Job Discussion Forums

[ExpatLuke]

With a BA degree in TESOL becoming more and more popular recently, I was wondering how it compares to other degrees and certificates. I recently worked for an employer who had some teachers with their BA in TESOL and some with their MA in TESOL. He actually valued the BA holders higher than the MA holders because he said the BA programs are based more on practical teaching and the MA programs are based entirely on theory.

What are your thoughts? How would a BA in TESOL compare to a CELTA, an MA TESOL, and a DELTA? What would you think an employer would value more?

[spiral78]

Many MAs include a practicum, so would be 'better' than BA TESOL.
CELTA is a 30-day entry-level cert, so of course far below either degree.

DELTA and MA are both usually undertaken after one has some teaching behind him/her; they're more about strengthening and improving/informing ones teaching.

As a sometime-employer, I certainly wouldn't prefer a fresh BA TESOL over an experienced MA TESL holder!!!

[Shroob]

[nomad soul]

I concur with the others; there's no basis to assume MA TESOL holders haven't had requisite, supervised teaching practice either from a credible TEFL qualification or university practicum course. If the latter, it's smart to state the course on one's CV. My MAT program did, so I always indicate "TEFL emphasis, included 135-hour ESOL practicum" after my degree major. It stands out to prospective employers who scan CVs specifically for a TEFL cert.

Frankly, the only benefit to the employer in hiring a BA TESOL over an MA TESOL is that the BA holder comes at a lower cost.

[ExpatLuke]

Well it's nice to see most of the people who have replied have some common sense. I would agree with you that an MA doesn't automatically mean you didn't have a practical aspect in your training. When the director said that, you could see several of the MA holders gritting their teeth.

[natsume]

nomad soul, was your "135-hour ESOL practicum" actually 135 hours of observed teaching practice? My TESOL certificate had a practicum course, which is listed as 49 hours, but the classroom time requirement was 5 hours observing and then 4 hours teaching the same group of students. How would you notate that on a resume?

[nomad soul]

[natsume]

Thanks, nomad.

The MA program I am entering offers a "TESOL internship" as one of the course options, but only for those who have "no prior ESOL teaching experience". I am wondering if I should try to take that, despite my 5 Japan ALT years and my year + at a Cambridge-based EFL school. This is an AL MA with a TESOL focus, but it has no practicum requirement.

I get the strong impression from many posters here that this kind of formal, documented training is really a "requirement" for better employers.

[nomad soul]

It's a personal choice, Natsume. I specifically looked for a master's program that included a practical course because it would be a permanent fixture on my academic transcript. (No need to worry about a separate TEFL certificate getting lost or needing an apostille.) The course allowed for flexibility, so I was able to tailor my practicum to my specific teaching goals. Moreover, throughout the entire 16 weeks, I had a personal support system comprised of my supervising teacher, cooperating teacher, a half dozen seasoned teachers, and my university advisor. You can't get that with a 4-week TEFL cert course.

The funny thing is that I've had (non-native speaking) colleagues ask me when I'll complete a CELTA---even after they'd been told my degree included a practical component!

Anyway, that TESOL internship elective you mention could be beneficial, especially if you can customize it for your teaching interests/needs.

[santi84]

I'm one of the few who has an undergraduate degree specifically in adult ESL education. I don't think I would recommend it, if I had to be honest

The problem is that it can certainly pigeon-hole you if you want to go into other fields. I recently came back home and I now have a job working in human resources, where immigrants are a prime source of candidates. I will be involved screening, training, writing, and other sorts of things that an educator can transition into with ease. My degree and teaching experience with immigrants was important - but I got very lucky with this opportunity.

During my job application process, it became quite clear that a number of employers were disqualifying me based on their notion that I was just passing time until leaving the country or that I could just walk into any school district and get a great job (not so - I am not qualified for primary/secondary - but non-education employers don't get that).

Personally, I think a general BA (whatever that may be) and an MA TESOL (when you decide this is really the career for you!) is probably a better path.

[suphanburi]

Just to add to the above:

IF (that was a big if there) your goal is teaching and ESL/EFL then a B.Ed + ESL/EFL endorsement would carry you farther forward and leave more options open than a BA TESOL.

If your career path in life may diverge from EFL then a more "practical" degree with either an add-on teaching endorsement might better suit your goals for the short and medium term.

.

[santi84]