Job Discussion Forums

[Butonz]

From what I've gathered, the Cambridge CELTA is a well established certification. I've been thinking about applying to earn one but unfortunately there aren't any actual Cambridge ESOL centers near where I live.

What I have found however are two places that advertise themselves as University of Cambridge Authorized Centers for Teaching awards. The first I found was Teaching House and the second was International House, whose name I picked up from these boards. Here's the link for the former.

http://teachinghouse.com/center/cambridge-celta.html

So I'm curious, is this authorization business legitimate? Does a CELTA carry the same weight, whatever that weight may be, if I earn it through a different organization? I couldn't find anything on the official Cambridge ESOL site that listed accredited affiliates so I figured I'd ask around here.

Also, I've noticed a lot of people posting about how they've earned their CELTA in the country that they either plan on or are actively teaching in. Does this make a difference?

I've subbed K-8 for the past year and I'd like to continue working with kids, so I'd want to take the YL extensions these courses offer. That being said, is there anyone whose taken these courses that can comment on how well the curriculum actually prepares you for the classroom? Am I paying to actually learn something or am I just shelling out 2,500+ to earn some kind of resume pad? Not that I'm even at that step in the process yet =/.

[Mr_Monkey]

The CELTA is externally moderated by Cambridge - there are no "accredited affiliates" - the certificate is issued by Cambridge, and is dependent on the centre meeting Cambridge's quality standards. You will teach at least one lesson that is observed and assessed not by your tutors but a moderator trained and employed by Cambridge ESOL. The external assessor also looks at the written work done on the course and paperwork held by the centre. It's not a perfect system, but I believe a fair claim to standardisation could be made.

I guess the closest you could get to an accredited affiliate would be British Council teaching centres. They are involved in writing the specifications of the CELTA course along with UCLES.

If you've never taught English before, I suspect that you'll be very pushed - the course is very intensive, and even with classroom experience you'll have to work hard. It's not a walk in the park by any means. If you're looking to work in Japan, a CELTA is not strictly necessary, but I believe it will give you an edge in a crowded market.

[Butonz]

Honestly, that's welcome news. I want to make sure this is a job I can handle, as well as enjoy. It sounds as though a CELTA course might help me in that regard.

Thanks for the input =).

[Mr_Monkey]

You're welcome.

You might find this page useful - it lists all the approved centres. If it's not on that list, I'd contact Cambridge ESOL about it in the first instance, they might be able to clarify its status.