Job Discussion Forums

[howell83]

All right, so I figured that if I posted this question under the newbie sections, only newbie�s would view it...

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.

[Khyron]

[howell83]

Really...most employers mention it in their application process.

It really holds no value to employers?

Did you hired without it?

[G Cthulhu]

[howell83]

Thanks, the Oxford Seminars are only offered at Universities across the country. They are the highest cost, but in the end, it may just be worth it.


Thanks for the help!

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[supervisor133]

Do you think you will continue teaching after life in Japan? If so, it may be worth doing a decent one. If you plan to teach ESL in your home country then I've found (in Australia at least) that most places will not employ you with anything less than a CELTA and they certainly won't employ people who gained their certification from Thailand or via an online program (unless it is very very well-known).

Regarding Japan? I had a CELTA last time I was over there and unless you encounter a DOS that takes it very seriously, then it didn't really seem to mean much to anyone. Perhaps one of the others can tell you more about university positions as they may look at things like that. Best of luck!

[howell83]

Hmmm, now I seem to be at a stand still...

I think my next move is to contact potential employers.

I do want to teach after my Japanese experience, but not languages, I want to teach elementary school, as a possible grade 1-3 teacher.


Hmmm....

[Glenski]

Most employers in Japan do not require any sort of TEFL certification from their teachers, and that's what I have seen in most ads. Don't know how you have seen the opposite.

Eikaiwas usually just want someone fresh off the boat, and they don't care what a person's major is, let alone if they have TEFL certification. Some employers balk at certification because they are afraid that the teachers will come in with guns a'blazing trying to introduce some new-fangled approach, when the employer just wants teachers to do what they have already formatted for them.

[markle]

[howell83]

All right, I pretty much see the situation clear now.

In the country of Japan, the majority of employers have a set way for teaching English.

TESOL cert. is something that would give any potential teacher a solid foundation for teaching the language.

If we have two Bob's, both identical genetically, emotionally, physically, keeping in mind this is a hypothetical, clearly the Bob with the TESOL certification will feel more at Ease when placed into the practical situation, of actually teaching.

The choice I have to make is to understand where I would fit. Am I the Bob who needs that structure, that standard, that initial foundation to keep me at ease, the moment I am placed in the �field�? Or, am I the Bob that thinks he could handle it when placed on the front lines? Who am I is the essential question that needs to be answered here.

Luckily, I have been asking that question since high school. And I have had tons of time pondering. Albeit I would not admit to complete knowledge of who Anthony Howell is, however, I would like to think that I have some idea!


This website is truly a source of value! Everyone who posted, please, please continue to keep up the good work!

Best Wishes,
Anthony

[Glenski]

Anthony,
You have to ask yourself this question:
How long do you think you might stay in the TEFL game? If it's more than a couple of years, then I personally think a certification would do you in good stead. You can have all the confidence in public speaking to fill a warehouse, but if you can't prepare a lesson plan or at least understand how to present one, then what good is good public speaking?

Students in eikaiwas often go to class expecting just a good time, sure. Housewives and retirees can be seen there just to pass an hour of their week away, maybe to socialize with friends or to make new ones, maybe to just meet a foreigner or hear one jabber on, maybe even try to learn a little English for those cruises or overseas tours they make once a year or two. They don't need serious grammatical instruction, and they certainly appreciate a casual atmosphere, but they do pay money for attending! I am one who believes in providing a quality lesson, even in eikaiwa. I'm not the sort to turn on a tape recorder and play it repeatedly until students catch every word (knew a teacher who operated like that!), or one who just goes in and chats to find out the best restaurants around and to talk about my weekend (knew another teacher like that!). My students have fun and learn something.

Think also about what you might do if you felt the need to teach privately. No format handed to you on a platter. No textbooks, either. Having some useful certification would give you a basis to understand how to create lessons from scratch and how to present them. Stay in Japan long enough, and you might even want to open your own school. Same thing. You should know how to do these things if you want to keep clients happy.

[howell83]

That's a good question to ask. I have always prided myself in having a good sense of direction, knowing what routes to take, in order to achieve the goals I have set. But in almost every situation I plan for, something happens unexpectedly, an event that drastically changes my mindset, and forces me to re-organize my steps for achieving.

[This is me trying to expect the unexpected...]

I plan on staying in Japan for a minimum of one year, with the exception of another, or possibly two.

I feel confident that I will settle quite well on the island. I plan to saturate myself in their ways, and cleanse myself of the western world ways.

However, this is my plan, now. When I actually arrive and begin working, something magical, mysterious, and sudden might happen. I may be forced to change my mind and rethink my options.

So in totality, I don't think I know how long I will stay in the "TEFL game"...I know my vocation is to teach, but I always envisioned children, not adults.

Best Wishes,
A. Howell

[guest of Japan]

In all probability the western world ways which you wish to cleanse yourself of will be amplified in contemporary Japanese culture.

[howell83]

"Amplified", come now, you cannot be serious with that choice of word.

The word amplified would encourage a greater capacity than what the original source has to offer.

No culture can be greater outside its main source.

I have no issues with the increase in a global culture, one spearheaded by western norms, however, you can not be serious that the Japanese culture have lost their original ways.

Maybe you just choose to focus on specifics that amplify the Western ways, do you still buy Frosted Flakes for breakfast?

Our maybe you could help me out, what in your opinion, has gone "western" in the Japanese culture?