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comment by humanodon
humanodon  ·  3757 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Do you make resolutions? If so, what are yours for 2014?

What made you choose TEFL over CELTA? I was under the impression that CELTA was more common in your neck of the woods. I have a TEFL myself, and I haven't had any real trouble, but I understand that it's easier to get accepted to DELTA programs and work for various employers like the British Council and to become an IELTS examiner, for example.

thenewgreen, TEFL is Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification.





AnSionnachRua  ·  3756 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Actually, I did a CELT, rather than TEFL; I just chose to use TEFL because I thought more people would know it.

I'm under the impression that CELT is supposed to be the Irish equivalent of the CELTA, although I know someone who did a CELTA in Galway here in Ireland, so I'm not so sure.

humanodon  ·  3756 days ago  ·  link  ·  

It looks like the CELT is accredited by the Irish Department of Education, while CELTA is accredited by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. TEFL is not necessarily accredited, but may be by a company such as Accet. This is one reason why TEFL certification is generally seen as being of lower or dubious quality, so for me it was important to list my certification as "+150 hour, Accet accredited" for certain employers.

I don't know how you plan to use yours, but I'd recommend getting a YL (young learner's) extension. Most newly minted teachers get gigs teaching kids because employers tend to see teaching kids as "easier" (it's not, if you're doing it right). Anyway, right off the bat, you'll be getting a higher salary (if the employer is worth their salt, which honestly, a lot of them are not). Anyway, with that credential it's easier to get a good paying job in a decent location.

AnSionnachRua  ·  3756 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Thanks for the tip! That might be a very good idea - I've already heard that new teachers are usually assigned young learners.