Job Discussion Forums

[Sadken]

Just wondering whether or not to do a CELTA course or swallow a bitter pill and do 7 months back home to do the PGCE.

I am curious as to whether or not the PGCE is considered much of an asset in this field.

[sheeba]

I've done the CELTA and am in my second year in China . I'm going back this summer to do a PGCE (that's the plan anyway) .The PGCE should give me opportunities with an international school that offers a better package than most of the standard TEFL job - That's what I'm hoping anyway !!

I'd be interested to see what others who have completed the PGCE . At the end of the day I'm looking for a job that will offer me a bit more stability than what is offered here in China(and perhaps TEFL) even if I have to retire to the UK . Currently with no proper medical insurance I'm struggling out here finding out what is wrong with me and it's really made me realise that I'm in the wrong kind of job -oh and the wrong country

[younggeorge]

I think Sheeba's on the right track. The PGCE is more valuable in regular schools, rather than the EFL circuit. It's also a more substantial qualification: if, as an employer, I had to choose between a candidate with a PGCE and one with a CELTA, other things being equal I'd go for the one with the PGCE.

[Otterman Ollie]

So based on that last reply someone coming to say Turkey with a pgce and a couple of years teaching under their belt, a celta would be considered to be totally unnecessary or would it ?

[Chasgul]

What's your basic degree in?

The PGCE qualifies you to teach your subject IIRC, which may not entitle you to claim you can teach English.

[Sadken]

Law

[darkside1]

PGCE benefits: ability to work in international schools, which are often higher- paying that efl schools; the 'plan B' of a return to the UK if the shine wears off teaching abroad; employability as a young learners' teacher who seem to be in high demand globally.

I would advise anyone thinking about doing a PGCE to see it as a two year project as it is much better to bite the bullet and do your probationary year straight afterwards. This will enhance your credibility in employers' eyes as well as giving you greater skills and experience on which to base teaching decisions in the future.

PGCE + Celta (or Trinity) opens up more opportunities with better employers and a tefl cert is required for visa purposes in certain higher- paying countries (e.g. the Gulf).

You will get jobs as a PGCE qualified teacher if you don't have a Celta, however, a recognised efl qualification gives you an edge in the jobs market.

[foss]

Good points, but don't underestimate how tough the PGCE can be!

[younggeorge]

[Chasgul]

With a BA in Law I recommend you do the CELTA and then go abroad.

[Sadken]

[billybuzz]

Shouldn't a PGCE with a BA in any discipline plus a TEFL be enough to get most teaching jobs ?
Would a CELTA or DELTA be more use to you than the PGCE ?

[sheeba]

PGCE in EFL

heard of EFL as an additional subject but not as the main subject . The PGCE is a year course full time as apposed to 1 month Celta . I hope to learn loads in that year about teaching in general even though my subject is not EFL related. Also use it practically in my second year when I gain certified status . I reckon I will learn a lot more than my CELTA taught me .

[Super Mario]

If you know you want to work in ESL/EFL, whether at home or abroad, a PGCTESOL is worth considering, both in terms of enhancing your employability and giving you a strong practical and theoretical pedagogic base.