Job Discussion Forums

Vtraveling · Joined: 21 Dec 2012 Posts: 2

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie. New to the forums. I've spent a few months applying to two schools and now decided on one. I've decided to go ahead with the CELTA certificate however I may not make use of it until later, perhaps a year later or a few years later. My question is....does the certificate last a lifetime where I won't need to renew it. As you all may know teachers with credentials often need to renew their licenses and etc. Is this the case for CELTA??

Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thank you Smile

fluffyhamster · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 11:14 pm Post subject:

No, the CELTA doesn't need to be renewed (though there are further qualifications to perhaps consider in the future - the DELTA, and/or an MA).

If you fail to gain much experience between completing the CELTA and applying for work, it won't exactly help your prospects, but that will be due to the lack of real experience rather than the qualification itself becoming too stale (IMHO - and can crumbs really get that stale LOL). My advice would be to try to get at least a little work shortly after completing it, just so you can gain a work reference.

You can do refresher courses, usually lasting a day or two e.g. over a weekend, but I don't really see the point in these when the methodology hasn't changed much in the interim. Money for truly old rope, in other words. Better to buy an interesting book or three with the money.

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

I wouldn't recommend it.

I finished my TESL certificate (at university, not CELTA) in 2008. It's 2013 and I'm only starting my job search now (I had several babies in between!). It's not ideal. Not only do I have to explain the gap to employers, but I need to re-read all my materials (the materials I still have), I've forgotten a lot of things in that time, and the "best" part...? My supervising instructor disappeared off the face of the earth (possibly wandering around Asia somewhere) and I don't have any references!

Don't do it!!

tttompatz

fluffyhamster · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 3:04 am Post subject:

Good point about the tutors~potential referees moving on and becoming harder to contact, Santi84. That happened to me too, but as I'd had a few TEFL jobs by then I could supply other referees (though not as good ones, perhaps).

On the other hand (Vtraveling), getting the CELTA under one's belt sooner rather than later would at least provide one with stuff to reflect and build upon, or even move away from pedagogically. But as it's quite an expensive induction, it's probably best to do it an a time when one can immediately capitalize upon it to the max.

Another bit of advice is to try to do the CELTA at a training center that is actually attached to a language school, and preferably a month or so prior to peak foreign-learner enrolments, as there then may be a chance you and other successful trainees will be offered some temporary work. Plus if your tutors end up being your DOS or AC (Director of Studies or Academic Coordinator), you can get an academic or work reference (or the two combined!), which can be handy.

Vtraveling · Joined: 21 Dec 2012 Posts: 2

Thanks all! You all made very good points. Since I'm uncertain when I'll go overseas after the completion of the CELTA, I should hold off until I'm certain. Believe me when I applied I was certain to go right after but life changed again and this plan is either postponed or not going to happen. I just hope that school refunds the deposit I made......