Job Discussion Forums

[howell83]

My question concerns the validity of TESOL/TEFL certification. I just recently saw a certification program online for a much more reduced price than an in class seminar. Are both certifications just as valid?

Are there different TESOL certifications, or, do potential employers rate the quality of TESOL certification pending on where one was certified?

I am about to embark on getting certified and right now, my tuition is still slightly outstanding. If there is no difference, then I would clearly choose the cheaper certification. However, if there is a difference, then I only want the best, for it is my education at stake and potential job application on the line.

Also one final concern, I understand that TEFL/TESOL and other acronyms mean essentially the same thing, but do employers from JAPAN require a specific? (I am only interested in teaching in Japan)


Any help would be great! Thanks a bunch, Anthony Howell.

[Justin Trullinger]

Do a little searching around this forum, and you'll find this one has several threads that go into detail.

But let me put the question back at you- would you want to pay high prices for professional services from someone whose only training was the cheapest program going, done with no contact with the instructors? How do you feel you would learn about teaching better- by reading and writing about it on your computer, or by teaching real EFL students under the supervision of an experienced teacher who has been trained to train you? How would you feel if you learned your dentist had trained online? (In many places EFL teachers make more than dentists.)

I'm sorry if I seem harsh. If I understand you correctly, your question was aimed at whether you need to spend the money to get a job. But training exists for a reason, and it's not just to get the job. It's to do the job.

I'm sure a Japan hand will chime in with more details than I can muster, but from what I've heard, you really won't need a cert for Japan, as long as you have a BA. If you don't have a BA, I don't imagine a cert will help overmuch.

Best,
Justin

[howell83]

Hmmm, interesting, makes much more sense.

Another person posted that Japan doesn't necessarily care for a TESOL certification...you would be the second thus far.

That makes me wonder...

I will have my Honours BA quite soon, and if that is all that is need, then why should I worry about TESOL certification?


I guess my next move is to ask employers from Japan, what exactly they want.

[Justin Trullinger]

[howell83]

Thanks for the help!

[tedkarma]

Why not learn to do the job well?

You'll have much greater job satisfaction and your students will actually learn something.

[howell83]

Yes I agree, I am most likely going to invest in the program offered by Oxford. I also want to become a public school, elementary teacher, so why not have the best certification on my teaching resume!!?!!

This site is a great resource and I just want you folks to know that your work here is great! Please keep up the good work!!!

[tanuki]

All you need to teach in most non-English-speaking, non-EU, non-gulf-state countries is...

... wait for it...


... a pulse.



Sorry. Sad, but true. Sure, before the people working at fancy universities chime in, you know full well that for most jobs all you need is a degree and to be a native speaker. And, prefereably (all unwritten, naturally), to be white. And, before all the non-caucasians with jobs in Asia, for example, chime in, you know this stereotypical prejudice exists!

To the OP, contact me directly if (PM me) if you want more info; depends what you plan to do in Japan and further down the track, really.

Good luck!

[howell83]

I value that post alot, is teaching abroad really that in demand?

[naturegirl321]

Make sure it-s at least 100 hours and 6 of real teaching practice.

[thrifty]

Pay money get piece of paper get crap job

[guangho]

[spiral78]

Howell, they're having you on, or they're not entirely clear.

I think it's fair to say that MOST newbie teachers on the markets worldwide today have more than just English-as-a-native-language.

A basic cert includes supervised teaching practice with feedback from experienced teacher trainers. Oxford doesn't have this - and, it's by no means 'the best' certification on the market.

Without any quals other than being a native speaker (and maybe a BA in something) you are qualified only for very basic entry-level positions. If you are just looking for a one year, subsistance position in Asia, that's fine. It wouldn't get your foot in the door in Europe. Or in any city in South America, though you might get jobs in small towns that can't attract better candidates.

If you want to actually compete in the real market and offer your students something worth their while, take a real course. On site, 30 days minimum, actual teaching practice included.

And, check on the specific country forums for better info on what it really takes to get started in whatever region you want to teach in.

[stillnosheep]

Sumwun put him out of his misery:

EFL certificates count little in Japan, altho' I do not believe that they are actually disadvantageous.

Celta and Trinity Cert. are the gold standard.

University issued certificates may be as good or better but do not have the same global recognition.

Decent training will probably make you a better teacher.

[eslstudies]