Job Discussion Forums

[desert]

Hi everyone,

I am wondering what options I have for doing an online tefl certificate. I already have a proper on-site tefl certificate, so I am not interested in doing it for the piece of paper. Rather, I would like to update my skills and improve as a teacher. Are there any online programs or other methods of improvement that are helpful in this regard.

Thanks.

[nomad soul]

There's the distance DELTA, but that may not be what you're looking for. What's your education and teaching experience?

[desert]

I don't think the distance delta would work for me as I have less than two years of experience, but I wonder if there is a distance Celta. I am currently in the U.S., and I have a BA in Linguistics, a TEFL certificate (celta equivalent), and about 4 months of experience. I'm not necessarily looking to do a certificate to increase my qualifications, although that would be nice. It is more geared towards becoming a better teacher. That's why I would consider certificates that are normally not acceptable to employers as long as it would help me to improve my teaching.

[nomad soul]

Thanks for the info. It also would be helpful to know:

- Where you did your 4 months of teaching and in what context (e.g., business English, conversation English, IEP, etc.)
- If you're currently teaching
- Your teaching goals

[desert]

I was teaching general English with an emphasis on conversation in the Middle East. It was a great experience, but the political situation in some of the countries is not very safe right now. Basically, I want to go back to the Middle East. Things didn't work out for me to go back this year, so I am currently not teaching. I haven't been teaching for almost a year, so I am looking for something to help prepare me to go back. I don't want to get too rusty.

[nomad soul]

It's understandable that you don't want to lose your teaching skills nor show a huge gap of time away from teaching on your resume/CV. To ease yourself back into a classroom environment, consider doing some volunteer teaching or subbing at one of your local ESL schools. You also might offer yourself as a private tutor to community college ESL centers in your area. And definitely join your local TESOL affiliate for networking and job opportunities in addition to info on upcoming events and seminars.

[BadBeagleBad]

If you just want the push a course provides I would suggest one of the American TESOL Institute�s online courses. I did a couple of them, and found the feedback very helpful. They do have a live course as well, and I understand the content is the same. The courses are reasonable in price.

[Chancellor]

[desert]

Thanks for the tips. I think that volunteering sounds at schools sounds like a great option, but there are no schools in my area. I might end up going through the materials from my last course. The online certificates look good as well.

[Chris Westergaard]

If you have the time and can afford it take an onsite course. You'll meet a bunch of trainers, past graduates and fellow trainees that you can count on for the rest of your teaching career. WIth online, you get none of that.

[nomad soul]

Desert, you certainly could benefit from joining your state TESOL affiliate and approaching them for ideas since they're familiar with resources in your area. And it sounds like you really need to be part of a teaching community and network. (When I needed to find a teaching situation for my practicum, my local TESOL org hooked me up!)

I'm not sure where you are in the US, but if you're near a library, a YMCA/community center, county jail, or even a church that's heavily involved in community service, you might consider approaching them about starting a small ESL/literacy class or tutoring sessions---nothing long term. They'd be helpful in referring potential students, and you'd be volunteering your time but maintaining your teaching skills. This is something you could do while taking an online TESOL refresher course. Good luck!

[desert]

The tesol affiliate sounds like a good idea. I'm in a rural/ somewhat mono-cultural area, but they might have some sort of specific idea of where I can go in my area as in community colleges, libraries, etc. Thanks.

I would love to take another onsite course, but its not possible at the moment. I'll have to look into the resources in my locality.

[joelackey92]

Can you teach in the Middle East with an online certification?

[nomad soul]

[Mart1300]

I hear that USC has an online deal though I'm not sure if it's a cert or an actual degree in TESOL. (I suppose it's not cheap either)[/list]