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The Value of TESL Qualifications

 
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englishmaster



Joined: 03 Sep 2004
Posts: 118

PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 6:25 am    Post subject: The Value of TESL Qualifications Reply with quote

I want to get different teachers' opinions of the value of getting a teaching certificate in ESL, such as a Trinity TESOL, CELTA, etc. I have taught ESL for nearly 9 years without one, and I don't believe that in all that time I have ever met anyone who had one.

However, I am contemplating getting some sort of 4-week training certificate this summer because I think it might improve my teaching ability and marketability.

Does anyone who has a qualification (or doesn't) have any views on this? Thanks.
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wombat



Joined: 18 Jun 2004
Posts: 134

PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 11:48 am    Post subject: Re: The Value of TESL Qualifications Reply with quote

englishmaster wrote:
I want to get different teachers' opinions of the value of getting a teaching certificate in ESL, such as a Trinity TESOL, CELTA, etc. I have taught ESL for nearly 9 years without one, and I don't believe that in all that time I have ever met anyone who had one.

However, I am contemplating getting some sort of 4-week training certificate this summer because I think it might improve my teaching ability and marketability.


By all means go ahead and get one if you feel that the course may help to improve your teaching. I know from experience in interviewing teachers and viewing demo classes that teachers with teaching certifcates generally give better demos than those without.

As far as marketability, I think that you would find that having a TESOL certificate would make only a marginal difference if any at all. If you serious about building upon what you have been doing and get to the next level then I would think that going back to school and getting an education degree would be worthwhile. Sure it will take longer, but that is why it will also be more recognized. It will also open new doors such as work in international schools etc.

Personally I think that those TESOL courses are a bit of a ripoff based upon the promise of better jobs. In Taiwan at least this doesn't really hold true. I would think that most employers would be more interested in your teaching experience than your certification.
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TaoyuanSteve



Joined: 05 Feb 2003
Posts: 1028
Location: Taoyuan

PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 2:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I cannot speak for all places in the world, but for Taiwan, a tesl cert of any sort is not necessary. That is, unless you fall into the category of teacher with only a two year AA degree, in which case a tesl cert becomes mandatory for a resident visa in Taiwan. If you have a four year degree and-- as you have-- experience, there really is no need. 9 years of experience? I'd take you over a noob with 2 TESLs any day. A tesl won't make an experienced person like yourself a lot more marketable than you already are (which is very, very marketable). Perhaps a Linguistics MA?
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