| Part of the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (or CELTA) is definitely recognized as being one of the key qualifications in the TEFL industry. There is an extensive global network of centers offering the examination and many teachers start their careers with a CELTA training course (although most who gain employment in the industry also have a degree). The course is around 4 weeks long and likened by some as equivalent to taking a degree in a month. As such, it is highly demanding, and only people deemed able to cope with the very full-times courses will be offered the training. Entry requirements include being over 18 (although this at each center’s discretion – over 20s are more likely to get on a course), have a standard of education required for higher education, and basically have an aptitude towards language and teaching. You will have to complete a pre-interview task and attend an interview, and when you are on the course, that’s when the fun begins. Expect long days (and nights), information overload, and absolute joy when you have successfully completed the training. People fail the CELTA, so there also tears. The course covers a range of issues including Language Analysis and Awareness, Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Teaching Techniques, Resources and Materials and Professional Development. You will receive regular teaching practice in front of real students, and be evaluated on 6 hours of classroom teaching for your final grade. |