Job Discussion Forums

FoxandMe · Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 62

I've read some of the threads on TEFL, and I find what everyone has to say sooo invaluable that I got to be very self-serving and ask another TEFL question as it regards.....ME!

I'm 24. Have a B.A. in liberal arts. A laundry list of experience working with children and students, most notably as director of an after-school program for the past year, where I worked with mostly latino (namely, Colombian and El Salvadorian kids with others). I was trained as a volunteer ESL tutor, but only tutored for 3 months. I speak some Spanish. I relied on what I know in my last job, and could probably present myself in an interview ok, with some stumbling and searching for words. I'm going to go down in person to network, meet prospective employers, see where I might want to teach and live. Should I get TEFL certification, either for a job or visa matters? I'd just assume avoid the cost and time if it's all the same. I know it's one of those things that can't hurt, only help, but how much would it help?

Thank you again, everybody. You all are very nice to be so helpful.

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

MELEE · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:47 pm Post subject:

For the better paying jobs, I like to think better all around, not just in the pay department, you'll need a specific TEFL qualification. For example, when I'm hiring people. I need to document that they are qualified for the job. Personally, I might think your other expirience working with latino youth would be an asset in this position. But we get HUNDREDS of applicants and I need to show people who don't know anything about teaching English that you are the best applicant of all these people.
But, you might want to try it out for a year, after a year here or even six months, you could always go back and get a CELTA, or other qualifications. That way you will know, and not take our words for it, that this is beneficial to you. There is the possiblity that you will hate this life and not want to teach EFL again.

FoxandMe · Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 62

I get the feeling that, what with the cost and benefits of TEFL certification, it's more advantageous for long-term teachers. Melee's comment of trying Mexico for 6 months or a year before going for TEFL especially makes me think that. I'm passionate about living in Mexico, teaching English, and learning Spanish, but I'm not sure that I'll be doing it for more than a year or two. Is the quality of work and work environment really going to be worse, even poor, by not having a TEFL certificate?

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Sgt Killjoy · Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Posts: 438

You can do without the TEFL training if you have experience. TEFL courses can give you confidence, but they generally lack the grammar training and professional ethic that are so important.

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

The more papers the better. The hiring staff at my school wouldn't want you without both your BA and a TEFL certificate, no matter how much experience you had.