When a reader wrote in to ask, “I wonder what you have to offer in terms of advice on getting certified to teach before I go to another country in the US?” I couldn’t help but take the time to respond a bit to a person who was on the brink of a potentially life-changing event like this. The reader further added: “Do you think an online TEFL course would suffice or would it be better to do a CELTA course?” What a loaded question is that. Can’t you imagine the problem I might have answering that question? This is some of what my answer contained plus a few additions.
CELTA or TEFL?
While a good TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course from a reputable school or institute can go a long way in preparing you for the rigors and challenges of ELT (English Language Teaching) abroad, my preference is towards the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English Language to Adults). The quality of TEFL certification courses can vary considerably and great care must be taken when selecting a TEFL certification course. I personally recommend an official CELTA course first while in the US, Canada or the UK for more than a couple of good reasons.
First: CELTA training will provide you with well-grounded teaching tools and skills that will stand you in good stead once you start teaching. The CELTA course is rigorously monitored so the quality is very consistent across a range of different schools, institutions and organizations that offer it.
Second: The CELTA is recognized around the world as a strong EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teaching credential, which means that your level of English is high and that you have a proven understanding of English language teaching techniques. It also indicates that you have, in fact, practiced teaching to satisfactory levels and that you understand the needs of students and how to address them, among other essential core ELT skills.
Third: Almost all officially recognized CELTA programs have job placement services for their graduates, meaning you can get your first job before you leave the US. You will have local contacts provided to you and the school’s reputation behind it. you too. You may even get leads in a second or even third position from your CELTA course provider over time if you need a change. This offers an excellent introduction to teaching while helping to minimize elements of ‘culture shock’ often experienced during your first job abroad.
Fourth: A CELTA course is designed to prepare you for the realities of teaching EFL abroad to students who may know little or no English. Having the confidence and ability to teach English to foreign students without a knowledge of their L1 is an important skill that will often put you head and shoulders above many other “local” English teachers who often rely heavily on the use of the L1 of the students (first language).
Fifth, taking the CELTA in the US, an English-speaking country, will allow you to start putting together your own “care package” of materials before you leave for your new job. It turns out that many places where we find ourselves teaching English simply do not have a wide range of materials available. However, in the US, just about every material you’d want to use is not only available in abundance, but also often very cheap.
If you need more information, you can check out my series of articles on teaching the English language at EzineArticles.com. I sincerely hope this is of some guidance to you. Best wishes for a great career in a place that is interesting to you.
…and good luck, you’ll need it.