Job Discussion Forums

[jonniboy]

So after falling into English teaching by accident I can't seem to shake the habit and I'm now into my fifth year. Lack of certification has always been a bit of an issue but cost was always a bit offputting. 3000 euro counting lost earnings always seemed a bit excessive. However I recently noticed that there's a centre near me which does it from mid June to mid July. The price seems reasonable and that's a quieter time for teaching so it would be better. Question is is there any point at this stage? Would I learn anything on the course that I haven't picked up in the classroom through intuition? It does get a bit frustrating sometimes when I go for better paid jobs and they virtually ignore my experience due to lack of cert.

[spiral78]

For what it's worth, I think if I were in your situation and it was something you could reasonably do, I'd go for it.

You may find that a CELTA course forces you to conform to guidelines you don't necessarily agree with - I mean, in 30 days, there's a very limited amount that can be learned/taught about the very complex and contextual job of teaching language, so most courses go for something a bit more formulaic than the reality.

BUT the exposure to some introductory theory and methodology is useful, in my opion. And, yeah, it's not a fun month, but it DOES look good on your CV.

[markle]

Even after a nearly twice as long as that, I still think that getting a CELTA (or evivalent) is worth it, especially if you plan to spend another 5 years or so in ESL. One, as you noted, that you have a bit more leverage into better jobs and two you stop wondering if what you are currently doing in class is correct. Be good enough/ enjoy it enough and it is the first step to the upper echelons of ESL.

[TheLongWayHome]

It can't hurt to take it if you have the time. The advantage you'll have over the newbies is that the course itself won't kill you and you'll probably come out with a Pass A, which does look good on the old CV.