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Getting Qualified as a TEFL Instructor

Contents: Introduction - Getting Qualified

     Click here to read our guide to getting qualified!
  Part 1:     The CELTA (RSA)
  Part 2:     The Trinity TESOL
  Part 3:     Correspondence Courses
  Part 4:     The Alternative: Teaching Yourself
   
  What is the CELTA?
  This is the most widely accepted teaching qualification. It is run by Cambridge University, and courses are held throughout the world. It was formerly known as the RSA. It stands for 'Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults'.

The course is designed for people who do not have any teaching experience. Applicants usually need to have some kind of higher-level academic experience, although people who do not have a university degree or something similar are often accepted.

Applicants usually need to be over twenty years old.
 
  How long does it take?
 

It depends on the course. Intensive courses take up to about five weeks. It is also possible to take the course over six months.

All CELTA courses take place is approved centres. An external assessor evaluates all courses. Currently, the CELTA is offered in over fifty countries. Every year, around 10,000 people take the course.
 
  What does it involve?
 

The course is made up of teaching practice, tutorials, observation and written assignments.
  • Teaching Practice
  Teaching Practice (T.P.) is where candidates teach real students. This is a minimum of six hours per course. Candidates teach students of two levels of ability.

It generally starts with teaching just part of a class (such as a short vocabulary exercise), but builds up to complete lessons.

Candidates work in small teams, and help each other to create lesson plans. After the teaching practice, there is feedback from the tutor (both written and oral). Candidates also offer self-criticism of the lessons.
  • Teacher Training
  All candidates receive thorough training on teaching methodology.
  • Assessment
  Candidates are continually assessed. There is no final examination. Candidates who pass all parts of the course receive a grade (Pass, A or B), plus a written evaluation.

The majority of candidates pass the CELTA.
  Can take the CELTA via correspondence course?
 

No. The teaching practices are an intrinsic part of the course, so you need to be present at all times.

 

 

  Why should I take this course?

 

It’s a thorough introduction to teaching English to adults as a foreign language. Although it’s a preparatory certificate, many language schools regard it highly.

 
 
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