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Saadiq
Joined: 05 Sep 2012
Posts: 10
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 Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 3:49 pm Post subject: What ESL degree/certificate is best for me next? |
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Hello all,
I'm brand new here so forgive me for any mistakes. I have been looking around on the web and in some parts of this forum but I can't seem to find someone in my position. Here's the lay down:
I am finishing my M.Ed in English Education, but I currently have a B.S. in secondary English Ed., and a ESOL endorsement (I'm from Florida, so this endorsement is 300+ hours of training, class time, etc., and allows me to be qualified to teach any ESOL/ESL class in Florida and any state that accepts Florida teacher certificates). I also have my Florida Teaching Certificate in Secondary English and ESOL.
I have three years experience at the preschool level (I know it doesn't count for much but it's what I did while I was in my undergrad, so I hope it's best to list that I've been in the educational field since my beginning than to say something like a fast food place, which I've never worked at), as well as two years experience at the middle/high school level, and currently am teaching at the fifth grade level (long story, point is it's a private school).
I would love to teach English overseas, preferably in either Africa, the Middle East, or South Asia.
I have been trying to research the TEFOL, the CELTA, and the DELTA, but I really can't figure out which one is best for me to do and complete as I already have my ESOL endorsement. Will institutions accept my ESOL endorsement at all, or is it just better to get one of the three mentioned degrees (certificates? not sure what you call them) and just list that, or list both my endorsement and one of the others I would do or..?
I hope I listed enough information and that my question is clear enough, please tell me if I need to elaborate. I know that the whole Africa-Mid East-S. Asia are huge in differences from what they accept, etc, but that's just what I'd like to do.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Saadiq |
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Chancellor
Joined: 31 Oct 2005
Posts: 1337
Location: Ji'an, China - if you're willing to send me cigars, I accept donations :)
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| Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 5:39 pm Post subject: Re: What ESL degree/certificate is best for me next? |
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| Saadiq wrote: |
Hello all,
I'm brand new here so forgive me for any mistakes. I have been looking around on the web and in some parts of this forum but I can't seem to find someone in my position. Here's the lay down:
I am finishing my M.Ed in English Education, but I currently have a B.S. in secondary English Ed., and a ESOL endorsement (I'm from Florida, so this endorsement is 300+ hours of training, class time, etc., and allows me to be qualified to teach any ESOL/ESL class in Florida and any state that accepts Florida teacher certificates). I also have my Florida Teaching Certificate in Secondary English and ESOL.
I have three years experience at the preschool level (I know it doesn't count for much but it's what I did while I was in my undergrad, so I hope it's best to list that I've been in the educational field since my beginning than to say something like a fast food place, which I've never worked at), as well as two years experience at the middle/high school level, and currently am teaching at the fifth grade level (long story, point is it's a private school).
I would love to teach English overseas, preferably in either Africa, the Middle East, or South Asia.
I have been trying to research the TEFOL, the CELTA, and the DELTA, but I really can't figure out which one is best for me to do and complete as I already have my ESOL endorsement. Will institutions accept my ESOL endorsement at all, or is it just better to get one of the three mentioned degrees (certificates? not sure what you call them) and just list that, or list both my endorsement and one of the others I would do or..?
I hope I listed enough information and that my question is clear enough, please tell me if I need to elaborate. I know that the whole Africa-Mid East-S. Asia are huge in differences from what they accept, etc, but that's just what I'd like to do.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Saadiq |
TESL, TESOL, CELTA, DELTA, etc. certifications are for teaching adults (there are separate ones for teaching children). If you still want to teach children, you already have more than enough qualification to teach overseas in much of the world; so, start applying to the international schools (such as the IBO schools). If you want to teach adults, then CELTA is just a brand name TESL/TESOL (the same thing, really) certificate and it is most recognized only because it is the most well known. Whether you do a CELTA course, a Trinity course or some other course, make sure it's at least 120 hours and requires you to do at least 10 hours of supervised/observed teaching practice with real ESL/EFL students. Even then, these are just entry-level certifications. A DELTA is a brand name advanced TESL certificate and is not entry-level. Frankly, considering your level of education, you would do well to consider getting a master's degree in TESOL or in applied linguistics and skip the entry-level certificates entirely. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 7:31 pm Post subject: |
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| Another option is an ESOL practicum (added to your MA program) that focuses on teaching ESL at the adult level. Check with your advisor to see if this is a possibililty. No need to pursue an MA in TESOL or Applied Ling; your relevant academic credentials, along with a CELTA/equivalent TEFL cert or a semester-long ESOL practical component will suffice for teaching adults, if that's the career path you're considering. |
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Saadiq
Joined: 05 Sep 2012
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 8:01 pm Post subject: |
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| Oh yes I knew I would forget something! Actually I don't mind if I teach at the high school or college (adult) level. However I would like to eventually teach at the adult level, so then I would be better off getting a Masters in ESOL? I see. I will look into this, thanks so much! I will have to get to you all if I have any further questions |
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Saadiq
Joined: 05 Sep 2012
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 8:03 pm Post subject: |
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| Oh and what are IBO schools? |
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tttompatz
Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 1951
Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
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| Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 10:50 pm Post subject: |
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Schools that are internationally accredited and offer the International Baccalaureate diploma on completion.
With your qualifications you are more than qualified enough to teach at any school and within any school system in Asia.
The best offerings will be found at proper, internationally accredited schools BUT those positions are highly competitive and won't be found on an EFL / ESL forum.
Next in line would be government school positions in places like Taiwan or Hong Kong (NET program); both of which require current teacher certifications.
Next down the list (in terms of remuneration packages) are the "assistant" teacher positions in places like Japan (JET) or Korea (EPIK/GEPIK).
Next would be the multitude of "language" academies all across Asia. (they come with their own sets of problems - READ before you sign on the dotted line). Finding this type of job is about as difficult as stepping off a curb.
Near the bottom in terms of remuneration (but not necessarily a bad place to start your time in EFL) are the multitude of other K-12 schools in Asia. These run the entire gambit from great to horrible.
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Saadiq
Joined: 05 Sep 2012
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2012 4:04 pm Post subject: |
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For those recommending that I get a MA in TESOL, I was looking at a university catalog and found this TESOL Certificate. I would rather take a Certificate as it is fast and easy versus getting my MA in TESOL which would take another year or two. This certificate I found, I could complete in less than a year. Should I get it, or are my qualifications good as they are now?
Here's the link:
http://www.graduatecatalog.ucf.edu/programs/program.aspx?id=1444 |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2012 6:59 pm Post subject: |
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| Saadiq wrote: |
| For those recommending that I get a MA in TESOL, I was looking at a university catalog and found this TESOL Certificate. I would rather take a Certificate as it is fast and easy versus getting my MA in TESOL which would take another year or two. This certificate I found, I could complete in less than a year. Should I get it, or are my qualifications good as they are now? |
As I said in my previous post, it wouldn't be worth it for you to get an MA in TESOL or in Applied Linguistics given your present academic credentials. However, yes, you should consider adding a TEFL component that focuses on teaching adult language learners---the grad cert your university offers will fit the bill, especially if you do the practicum. |
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tttompatz
Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 1951
Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
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| Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2012 10:42 pm Post subject: |
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| nomad soul wrote: |
| Saadiq wrote: |
| For those recommending that I get a MA in TESOL, I was looking at a university catalog and found this TESOL Certificate. I would rather take a Certificate as it is fast and easy versus getting my MA in TESOL which would take another year or two. This certificate I found, I could complete in less than a year. Should I get it, or are my qualifications good as they are now? |
As I said in my previous post, it wouldn't be worth it for you to get an MA in TESOL or in Applied Linguistics given your present academic credentials. However, yes, you should consider adding a TEFL component that focuses on teaching adult language learners---the grad cert your university offers will fit the bill, especially if you do the practicum. |
| Saadiq wrote: |
| and a ESOL endorsement (I'm from Florida, so this endorsement is 300+ hours of training, class time, etc., and allows me to be qualified to teach any ESOL/ESL class in Florida and any state that accepts Florida teacher certificates). I also have my Florida Teaching Certificate in Secondary English and ESOL. |
and a 300 hour of esol endorsement COUPLED WITH a teachers license and qualification to teach English and ESOL is somehow not up to the level of a 30-day CELTA or 90-day DELTA?
OP... Just get a job.
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2012 9:20 am Post subject: |
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| tttompatz wrote: |
...and a 300 hour of esol endorsement COUPLED WITH a teachers license and qualification to teach English and ESOL is somehow not up to the level of a 30-day CELTA or 90-day DELTA?
OP... Just get a job. |
I totally agree, tttompatz; the OP's credentials easily trump a CELTA. However, my comments weren't so much about credentials---they were more about the specific context/teaching situation. Since the OP's interest leans toward teaching adults at the tertiary level, I suggested getting either a CELTA/equivalent TEFL cert or adding on a practical component for teaching adult learners because his/her academic focus and experience so far has been with preschool to secondary-level students. For instance, the OP is currently teaching 10-11 year-old children. Transitioning from youngsters to teaching adults can be a mixed bag. I know of several teachers with backgrounds similar to the OP's who found the transition challenging because the needs and expectations of adult learners differ from those of primary and secondary students. Additionally, a TEFL cert or practicum with adult students will make the OP more marketable as well as credible to potential employers who may be skeptical of his/her ability to teach university students. |
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Saadiq
Joined: 05 Sep 2012
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2012 1:26 pm Post subject: |
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| nomad soul wrote: |
| tttompatz wrote: |
...and a 300 hour of esol endorsement COUPLED WITH a teachers license and qualification to teach English and ESOL is somehow not up to the level of a 30-day CELTA or 90-day DELTA?
OP... Just get a job. |
I totally agree, tttompatz; the OP's credentials easily trump a CELTA. However, my comments weren't so much about credentials---they were more about the specific context/teaching situation. Since the OP's interest leans toward teaching adults at the tertiary level, I suggested getting either a CELTA/equivalent TEFL cert or adding on an ESOL practical component for teaching adult learners because his/her academic focus and experience so far has been with preschool to secondary-level students. For instance, the OP is currently teaching 10-11 year-old children. Transitioning from youngsters to teaching adults can be a mixed bag. I know of several teachers with backgrounds similar to the OP's who found the transition challenging because the needs and expectations of adult learners differ from those of primary and secondary students. Additionally, a TEFL cert or practicum with adult students will make the OP more marketable as well as credible to potential employers who may be skeptical of his/her ability to teach university students. |
Yes, I agree, I need to get a job overseas as soon as I finish my schooling. Nomad, thanks for all the advice and info, extremely helpful. I have decided to do the TESOL certificate, as my ultimate goal would be to teach at the uni level. My last question would be, would a reading certificate be helpful overseas or is this just a purely American-beneficial certificate?
Here's a link to the certificate for those interested:
http://www.graduatecatalog.ucf.edu/programs/program.aspx?id=1408 |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2012 1:51 pm Post subject: |
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| Saadiq wrote: |
| My last question would be, would a reading certificate be helpful overseas or is this just a purely American-beneficial certificate? |
No need for a reading cert. You'll find that students in one country or region generally require more focus on pronunciation, while others in, say, the Middle East, are particularly weak in writing. Diverse needs and linguistic issues. Anyway, it's always smart to read up on the language needs of the EFL students in whatever country or region you're targeting.
By the way, has all of your teaching experience been in the US? |
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Saadiq
Joined: 05 Sep 2012
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2012 3:15 pm Post subject: |
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| nomad soul wrote: |
| Saadiq wrote: |
| My last question would be, would a reading certificate be helpful overseas or is this just a purely American-beneficial certificate? |
No need for a reading cert. You'll find that students in one country or region generally require more focus on pronunciation, while others in, say, the Middle East, are particularly weak in writing. Diverse needs and linguistic issues. Anyway, it's always smart to read up on the language needs of the EFL students in whatever country or region you're targeting.
By the way, has all of your teaching experience been in the US? |
Okay that makes sense and yes I agree, and yes it's all been in the US. I forgot to mention that I also work for three tutoring companies, two are for students that are generally below-grade level is reading/writing, the other is purely for ACT/SAT. I also privately tutoring for the SAT, as well as having privately tutored ESL adults in homes and religious places. I don't hold the last tutoring in much light though since it was in a private setting with no accreditation, etc. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2012 7:40 pm Post subject: |
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| Saadiq wrote: |
| I forgot to mention that I also work for three tutoring companies, two are for students that are generally below-grade level is reading/writing, the other is purely for ACT/SAT. I also privately tutoring for the SAT, as well as having privately tutored ESL adults in homes and religious places. I don't hold the last tutoring in much light though since it was in a private setting with no accreditation, etc. |
Be aware that employers want to see classroom teaching experience; tutoring (paid or unpaid) isn't counted. |
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Saadiq
Joined: 05 Sep 2012
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 12:23 am Post subject: |
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| Yeah I figured as much which is why I didn't mention it before. Just felt like throwing it in there now since you asked about my experience. |
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