There are many reasons why people choose to become an English language teacher. Some want to make a difference in other people’s lives. Some want to travel, live in new countries and immerse themselves in a new culture. Others want to work with children, or do a creative, interesting job. Whatever your motivations, you’ll be sure to meet fascinating students and help them develop valuable new skills.
But choosing the right English language teaching course for you can be a challenge. There are so many different TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) courses to pick from.
Here are five reasons why we recommend taking an official Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) qualification from À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ.
1. Employment opportunities
Finding the right English language teaching jobs can be difficult, whether or not you have professional experience.
The right qualification can give you an advantage. However, there are many kinds of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) courses available. An online search reveals weekend short courses, online courses, courses that only go into theory, and courses that include observed teaching practice.
Unofficial courses are of varying quality. Some may have very good programmes, but they are not standardised and there is no external moderation. Future employers won’t know if your course has really prepared you for the job.
That’s why it’s important you choose an accredited qualification. CELTA is certified by À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ and regulated by Ofqual, the government office that regulates qualifications in England.
2. Teach English anywhere in the world
CELTA is recognised and trusted by language academies and educational institutions everywhere. This means that, unlike many unaccredited courses, it will help you to build your career whether you’re hoping to work at home or abroad.
A 2018 study of 600 English language teaching job adverts in over 60 countries revealed that CELTA is the qualification most often requested by employers. In fact, three out of four English language teaching jobs specify CELTA.
So whether you’re looking to teach online from your home, work in a local institution, or teach English while you travel the world, CELTA can help.
3. Rigorous training
If you are serious about becoming an English language teacher, you’ll know it takes more than just being able to speak the language. It requires lesson planning, an understanding of grammar and vocabulary, teaching skills, classroom management, and the ability to work with a wide range of ages and abilities.
A 120-hour CELTA qualification offers rigorous training. Unlike many less in-depth courses, it will also provide you with the tools you need to continue learning autonomously, even after you’ve completed your qualification.
Alongside the training and support from your tutors, an additional 80 hours of self-study is included in the course. This will enable you to learn at your own pace and engage in self-reflection – an important part of developing as a teacher.
Experienced teachers will also benefit from a CELTA qualification. CELTA’s focus on practical classroom activities and communicative language teaching complements your existing knowledge. What’s more, the feedback on your teaching practice can really help you hone your skills – helping you do an even better job for your learners.
4. New skills and confidence
Unlike many unofficial TEFL qualifications, CELTA includes online or in-person observed teaching practice. This experience will give you the opportunity to develop your teaching skills with real groups of learners. It will also give you the confidence you need to step into the classroom or teach online lessons as soon as you’ve completed the course.
Your trainers will give you in-depth feedback on your lesson plans and how you can improve delivery. By passing the course, you clearly demonstrate to future employers that you have the knowledge and skills it takes to deliver effective and engaging language classes.
Why is this important? As Luke Worsnop of explains, ‘most employers don’t accept courses lacking an observed teaching element’.
Unaccredited teacher training courses do not have a standardised level of training. While you may have an excellent instructor on your course, it’s also possible they lack experience and qualifications.
At the very least, CELTA trainers must have a Level 7 or equivalent qualification, e.g. a Master’s in TESOL, or a DELTA. They have also been through an in-depth training programme. Standards are monitored closely by À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ and all courses are moderated.
5. Career progression
CELTA is the perfect way to start your English language teaching career, or to improve on the teaching skills you’ve already acquired.
It will enable you to take on a range of different roles as an English language teacher and even step into new areas of interest. For example, if you are considering staying in TEFL for the long term, you might also be interested in moving into teacher training, management, materials writing or another position in the industry.
Offering a firm foundation in teaching methodology, CELTA will also pave the way for further qualifications. It can lead on to the DELTA, for example, which can open the doors to even more exciting career opportunities.
Find out more about CELTA from À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ
CELTA can be taken in many ways: face-to-face, online or a combination of both. You can study full time, usually 4–5 weeks, or part time over the course of a few months to a year.
There are more than 350 authorised centres around the world that run CELTA courses.
Find a centre near you and start your CELTA journey!
References
Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA)
Three quarters of ELT jobs ask for À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ CELTA