Job Discussion Forums

[JamieMarie]

Hello,

I will have a MA in TESOL at the end of the fall semester next year. I was wondering if I still need a CELTA certificate? I am in the process of looking for a teaching position in Europe this coming summer and may possibly want to teach a year or longer in Europe once I get my Masters.

Thank you
Jamie
STL, Missouri

[Chris_Crossley]

A lot of graduate degrees in TESOL may not necessarily have any teaching practicums in them. Many employers may think that such degrees deal purely with the theoretical side of language and linguistics, and they would probably be loath to accept applications from people who have the degree yet neither a TESOL certificate nor any TESOL experience that they can state on their resume. After all, "grass-roots" level teaching in the classroom hardly ever - or, in fact, actually never - requires people to talk about Halliday's or Chomsky's theories about language acquisition!

If you don't have any TESOL experience but are seriously considering become a teacher of English as a second/foreign language, then you should certainly invest the time (and the money!) in a CELTA or the equivalent, since you had invested the time (and the money?!) in a master's.

You can do a search on Dave's for information given about where one can do CELTA courses and about people's experiences of doing such courses. I myself have the Trinity College (London) Certificate in TESOL, and it certainly prepared the way for when I first entered the TESOL game four years ago.

Also, be aware that European Union (EU) based employers will usually go for the EU citizen rather than a US citizen to teach English if only because there will be far less paperwork involved for a Europe-based employer (including countries not in the EU like Switzerland), what with there being 25 EU countries now, where there are native speakers in the UK and Ireland. You can check out the General Europe forum, since quite a few American citizens have been asking the same sorts of questions as yourself, so you can check out their answers.

[Justin Trullinger]

Before deciding to do your Masters, had you done any EFL teaching? If so, you really don't need anything else. The concern that some employers have about MA grads is the lack of practical component. One way to solve this, without the expense of a CELTA or equivalent, would be to teach while you're completing your degree. There is probably an EFL program in your university. If not, volunteer with immigrants.

An MA TESOL with experience beats a CELTA any day.

Regards,
Justin

[tedkarma]

Come people comment on employers feeling that an MA means no real experience or skill. My employers since 1992 - have all REQUIRED a minimum of an MA or M.Ed.

If you want a much higher probability of a decent job in EFL - reasonable wages, working conditions, vacation time, and benefits. An MA/M.Ed. (or more) is the only way to go.

That said, if you have an opportunity to take a TEFL Cert or CELTA - why not? Every chance you get to improve your professional skills - only advances your overall competence.