Job Discussion Forums

ssjup81 · Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 7:53 am Post subject: What should I do?

Hello all. I know this has been asked a lot, but there are just so many pages when using the search option and even when skimming, I didn't get a specific answer to what I'm curious about.

Okay, I guess I'll describe myself a bit. I have a BA in Social Sciences, with an EDU concentration. I've taken my Praxis I teaching test recently, but won't know the results until about week after next, and I can only hope and pray I passed it! It was much more difficult than I was expecting it to be, just like the lvl 3 JLPT was for me last year! >< I also have an interest in Japan.

Anyway, I am interested in ESL Teaching, even if it's just for a short while and doing the Volunteer ESL Teaching has pretty much re-emphasized it, even though those I work with now are native Spanish speakers and adults. My Spanish is very basic since I haven't used it in so many years, and is coming back a little. My Japanese is basic since I don't have much of an opportunity to use what I'm learning.

I was interested in getting one of the certifications, but I'm having a difficulty figuring out how to get a CELTA certification or Trinity or whatever other ones are there. Is it preferred to obtain a certification within the country of interest or is it okay to do so in one's home country as well?

How does one usually go about getting one? I live in Richmond, Virginia. Any recommendations for this newb or can one point out a place for me to check out? I always see so many "online TESL" type things, and to me, that doesn't seem very practical. How can you get certified in something online that requires one to have to work with people?

I'm only asking this, because I would really hate to take a course in this, and it turns out that it wouldn't hold any weight in my teaching area of interest and seems CELTA and Trinity are the best known ones.

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

You might want to get qualified first. IF not, then head to the library and read up on teaching, try to observe some classes, eventually you will need the quals.

ssjup81 · Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2009 2:24 am Post subject:

I thank you for the insight, but that still didn't fully answer the question. What exactly is the procedure to obtain certification?

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Look for an intensive four-week course. CELTA and Trinity are the most recognized, but that doesn't mean that they are the only options out there--just choose carefully. Make sure that you will get observed practice teaching sessions with real students and that you'll get feedback from the course observers. If you already know which country/ies you're interested in, you can start looking at job ads to see what they require. That could give you a clue as to whether or not certain qualifications will be accepted.

As to where to do the course, I'm one of the believers in the "do the course in the region you want to teach in" philosophy. You can get started looking for housing, getting a feel for what your students will be like, and lining up job interviews, and your TEFL course can help you contact potential schools.

Good luck,
d

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

You've hit the nail on the head in your OP - the lack of a classroom in online certs makes them fundamentally insufficient in getting a newbie teacher started!

While there are some regions where online certs are accepted, these tend generally to be regions where demand for teachers is very high and you can likely get a job there without any cert at all.

The basic newbie cert that is accepted in most regions is 100+ hours on site, including practice teaching on real students (not peer trainees) with feedback from experienced teacher trainers. CELTA is the name brand, but there are some 'generic' certs that fit the bill as well.

I agree with Denise that there are lots of good reasons to take a course in the country where you want to start. The course providers usually provide things like housing during the course, airport pickup, local orientation, and they know what employers in the region are reputable. Yes, the courses are intensive, and its unlikely that you'll get to know the area much until it's over, but it's still a head start into the area.

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I think the option of doing the course at home is good if...

a) you plan on teaching at home--but jobs are scarce in the US--at least, the good ones are scarce--and many require MAs anyway

b) you don't have any idea where in the world you want to teach, so there's no point in getting a head start in familiarizing yourself with the region. Oh, and you will initially save the cost of the airfare, but since few countries/schools will pay your airfare for you, chances are you'll have to come up with the money eventually anyway.

c) you honestly believe that being home, with your family, friends, favorite hang-outs, easy access to TV programs that you can understand, etc. would not distract you--if you get a call on a Friday night to go out, will you be able to tell your friends that you need to stay in and prepare a lesson plan? If you take the course in-country, your social circle will initially be your classmates, who will understand what you're going through.

In my case, it just made more sense to leave the US.

d