Job Discussion Forums

cindymoon · Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 12 Location: San Diego

Hi,
I've been slowly deciding whether to take a celta/tesl/tesol course, and I guess I just have a few last questions that I would appreciate any answers or comments to.

I'm trying to figure out what to do after graduating with a B.A. in English but no credential. I'd like to try teaching ESL to adults, but have no experience except for tutoring middle school. I'm thinking of taking one of these 120 hour long courses so that I can have some "official training" in teaching and gain some actual teaching experience as well. I'm also thinking that taking one of these courses would give me a better idea of what it would be like to teach esl while giving me some preparation at the same time. I don't plan on going abroad in the near future, but I do plan to teach abroad at some point. Mainly I feel that one of these courses would give me a better background and hopefully also help me find work in the U.S. Ultimately I'm looking at it as a personally enriching experience that I could take with me in other teaching and/or non teaching positions. Hopefully.

Last concern is which to take-the Celta, tesl, or tesol? Or amtefl?

Thanks for any advice!

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

My advice is to look through the job ads in your area and call up language schools to find out what training they require of their teachers. Don't spend over a thousand dollars on a CELTA if you want to work in the US and it won't get you a job in the area in which you work.

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 2:39 pm Post subject:

I agree with Gambate. A TESL certification probably won't do much to enhance your chances of finding a decent ESL gig in the States. I'd suggest some volunteer work to get your feet wet (and to get some tangible experience). However, a certification would prepare you for the classroom, especially if you plan to go abroad.

maya.the.bee · Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 118 Location: Stgo

i'm not sure how similar the laws are between states, but in ohio it is possible to get a TESOL endorsement attached to your teaching license that enables you to teach esl pre-k-12. the endorsement is generally completed in 2 quarters at a uni.

if you are planning on teaching stateside this might be an option for you. after googling "tesol endorsement" it appears that several states require such a course to teach esl in k-12.

as mentioned before, ask around - specifically where you want to work and at career services at your uni.
good luck

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 9:31 pm Post subject:

Cdaniels · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 12:33 am Post subject: TESL in the US

the trick is... these extras are always offered after or occasionally at the same time, as getting teacher (K-12) certification. There is no widely accepted US certification program for teaching adults. Also, most jobs and programs in the US are specifically designed for immigrants. This may seem obvious but, often that means going through newspapers (esp. help wanted ads) and how to shop in US stores and other realia- Different from teaching abroad, where you more often get more generalized examples from textbooks, and often Britishisms: shopping for "biscuits" with "pound notes."
If you're determined to get training (and that is a very good thing, if you can afford it) I would take a part-time/long term program- not an intensive 4 week course. Unfortunately there are a whole lot more volunteer openings, and part-time jobs than full-time, benefits included positions. Crying or Very sad

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

An endorsement would be much more useful in the US than a month-long TEFL course. Those are geared towards teaching abroad. Keep in mind that there are schools in many countries that will hire anyone with a pulse and the right passport! A month-long training course is more than enough for such jobs. I think the standards are a bit higher in the US.

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