Job Discussion Forums

[lcanupp1964]

Hi. Can anybody recommend an on-line, certification program in teacher observations, or any aspect of professional development? I have been asked by my dean to create and head the new professional development unit. I have until September, 2012 to launch the new unit. The university will pay for any training I can find to assist me in this endeavor. I would like it be around the same scope as getting a CELTA/DELTA, but with the focus in mentoring, coaching, or any aspect of professional development. I know it would be better to get an masters in this area, but I would like to go certification route (long story). In addition, I may be able to take the course on-site, so any program you can think of would be great. Thanks!

[Mr_Monkey]

The only thing that springs immediately to my mind is the Trinity/EnglishUK Diploma in English Language Teaching Management. However, a quick glance at the course contents shows that only one of the modules is relevant to your stated needs.

I guess the MA in Educational Leadership from somewhere like Nottingham would also be applicable, but you don't want to do that.

Many universities offer postgraduate certs and diplomas derived from modules of their master's programs. You might want to consider that route.

[lcanupp1964]

That's a great start. Thanks.

[Mr_Monkey]

If you're in Japan, you might want to look into becoming a CELTA trainer. There's one school in Japan that offers the CELTA (which is depressing in and of itself); you might want to contact them and enquire about the possibility of them training you to be one. As I understand the process, you need to sit in on training sessions with new teachers, deliver a couple of sessions yourself, and do some reflection tasks and assignments. If they're completed successfully, you become a trainer yourself.

I don't know how your leaving and doing CPD in another institution that doesn't offer the CELTA would sit with Cambridge ESOL; what's in it for them? However, it's another possibility.I guess you could suggest to your bosses that your institution offering a CELTA course - i.e. training teachers - would not only look good for the university, but provide a valuable revenue stream in a shrinking market. The counter-argument, of course, is that if there's only one centre offering the CELTA in Japan, where's the market?

That, though, is for you to decide.

[Mr_Monkey]

Maybe the IDLTM will help?

[Mr_Monkey]

You can also focus on management issues in your module 3 of the DELTA; teacher development programs are, arguably, within the remit of the module - I'd contact Cambridge ESOL to confirm, though.