Job Discussion Forums

[alexmac84]

Hello all,

My current employer is hosting this course and will adjust my work hours so I can get the certificate. However, I'm curious how much clout this certificate has. Could you advise?

I should also mention that one of the main reasons, besides becoming a teacher, that I want to get the degree is so that I can leave my company and get a job at a university or international school. I only have a 40 hour TEFL and one 1/2 years of teaching experience and am not sure that's going to do it for my future employers.

What do you think? I should mention that I live in Shanghai.

[buravirgil]

[alexmac84]

I do not understand why all this sarcasm is necessary. You are aware that this site doesn't have a search function. I looked back 3 pages and didn't see this question brought up.

Yes, I mixed up degree and certificate. I have a bachelors in English.

However, I appreciate you answering my question. Seems to me that I should try more networking and see how this goes before making the investment. I would love to become a better teacher and get the certificate, but you make a good point that it doesn't hold much clout here in China

[buravirgil]

[nomad soul]

Alex:

Assuming by "Trinity" you mean Trinity College London's 130-hour Trinity CertTESOL, my 2-cents' worth:

- A Trinity CertTESOL (equal to CELTA and SIT TESOL) is designed to give new teachers hands-on, supervised and assessed teacher training. Consider this an investment in your (ongoing) professional development since your goal is to become a better teacher and make TEFL a career. Plus, you're in the enviable position of having an employer that supports and values your professional development. So this isn't just about "clout" in the eyes of Chinese employers.

- Don't count on employers in China keeping their requirements stagnant. Who's to say if, a couple of years or more from now, employers will require solid qualifications from teachers? We've seen other countries tighten their requirements over the years.

- Additionally, what if you have to leave China and look for jobs elsewhere in the world that require a CELTA, SIT TESOL, or Trinity? In other words, don't fall into that newbie mindset of thinking that you only need the minimum in order to "get by." The better employers don't want teachers who scrape around with the minimum.

[D. Amokachi]

[currentaffairs]

Good post with two small corrections needed: it is usually 120 hours that is specified and the SIT TESOL is not that well-known compared to Trinity certTESOL and CELTA.

[alexmac84]

Thank you all, that seals the deal. I will look further into getting this certificate. In all honestly, I've never enjoyed any job as much as being an English Teacher and I'd probably enjoy it 2,000 times more if I knew what I was talking about

[alexmac84]

One last question, I can't seem to get a clear answer on whether the Trinity TESOL or the CELTA or better. Forgive me, but while I was able to get the search function working, I couldn't get a specific answer on this.

I may want to teach in Europe some day. Is the Trinity TESOL as popular there?

There is also the problem I hear that it's better to get your teaching certificate in Europe if you want to work there, but I'm not going to pay to get one twice...and I'm not sure I'll go to Europe so I guess I'd be better to get it here in China.

[spiral78]

Alexmac, if I recall, you are not an EU member citizen, so don't link this to teaching in Europe too tightly. Regardless of your qualification, you'll still be limited to Central/Eastern Europe - and there, Trinity and CELTA are held in equal esteem.

The point about getting certified in Europe is only about having experience teaching European students, who are significantly different to Asian ones in many respects.

Trinity is a solid investment, regardless.

[nomad soul]

[currentaffairs]

Trinity certTESOL is a minimum of 130 hours you are right, and CELTA is a minimum of 120 hours.

The SIT TESOL point I can't agree with, though. Yes, it looks a good course and I am sure it trains teachers properly but it is hardly known across the world. Most employers are looking for Trinity or CELTA for the better jobs. If people have the choice then I think it is better to recommend either of those two courses, and then others as a second preference. Some employers will only employ teachers with those qualifications as well:

'If you are seeking to gain a qualification in TEFL which is recognised by the British Council and by reputable English language schools worldwide, we advise you to take either the Cambridge CELTA or the Trinity Cert. TESOL.

Other TEFL courses will not have the same credibility therefore may not be effective in helping you to start your career as an EFL teacher. St Giles itself only employ teachers with one of these qualifications to work in its own English language schools.'

http://www.stgiles-international.com/teacher-training-at-stgiles/celta-or-tesol

If you want to work in China or Thailand then most TEFL certs will suffice. However, for a longer career in the EFL world and openings in Europe, and better jobs in the Middle East and Asia then I think Trinity certTESOL or CELTA is the way to go..

[spiral78]

I've worked on the European continent for nearly 20 years, and have been on numerous hiring committees. We do know what SIT TESOL is, actually, and it's held in equivalent esteem to CELTA and Trinity.

In any case, the OP here is going for Trinity, so there's no debate really.

[nomad soul]

[D. Amokachi]