Job Discussion Forums

gloomyGumi · Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 353

I have no certification whatsoever, only a BA English and unrelated Masters and nearly 4 yrs teaching experience. Would a different certification be more appropriate at this stage?

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

I suppose it primarily depends what you'd want to do with it.

For DOS and teacher trainer positions, I think a DELTA is kind of the gold standard.

I haven't got one, but know quite a few teachers who do - they say it's helped career-wise and was plenty challenging enough to be useful and interesting, as a CELTA might not at your stage in the game.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 2:00 pm Post subject:

Where's your experience from? Turkey? Elsewhere?

gloomyGumi · Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 353

South Korea. and I know Turkey requires some sort of cert, correct?

coffeespoonman · Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 512 Location: At my computer...

You want DELTA at this stage. In a similar position to you (less experience, but related M.A.), the director of ITI refused to even let me consider a CELTA, saying that it would be a waste of my time.

Did he want more money from me? Maybe. Was he right? Yes, he was. It was a lot of work, but it has benefitted me a thousandfold in my career.

gloomyGumi · Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 353

what kind of jobs can i get in Turkey WITHOUT a celta/delta?

coffeespoonman · Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 512 Location: At my computer...

Most any (with a few upper end exceptions) because of your degrees + experience. But you'll likely be paid more if you get a DELTA, and you'll be eligible for promotions, etc, if that's your thing.

More importantly, you'll learn so much about teaching EFL/ESL. Now, I'm not saying anything about your knowledge or teaching style - you may be a great teacher. It's just that, even though I already was a good teacher before I did the DELTA (I think), after doing the DELTA, my own personal enjoyment and satisfaction increased significantly. Everything started fitting together much more easily in the classroom and while prepping. I learned about a whole bunch of things I should be taking into account and never was, and I feel much better about myself as a teacher now.

For people who are committed to a lifetime of teaching, I really can't recommend the DELTA enough. For people who aren't or aren't sure yet, the DELTA represents a huge time commitment and a lot of effort, and I wouldn't recommend it if you're not 100% into it.