Job Discussion Forums

Beijing2012 · Joined: 05 Mar 2012 Posts: 5

Which specific certificate (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA) makes you the most competitive in applying for a public university position. I have a college degree, two years of tutoring experience, but have not taught ESL so I want to increase my chances of getting a job. Also, do the schools care if you get it online or do an intensive course?

vikeologist · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 600

Obviously the better Unis will want better quals, but at the basic level they just want to be able to get a permit for you.

That's not true everywhere of course. At my Uni we want a CELTA or Trinity TESOL. (I think my FAO wants a Masters, but he must be on crack) but generally your lack of sctual teaching experience is the disadvantage, because the Police want it.

The CELTA / Trinity would be frankly (and regrettably) only a small advantage over the most basic teaching quals in getting a job, though I would like to think they'd be an advantage in keeping it.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

TEFL and TESOL are generic descriptions of the occupation/certs and not actual quals/certs. CELTA and Trinity are certifications.
Others may differ.
I think something with at least some small class component rather than all online is best. Looking back to 2003 when I did mine and then starting work I feel it did more for my confidence than it actually mattered to the school. Things have changed, but facing that first class of 50+ students wasn't as hard because I at least had an idea of how a class should go.
Without exp you will need something that locates you in the teaching world, but if you look at vocational colleges in 2nd/3rd tier provincial cities you'll have a good chance.