Job Discussion Forums

Aspiringteacher · Joined: 22 May 2010 Posts: 1 Location: Canada

Hi everyone,

I am considering ESL teaching but confused about what sort of certification would be best. I have a bachelor's degree in International Public Policy, and a few months of informal volunteer teaching experience overseas, but have yet to earn any formal ESL certification.

I currently live in Ottawa, Canada and would be looking for an ESL program here or nearby. I have looked into several TESOL certificate companies including Oxford Seminars and United TESOL and repeatedly found people who either love or hate these programs. Both appear to have problems with formal accreditation. Does anyone have any definitive info on what sort of certification (whether TESOL or otherwise) is both cheap and recommended for Canadians in my position?

Also, even if one has a TESOL certificate, are there countries where more than a certificate is required to teach? I hope to keep all options open!

Thank you for any advice!

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

Hello Aspiringteacher,

Choose a program that is accredited by TESL Canada (Standard One or even better, Standard Two). I'm not very familiar with common international programs, but I think it is important to choose a certification that is at least recognized in your own country. I am in BC, not Ontario, so I'm not sure which of these programs is closest to you in Ottawa. All of these programs include the minimum 10 hours observation and 10 hours supervised teaching practice (some programs have more, none have less).

Here is the list from TESL.ca for Ontario programs
http://www.tesl.ca/Secondary_Navigation/TESL_Canada_Recognized_Teacher_Training_Programs/Recognized_Teacher_Training_Programs.htm#ON

tttompatz · Posted: Tue May 25, 2010 4:37 am Post subject:

Any ESL/EFL/TESOL certification is better than none.

an accredited course is better than on-line or non-accredited.

Whether or not you NEED certification and which certification you need depends on where you want to go.

With your Bachelors degree you can get a work visa and teach (legally) just about everywhere outside of western Europe.

Eastern Asia pays the best for newbie teachers but can be a hard road to follow for many reasons the least of which is culture shock. A tesol may give you a bump up on the competition and in some cases a salary bump of about $100 per month.

South east Asia would be next on the list for salaries and quality of living (for north Americans) followed by eastern Europe and central/south America. Again, TESOL cert is not required but will certainly add to your marketability in the job search.

IF you had a recognized TESOL /with a preference for a CELTA /DELTA or even an MATESOL then you can add the middle east to the mix (highest pay scales).

.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

You want cheap?

You get what you pay for.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Most employers request CELTA or Trinity's certificate. You are generally selling yourself short in the short and medium term by going on less recognised courses. I know there is the pull of paying less, but ditto the last message.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

I'll take your word for it! (I have little knowledge of Japan and the Japanese, but I have to express mild surprise.)
At the same time, if the teaching bug gets you at some point, not having one of the better known courses under your belt may still come back to bite you.

sophie611 · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Usual answer: Most of those employers specifying an initial certificate cite the CELTA, then the Trinity, then others (and more and more are now ignoring online certificates). Re CELTA and Trinity: this order of preference reverses somewhat if you wish to teach children, I believe. Re Middle East: go to the jobs part of this site (and others) and see what ME schools are typically asking for. Also, look on the Middle East forums on this site: if there isn't a good answer there, then start a new thread there and ask..

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I have never EVER had any employers look at my TEFL dip. They were more concerned about me having a BA to get a visa.

That being said, having a cert will help you in the classroom, but jobwise, having a BA is often better.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Well, I've generally found that they want the degree and the TEFL qualification. At the end, it depends on the individual employer, but I do think the TEFL is important in order to learn how to teach.