Job Discussion Forums

[Ad�n]

Hello!

I was wondering if people on the site might be able to give me a bit of advice:

I graduated with an MSc in TESOL in 2007 and have been teaching ESOL in the U.K. on a part-time basis for the last 3 years. I've now come to a point where I feel I have enough experience to start looking for full-time EFL work abroad. Ideally I'd like to work in Spain.

The issue I have is that I didn't do a CELTA or DELTA course prior to the MSc and I wondered how off-putting this would be to potential employers. I know that technically the MSc sits higher on a qualifications framework than both of the aforementioned courses, however I worry that that the fact that I was never assessed on my actual teaching during the degree might count against me. I was observed on three occasions, but I don't know if language schools would accept this as proof of my competency as a teacher.

Would anyone recommend "back-tracking" and applying for a CELTA or DELTA course? Is it possible to do DELTA without having CELTA? I've applied to a few language schools in Spain so far, but only a handful have acknowledged my C.V. and none have invited me to interview. I'm not sure if I'm wasting my time or not...

Thanks in advance!

[naturegirl321]

Getting a CELTA would always help. YOur master in TESOL will be helpful, but often masters are more theoretical than TEFL courses.

About places in Spain not getting back to you. It seems like many employers in Latin countries, Spain included, put emphasis on face-to-face meetings

[Ad�n]

Thanks for getting back to me! I didn't realise the importance placed on face-to-face interviews in Spain, although I suppose it's completely logical given that a language school could be talking to literally anyone during a phone/Skype interview.

Do you know if CELTA is a pre-requisite for doing DELTA? I don't want to sound egotistical, I just don't want to waste time (or money for that matter) going over things I already know pretty well.

[naturegirl321]

For a DELTA; you need two years full time experience or the equivilant. You could try to apply and see if you get accepted.

[ossie39]

Hello. I think you must do a teaching certificate but I don't think you should do a teaching diploma. The teaching certificate you may do will certify you as a teacher which currently you are not. Your previous teaching experience is also useful. The teaching programme will give you new practical teaching ideas, a chance to develop resources, network and understand your teaching abilities. Your masters degree may not be understood as a qualification for teaching by some overseas employers and of course it proves a level of subject knowledge and the ability to research. The diploma proves advanced teaching ability which respectfully you may not presently have, or until say at least another 3 years teaching full time. I bet you know much of the subject knowledge (if not all) within the diploma. Holding the M.Sci has already opened the door for university teaching (a masters is necessary for this) but you want to open doors in schools and language schools and most of the teaching faternity have the certificate. Hope all goes well.