFL) was strongly based in pedagogy with a bare minimum of linguistic theory.
Both my MA and my M.Ed required coursework (30 credit hours) and a research based thesis.
There are broad ranges of job prospects in all 3 cases.
It is more a case of what do you want to do (other than just make more money) when you "get all growed up" and want to settle down.
They are not the same thing and they all move on different (but related or parallel) career paths.
If you were looking for the "real money" in teaching (as a teacher) then a B.Ed or PGCE + teacher certification is the route to look at. Top international schools in Asia have pretty sweet remuneration packages.
Alternatively, a masters in education with a specialization in curriculum development (and a good publisher) is where the money is right now.
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and
| Quote: |
That would depend on what you want to teach while abroad.
If your aim is to teach linguistics or the application of such at the tertiary level then it is a start (potentially with a PhD down the road).
If you are looking at teaching EFL then, while it may get you there, it may also not be the best option. Phonetics, phonology and phonics are not the same thing. Do you want to be teaching semantics and pragmatics or English for Specific Purposes?
At the end of the day the path you desire will (or should) determine the training, qualifications and credential you want to get.
And as a parting thought..... a masters level (and above) degree is NOT like your undergrad work. It is NOT all about the coursework but training to do research based inquiry in your field.
If you want to become an English TEACHER abroad then getting a PGCE or B.Ed. with specific coursework in TEFL (or other subject areas that you might have interest in) might be a better choice.
They might be a quicker (1 year as opposed to 3-6 semesters for a thesis based MA), better for teaching (focused on teaching approaches, methodology, and classroom management) and a cheaper option than pursuing an MA in a field you are not particularly conversant with just because the name of the MA sounds impressive.
Oh, and qualified (QTS or licensed + experienced) grade level teachers at properly accredited international schools make far better money with nicer expat packages.
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Gosh, this is music to my ears. I'm almost done with my Master's degree program and my Master's degree is going to be in Elementary Education with TESL electives. I'm certainly glad that I decided to take this route. It sounds like I could have nice career as an English teacher or maybe even music teacher too because my Bachelor's degree was in Music Education. B.ME to be exact! |
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HRadmin
Joined: 28 May 2015
Posts: 1
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 7:53 am Post subject: |
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Hello!
To all intents and purposes TEFL = CELTA, in terms of qualifications. A basic EFL job will usually require a degree and a TEFL/CELTA certificate. From a qualification point of view, I don't think they vary hugely, but of course the content and method is slightly different.
The CELTA is, in my opinion, one of the best TEFL certificates around. I recently did the intensive 1-month course, and I would say from my experience that it's a great option to take, and taught me so much in a very short amount of time. It was intense and exhausting, but I couldn't believe how much we did in only a month, and I am so glad I did it.
Obviously, there is some disagreement in the forum about this, but as far as I know, and from my experiences working in Europe, the CELTA and TEFL courses are usually the qualifications that private languages academies are most looking for, and which you choose to do is a personal choice. I can say however, that for me the CELTA was the best.
Lamorna Manning
CELTA certified and online teacher for Learnship Networks |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 8:21 am Post subject: |
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| En929 wrote: |
| I could have nice career as an English teacher. |
.
The better employers overseas will require a teaching license as well as a couple of years of relevant teaching experience in your home country. |
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