Job Discussion Forums

mosquito · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Mexico City

Hello all,

Has anyone been in this situation before? And any advice on getting over nervousness/apprehension related to it?

I completed a 4 week CELTA in Toronto in summer 2005 after obtaining my BA in International Studies. Basically I was hoping to improve my chances for the JET Program, to which I applied in 2006. Having the CELTA certainly got me excited about teaching and feeling more confident during the JET interview. But I didn't get the job!

Now it will be nearly two years since I got CELTA-certified. I'm wondering how this will look if I apply to another school/company. It certainly has me feeling less-than-sure of myself.

thanks

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Have you considered trying to get some teaching practice in? For example, volunteering at an immigrant centre or as a tutor for non-native speaking students? That might both help to re-activate the skills you learned on the CELTA course, and also give you some additional references & experience when you start applying for jobs...

sheeba · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 1123

I think you need to work on your confidence more than worrying about CELTA's and what minimal skills that teaches. You need to regain the enthusiasm you had before . Perhaps the JET programme decline has made you feel less than confident.You got the CELTA and have a degree- you're not stupid - Just go for it and don't worry .

I'd not mention my CELTA in interview because experience counts for so much more than that . Granted you have no experience but that's exactly what you need so get out there now !

coffeedrinker · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 149

I agree that it is probably more valuable to work on your confidence than stress about the time.

As for not mentioning it though - there are plenty of jobs where you need a certificate...and given that there are lots of jobs out there, those requiring a certificate and those not, I think it's perfectly reasonable to be straightforward about it or at least say something like "I did the course a few years ago and now has turned out to be the ideal time to search for teaching work". It's one qualification that you have, so I'd say let them know you have it.

If you want to work in a country that doesn't require it, I don't think it would count against you that you have it. But if you're stressed about how to present it in these cases it wouldn't make you any less competitive than other applicants not to mention it.

I also agree that looking for some practice locally is good step. Both that and the fact that you did a course show employers that you do take the situation seriously.

sheeba · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 1123

movinaround · Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 202

coffeedrinker · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 149

The last two make good points - and I see what you mean now, sheeba, about (not) mentioning it at the interview - I misunderstood it when I posted.

I think the last post is spot on for a lot of language schools...but there is the issue of: if you don't mention it, you may well end up in a school without any support.

It is a difficult topic though - and I see the point of asking only right before you sign the contract - but I am more inclined to agree with sheeba that if you genuinely want support, this will make a good impression on the kind of school you want to work for.

I guess I'm getting off topic, so I'll try to return. I think there are plenty of "holiday teachers", plenty of career teachers, and some in between - like me. I take my job seriously, I want to do it well - and at first I really wanted people to know I wasn't just doing it on a lark, so I could finance a drinking binge or something. I still want people to realize that, of course, but after over three years, I feel like there are schools that can and do appreciate the fact that people can do a good and conscientious job without necessarily being certain that they will have a lifelong career in ELT.

My point is, I don't think you should feel bad that you didn't immediately pursue teaching. You did a course to better prepare yourself for the opportunity you were interested in, you passed it, and you didn't just latch onto the next job opportunity that came along when you didn't get hired by JET. You pursued something at the time that seemed like the best fit for you, and now you feel that teaching is that best fit.

Is this even true for you? I have no idea, but I relate to a lot of the concern in your original post and I think the above explanation is a reasonable one.

sheeba · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 1123

I see where you are coming from caffeinedrinker Smile

I think that unfortunately too many schools will turn their nose up if you asked for support but realistically a good school or an intelligent individual would realise that the OP has no experience and WILL NOT be able to survive alone as well as he would with help that he really does need .

The CELTA certificate actually states in writing (unless you get an A ) that you will need guidance to help you in your initial stages as a teacher. This is about the best advice the CELTA has to offer and I think even those who get an A need that help . If a school cared about the CELTA surely they would take these words into account when interviewing fresh CELTA candidates. Therefore I don't see why asking about guidance is such a bad thing . Teaching should be something we do together and learn from each other and if the school can't see that then I wouldn't work for them anyways . Mind you I probably wouldn't work for 3/4 of TEFL institutes on this planet anyway !!

I can feel where the OP comes from too as I have been in a similar situation . In my case I just needed someone to tell me that I was capable and that gave me the confidence to believe I could get somewhere in this field - which I am now doing .

movinaround · Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 202

sheeba · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 1123

mosquito · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Mexico City

Well over a year later, I just wanted to say thanks for these replies. Sorry I did not get back earlier.

As an update with myself. I am still stateside. Sheeba, you inquired what the reason was for my delay between obtaining the CELTA and getting around to thinking about teaching abroad. Well, first there was the fact that I was focused solely on the JET Program. After I did not make that I was unsure as to what other options to consider. And the rest is just a bunch of personal stuff that has happened since then.

I just needed to say THANK YOU. I really appreciate your taking the time to consider and reply.

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

Qualifications AND experience will help. COngresses, short courses, workshops, both participating and presenting.

And teaching itself willl get your foot in the door.

mosquito · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Mexico City

Thanks. Obviously experience helps. It seems the majority of job postings list experience as a requirement. But I'm guessing I will have to apply to some of those that I'm interested in anyway.

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

mosquito · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Mexico City

aha! thanks. of course i have some experience in that regard. but a lot of posts actually say minimum one year ESL teaching experience required/preferred.

but yes, I will have to stick to outside-the-box thinking for now Wink