Job Discussion Forums

[OriontheGreat]

Okay guys,

I've been spending a lot of time squinting and craning my neck in front of a computer screen trying to make heads or tales of the difference (or lack there of) between CELTA and TEFL/ TESOL certification. As far as I can tell, a true CELTA courses is certified by the university of Cambridge and is internationally recognized. On the other hand, the TEFL is not certified by the university of Cambridge, but may also be internationally recognized.

I realize that none of you may be authorities on this subject, but many of you do have valuable real world experience dealing with the differences and the perceived differences between these two types of certification.

My Questions . . .

1.) Do Polish language schools recognize the TEFL?

2.) Will a Polish school hire someone who possesses a TEFL and teaching experience, but no CELTA certification?

Thanks,

Orion

[BindairDundat GotdaTshirt]

Honestly, most of the language schools in Poland tend to follow what sounds legitimate rather than what is a legit teaching qualification. For instance, if they want to offer quality education they should only hire native speakers with an M.A in Applied Linguistics or B.A with an English Major. If you have got to the point where you are considering doing a TESOL or CELTA course, the good news is that you have narrowed down your choice to the only two teacher training courses recognized by the British Council as conferring 'TEFL initiated' status in the UK. Between the two there is little difference.
The Trinity College London Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and the Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) provide initial training to adults of eighteen or over whose objective is to gain certification as English language teachers. The courses typically last four weeks and are extremely intensive. Course members do not have to be 'native speakers' or graduates, although both courses require a level of education that would allow access to a degree program.
You could look at it as a shortcut for a teaching qualification but it shouldn't be "a must have". When some of the schools post their ads looking for teachers (or native speakers) they are following a trend or what the competitor announces rather than going for the real deal. Polish language schools are becoming a fast money making business owned or run by people with little or no recruiting skills, little interest in hiring real professionals or teacher graduates; or no idea whatsoever of the students' real needs.
I find myself wondering if some of the schools that responded to my offer knew what a teacher graduate degree really meant. Obviously they were either playing ignorant or hearing the word CELTA in the answer does have a certain snob value to their ears.

[MilesFerdinand]

I agree with Bindair totally. Theres very little difference between the two. I did the TESOL - was unbelievably intensive (almost felt brainwashed at the end of the 4 weeks) but very very satisfying at the same time.

As for Polish schools. Well, theyll employ anyone basically. Being native seems to be most important and if you have a forged certificate, thatll do them

[Pollux]

Two posts from two Brits and no answer.

CELTA, TESOL, or TEFL cert will get you a job in Poland. Do the one that is near you and suits you. Make sure the course has some teaching practise, that's all. My TEFL course was much more demanding than the comparable CELTA and many Brits chose it over the British one because it was longer(6 weeks), had two instructors, and had a proven record to get jobs for its 'graduates.' This was in Paris, and not some backwoods area of the world.

Don't count on schools employing just anyone. It is true that any 'native speaker' can get a job, but the conditions, pay, and hours will not be the same. This is not Asia or the ME; you will be challenged at your knowledge of the English language.

[OriontheGreat]

Thanks to all of you for the replies.

Very informative indeed.

I'm planning on subjecting myself to the type of TEFL brainwashing that Miles Ferdinand has described in his post. I'm planning on doing my TEFL in Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica though.

If you're going to get brain washed you might as well do it in a tropical paradise eh?

So Pullox where are you from?

[Pollux]

I missed MF's description of the brainwashing one might be subjected to. It is rather busy work, and embarassingly short. Why is it so short and expensive? It might have something to do with the quick buck thing.

Oh, btw, I was born a poor black child in Rhodesia, which would be Zimbabwe to you...

Are you new to the internet?