Job Discussion Forums

stilljuliet

Hello everyone,

I've been reading on these posts about the necessity of having a TESL/TEFL certificate...I don't have one, but I do have an MA TESOL. Do I still need the certificate? I am specifically wondering if English Institutes in Chile and Argentina will recognize and accept the MA.

Also, do I have to bring official copies of my degree or of my transcripts?

Thanks so much!

Heather

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

In my opinion, the MA weighs more than a cert.

MELEE · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 4:08 pm Post subject:

An MA--with an observed teaching practicum--weighs more than a TEFL cert. An MA without any teaching practice, often does not prepare you to plan and manage classes, so an MA with no teaching expereince might actually get passed over compared to someone with a CELTA and several years experience. Also, some school might prefer to hire people without MAs because they feel they would have to pay them more. With an MA you should look at working in Universities. I have heard of some in Chile looking only for teachers with MAs.
I'm not sure about Chile and Argentina, but if you ever think about working in Mexico, you will need to get an Apostille on your MA. An Apostille is an internationally recoginized authentication. In the US it is issued by the secretary of state of each state.

guangho · Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 476 Location: in transit

Hiya,

If your degree is signed by the Governor of the state, is that considered equivalent? Also, how do you go about getting this signature?

MELEE · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 6:03 pm Post subject:

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 5:48 pm Post subject:

Anyone who knows their way around knows that the MA is worth more than a four week short course. The only thing that might change this is:

If the school director doesn't know squat. (In which case you don't want to work there.)

Or if your MA is from a long time ago. (A lot has changed in language teaching. I have been astounded how out of date some MA holders can be- as they insist on doing things the way they were taught. A LONG time ago.) On the other hand, some of the best teachers I've worked with had MAs from a while back. (SIT in the early 70s...)

best,
Justin