Job Discussion Forums

[Shroob]

Hi all,

I am a recent History graduate (First Class) and first found out about TEFL towards the end of the last year of my degree. Since then I have been researching and generally thinking TEFL quite a lot. I think its a great way to see the world but am wary about some aspects and would appreciate some opinions by 'TEFL veterans' as it were.

Firstly, I want to become a teacher in the UK, so will be studying a P.G.C.E. hopefully starting September 2011, and then have a year to get Qualified Teacher Status. What I would like your advice on is when to take a TEFL qualification and which one.

I know I want to study either a CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL. I have the option of choosing either part time or intensive, (I'm in Sheffield, England and both universities have TEFL courses, one CELTA the other Trinity). I am unsure of which qualification to take. CELTA seems to be the most recommended, however CertTESOL is still recognised. CertTESOL's course allowed me to observe a lesson where students were being taught, and I thoroughly enjoyed that. I know I could teach in asia with just a degree, but I want to do things the right way. Primarily I want to be confident in my ability, but also any form of teaching is a responsibility and I want to be sure I can do it (hence why I want propper accreditation).

I would also like to know how representative are the 'horror stories' I read about all too often. Is it a case of people exagerating or are the cowboy companies/schools really the norm. I would ideally like to teach in Asia - specifically China or Korea and these seem to be where most complaints originate.

As I said before, I would like to be an actual primary school teacher in the UK, so my timetable looks something like this:
Now - Summer 2011 = volunteer in local schools (to get experience for a PGCE course) alongside a part time job.
Take a part time TEFL course (which one I don't know).
Volunteer at charities offering English lessons to students/immigrants (have been in contact with these already)

Summer 2011 - September 2011 = Possibly get a TEFL job over the summer, either in the UK or in Europe (as I've heard short term placements are avialable).

September 2011 - Summer 2012 = P.G.C.E. course

Summer 2012 = Possibly teaching English in UK or Europe again.

September 2012 - Summer 2013 = Initial year as a teacher to get Qualified Teacher Status.

Summer 2013 - Take 1 year teaching contract in Asia. Get a better idea if I like it and then either continue or return to UK and take up 'regular' teaching.

Now I know that sounds like I have everything planned, but I would really appreciate your advice and any comments you have, especially around the following:
1) CELTA vs. TESOL - is CELTA that much better?
2) Are the 'horror stories' as common as they appear?
3) What do you think to my overall plans?

Thank you for your time and input.

[denise]

I'm not sure what percentage of EFL teachers have horror stories to tell, but I'd say that people who suffer horrors in this field (broad generalizations to follow):

1) aren't properly qualified
2) don't do enough research before applying for & accepting jobs
3) have personality traits that make them overemphasize the negatives
4) aren't experienced enough travelers to realize that things are different in other cultures
5) are just really unlucky.

d

[Shroob]

Well from that list...

I definately want to become qualified, and I will definately research any potential employer.

I am not a seasoned traveler, though thats due to lack of opportunity/funds than to lack of willing. I definately want to be exposed to other cultures, one of the main reasons for doing this is the chance to learn a new language and see the world.

If I'm honest I am probably over critical of myself and tend to notice negatives, but I am really positive about teaching, it was one of the most enjoyable evenings I've had in a long time when I sat in the group of students who were having an English lesson.

Thanks for the input.

With regards to CELTA vs. Trinity CertTESOL, is one really better than the other? Where I am they both run part time/intensive courses and both cost the same. When I went to the lesson, I had a chance to talk to some current CertTESOL students and asked whey they picked this course, they said it was the reputation of the staff (Sheffield Hallam) - anyone have any views on this?

Thanks again,
Shroob.

[spiral78]

I'm not a nit-picker usually, and a spelling error (or run on sentence) or two certainly does NOT doom you as an English teacher. Heaven knows, I've got my own blind spots when it comes to spelling (avoid bureacracy/bureaucracy/burwhatever at all costs!).

And the above is a pretty common error.


But....keep in mind


fin
finite
definite
definitely!!

English teachers, we are:)

[nickpellatt]

I have completed a Trinity, and from speaking to people I have met who took a CELTA, both courses seem pretty similar. I dont think there is much to choose between them in honesty, so if the price is the same, the decision could come down to something as simple as which one has a more convenient date. I really dont think its worth worrying about and to do so is just splitting hairs.

I think the plan sounds quite solid. I would imagine most major cities in the UK have a number of charities that may welcome an extra hand in terms of volunteer input. This kind of work may not be representative of language teaching abroad though. I did a short time volunteering in the UK for a charity trying to integrate immigrants into society with improved language skills, and I didnt really like it. Cutting a long story short it was mixed abilities and mixed nationalities for one hour a week in a restaurant that lent us a back room. No material etc...it wasnt ideal

As far as summer work...you can easily find work in the UK during the summer months....lots of summer schools, and if you look at job ads on TEFL com you can see the jobs still advertised for this summer. You should find something for sure.

I have also worked in Asia, and had none of the often reported problems. Maybe I have been lucky, but as already mentioned above...a lot of the problems may appear to be self-inflicted, or an issue with the person complaining.

I did think about getting a PGCE, but now I wouldnt consider it as I love EFL work. I think there is something quite special about teaching a language, and using it to open up a world of possibility, opportunity or just a window to a new world of culture for your students. Cant beat it IMO, and I wouldnt consider swapping it for a class of bored UK teens who I had to teach subjects too!

[Shroob]

Thanks all, a nice inspiring post to think about, it does lift me when I read posts like that. Great to hear of people who are having the time of their life and are clearly passionate about what they do. The P.G.C.E. is mainly due to the fact tuition fees may be going up in the UK sometime soon, hence my desire to complete one as soon as possible, as well as UK teaching being a fall back option.

Re. Definite - yes, spelling was never one of my strong points (not too handy for a potential English teacher, eh?). My grammar also needs work and is a concern for when I decide to do a CELTA / CertTESOL. When I read posts asking to explain mistakes, I can spot errors and how to correct them, but the actual reason to why its wrong eg. Present continuous, eludes me.

Are there any resources you recommend that might help me?

Thanks again,
Shroob

[crystalpalace]

I too just graduated from Sheffield University and have recently completed the CELTA course down in London.

Don't worry too much about your grammar etc, you get taught that over the course. Besides, if you're teaching a specific grammar point, you'll know what it is a day or two in advance so you have time to look at textbooks and get your head round it then.

I actually found the CELTA quite enjoyable. It's intense, but it was a good laugh. You have in total 6 hours of lesson observing (watching other teachers in the school) and 6 hours of teaching time yourself. But yeah, i highly recommend CELTA

[Glenski]

[Shroob]

Well I've got at least two years before I head off to the far east. I'm even thinking that if I can get enough money saved up from a part time job this year (for the CELTA/TESOL) I might have enough left over for a week's holiday in an Asian country. This will allow me to get a very brief experience of things and possibly scout out locations. I can find flights to China for around �500-600, just the lack of a job thats annoying me.

I'm very fortunate that I'm living with my parents rent free, no bills to pay and no baggage keeping me here. I want to pay rent, its only fair, but until I get a stable job my parents take anything.


Out of interest what course did you do Crystalpalace? Also, how come you did CELTA in London, not at Sheffield Uni if you don't mind me asking?

Edit: Cheers everyone, all useful information.

[FrenchLieutenant'sWoman]

Just so you know you don't actually have to do your NQT year to get QTS.

QTS is awarded at the end of your Initial Teacher Training (so in your case a PGCE) and passing the QTS tests. There's no longer any time limit between gaining QTS and starting the induction to your NQT year either.

With that in mind I'd say either go abroad straight after you complete your PGCE or teach for 2 years in the UK to get the experience that international schools often look for and keep your options open for later.

[crystalpalace]

[Shroob]

Ha ha, good luck with the hunt, where are you hoping to go? I'm struggling to even get an entry level part time job.

I'll have a look into CELTA courses elsewhere, I just took it for granted that they would cost the same everywhere. �900 is �350 cheaper than Sheffield Uni, but I would have to pay for accommodation/food etc. in London so it would probably push up the price. Plus I'm thinking of doing the CELTA/TESOL part time, I may end up eating my words, but I think it will be less strenuous (I'm still expecting it to be intensive though). Manchester Academy of English offer CELTA for �1050, though I still think accommodation/food would total more than �200 for a month.

Thanks again and have a nice day.