Job Discussion Forums

justflyingin · Joined: 30 Apr 2009 Posts: 100

Hello,

I've been more or less "casually teaching" English for several years now, mostly as a substitute in a language school nearby. (I live so close, they can call me and I can be there in 3-5 minutes if necessary.)

Anyway, I've long been interested in advanced training. I have a MEd and a BS (education)--one in Elem. Ed and one in Home Ec/Science Education. I didn't have any ESL courses, but have a reasonably good background in English.

I've been looking at the possibility of further training. After reading in various places, I've become aware of the DELTA and the CELTA. The CELTA is offered here in Warsaw in the summer and also every Sat. during the school year (20 Saturdays). The Delta appears to be much more involved and quite a bit more expensive.

Can anyone here compare and contrast the two? Smile

I thought I had wanted to get the CELTA training, but after reading some opinions about it, it sounds like it might be pretty basic for me since I do have two education degrees.

I haven't found the certification necessary to find teaching jobs, but am looking for information and opinions from those of you here.

Thanks.

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

CELTA is a 30-day newbie - level certification.

DELTA is a step up from this - beyond the basics. Some UK MA TESL/TEFL programs will give credits for the DELTA towards an MA.

You'd probably benefit more from a DELTA, I guess. It would certainly enhance your classroom skills, and the qual can also lead to teacher training positions and DOS jobs, in some cases.

justflyingin · Joined: 30 Apr 2009 Posts: 100

I was not really aware of the DELTA. As I read over what the CELTA course contains, I realized that maybe it wasn't really for me. I've already student taught and actually had a couple of years of teaching on the college level as a grad assistant, so it isn't like I've never prepared a lesson plan before.

The DELTA really did look like the kind of stuff that interests me.

If I could do it all over again, I'd get more linguistics training--I'd even like to go for a Master's in it and then beyond, if that were possible. But with kids in college, I just don't know that the dream will ever become reality.

Thanks for your advice. I'll just beginning to look at different options. I'll probably not do anything this year except do more reading.

Khrystene · Joined: 17 Apr 2004 Posts: 271 Location: WAW, PL/SYD, AU

scottie1113 · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 375 Location: Gdansk

I agree with Khrystene. My frfiends who have DELTA have told me that it did very little to enhance their teaching skills and they got it because they were aiming for a position as a DOS.

CELTA will enable you to teach at more schools because most of the better ones require it and combined with your experience should more doors for you.

dynow · Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 1080

[/quote]Can anyone here compare and contrast the two? [quote]

sure.

both of them in my opinion are not essential to being a successful ESL'er in Poland, but that's just me.

CELTA, ok, it gets your foot in the door, is a nice introduction to the profession, and it's relatively fast. DELTA.....in Poland? I just don't see the point.

justflyingin, are you planning on becoming like a professional super ESL dude in Poland for 10-20 years? it just seems like if I was going to do a master's or at least something that required the same amount of time, I'd want to do something different. if you leave ESL and go into something else, a DELTA.......what's a DELTA?

i was just like you, when i first had come to poland, i was seriously considering doing the Masters in Poland program in Czestochowa, there are a few threads on here about it. besides the fact that the program was absolutely sketchy, after 6 months here I simply saw no point in me spending thousands of dollars and 2 years of my time on something that is not going to better my salary here. and like i said, there are simply better things to get a master's in.

but that's just me.

dynow · Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 1080

Master Shake · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 1202 Location: Colorado, USA

simon_porter00 · Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 505 Location: Warsaw, Poland

More money for DELTA? You'd be surprised how little this 'more money' is.

justflyingin · Joined: 30 Apr 2009 Posts: 100

dynow · Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 1080

Blasphemer · Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 199 Location: NYC/Warszawa

I've found CELTA to be a really good leverage tool in negotiations. It was a super intensive crash course, I've had some seasoned teachers leave in tears [I did the intensive four week course however].

I think it's a pretty good thing for anyone - new and experienced teachers alike. I was lucky enough to complete my CELTA in NYC where we had the chance to test our newly acquired skills in a seriously multi national classroom environment.

Another great thing about CELTA - you are being taught by very experienced staff with deep understanding and great insight into the EFL world.

Over all I must say that it was an amazing experience, worth every penny. I know that this probably sounds like a sells pitch, but that's how I feel about it.

You do have to take CELTA with a grain of salt, the actual classroom experience in real life vastly differs from the CELTA classroom, but if you can get through that... everything else is simple.

One last thing... the overall picture of a native speaker in Poland is not a pretty one, usually it's tainted by people who don't even know basic grammar... with CELTA behind your belt, you are showing your future future employers that - 1. you are serious about the job. 2. you KNOW English and not just speak it with a perfect regional accent.

Master Shake · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 1202 Location: Colorado, USA

bje · Joined: 19 Jun 2005 Posts: 527

I've found the DELTA to be a definite advantage in countries other than those located in the Gulf, where an MA is usually required- most employers are not interested in the DELTA.

Thus far, while my MA TESOL has not resulted in extra money or significantly better opportunities in countries outside the Gulf, the DELTA has proved useful.

sharter · Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 878 Location: All over the place

Look, you've got a BEd and MEd, that puts you in a different league to most Teflers in Poland. Do a CELTA...it'sall you need with what you've already got. Deltas really count for squat if you've got an MEd.........in the Gulf an MA, any MA will, get you hired faster than (and over) Delta qualified people.

Delta training provides a very narrow teaching framework...I mean, who times lessons down to a minute? What's the point in doing a presentation in Arabic or the like? How will writing an essay...or indeed 4 make you a better teacher?

You've got some quals and experience. Do a Celta; it's cheaper, less stressful and will save you a lot of hassle.

Deltas don't make people better DOSs btw....they just give you a perceived credibility at places like IH and other low pay sweat shops.