Korean Job Discussion Forums

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

Well, I am at the point of really wanting upgrade, learn and grow as an ESL instructor. My 100 TEFL Certifcate from I.T.T.T. was fine for Korea and I did learn quite a bit.

But Korea is.....well, it is what it is. Now, I'm not point the finger at korea but it is time to be able be in a position where more options (teacher trainer, DoS, etc) can be open.

So, I'm going to do either the Trinity TEFL or Cambridge CELTA.

Does anyone have an opinion on either one? Yes, I am doing my research. Oh, come to find out.....most TEFL courses are not backed by Trinity (including Via Lingua) and are copies, only.

I would like to stick with teaching YL's for the most part. But, some more experience with adults would be great. More importantly, I want that qualifcation that can open more doors in different countries.

OH.......anyone have any opinions on obtaining a TESOL DIPLOMA from the London Teachers Training College?

Thank you!

dmbfan

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Although all would provide some benefit as a teacher, I think the TESOL diploma sounds like a better idea. I am assuming you will be able to continue your education with that school at a later date, and possibly get a real teachers degree? You've been around a while. Think long-term.

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

I've seen it pleanty of times with schools/companies that PAY good salaries.

I'd like to venture out in Thailand or Veitnam. But, I don't want the scrub jobs with the scrub pay. It's time to move up the ladder a little, ya know?

dmbfan

The Gipkik · Joined: 30 Mar 2009

Do yourself a favor and get some teacher training that involves someone actually observing you and critiquing you. I took a certificate 2 and a half years after I started teaching and the bad habits I picked up were legion. Too many "teachers" have this wrong headed notion that if they are popular with their students and the teachers seem to like them then they must be doing a good job. All I can say from personal experience is that they could be doing a lot better. Both CELTA and the TRINITY Cert are great as they involve external validation and give you lots of practicum and observation.

The online/distance programs are cheap and they are for cowboys or teachers who actually know what they are doing--that means trained and qualified people who are native English speakers have already observed them--several times. You decide. Bottom line is don't cheat the students of the best you can give them.

Woden · Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Location: Eurasia

Michael_75 · Joined: 13 Oct 2008

I have a Trinity TESOL Cert that I did in Barcelona. It's only a month so obviously doesn't constitute serious teacher training but you do get lesson planning experience and teaching experience with a lot of feedback.

I found it useful when coming here as I had at least an idea of what to expect and how to handle it. However during the course I taught adults and so got no experience of discipline or classroom management.

As to whether one is better than the other I couldn't say as I didn't do both... However I do know that those two are the only ones that can claim to be acknowledged pretty much everywhere (the name didn't mean much here though, they were only interested in the course hours).

If you're looking for serious career development as opposed to a good introduction to teaching though perhaps the diploma would be much more suitable. I'm not sure though whether you need to have the certificate first. Probably not.