Job Discussion Forums

menace2society32 · Joined: 17 Aug 2003 Posts: 92

The debate has existed for years: CELTA or others. I am in the U.A.E. with job offers in Kuwait and Saudi, but don't want to go. I have a Master of Science in Education (NOT AN MA!!!!!!!) and 3 years experience. Unfortunately, I don't have teacher certification. I am looking for an accredited and well-known certification program to get into. I don't want an online certificate, because I figure employers can spot an online certificate in a heartbeat. More importantly, I really want to learn the important things about the teaching process in EFL teaching. Therefore I desire a genuine classrooom atmosphere. Yet, I don't know if I want to go for the CELTA, because I don't want to continue teaching long-term. I would like to teach two more years and then get out. So I am looking for something that is recognized internationally and could get me a position with a higher salary than past EFL employers and provide me the opportunity to toss some more money in the bank before getting out of the EFL field. Yet I would also like something that EFL employers respect in case I decide to re-enter the EFL field a few years from now. I am looking for something that begins in mid to late August and am willing to travel to other parts of Asia, Europe, South America, or the U.S., but would desire something in the U.A.E. if possible. All advice is welcome. Thank you.

menace2society32 · Joined: 17 Aug 2003 Posts: 92

Money is not an issue, but I would still prefer to get a good deal. Has anyone heard of Bridge-Linguatec?? Are they recognized globally?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Well, most employers consider a Master's a Master's - some don't even care if it is education related. But, as I read the rest of it, I am confused as to what it is you want. Do you want certification to teach EFL? or 'teacher certification' which is to teach primary/secondary school? Those are the only two certifications I know.

Let's assume you mean EFL certification. If so, CELTA is obviously the one and/or DELTA if you wish to go into teacher training. These are widely recognized and respected in the field. But, I really can't see them or any other certificate getting you any more money than your current Masters.

Google those certs... dozens of places offer it all around the world. You could combine into a great vacation!! Cool

VS

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

IMHO, when someone doesn't really know what he/she wants to do, it's better to do nothing.

kaw · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:13 am Post subject: TEFL Cert

Can I just get something cleared up - are you already working in EFL or not????
If you are - then getting a Trinity Cert or CELTA won't do any harm - and if not - it still wouldn't be such a bad thing. It's always a useful thing to have and besides you did say thay you wanted to 'learn the important things about the teaching process in EFL teaching' - how else do you expect to do this without the cert?
There seem to be various places in the UAE offering the CELTA - have a look at http://cambridgeesol-centres.org for more info - as well of course as many other places round the globe.

Hope this helps.

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

I assume the question about how one learns the important aspects of teaching EFL without getting a certificate was rhetorical?

menace2society32 · Joined: 17 Aug 2003 Posts: 92

No disrespect intended, but it is possible to learn about EFL teaching as far as teaching strategies, theories, etc, etc without a CELTA or other certification. If one does not go to college, does it mean they are not educated or intelligent? No, it only means they are not FORMALLY educated.

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

You are absolutely right, menace.

As proof, one only needs to look at the background of good teachers--and then to look at the number of folks with CELTAs who have not the slightest idea of how to give a class.