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When a reader wrote in to ask, “I wonder what you have to offer in the way of advice for becoming certified to teach before I leave for some other country from the USA?” I couldn’t help but take the time to respond a bit to a person poised on the brink of such a potentially life-altering event as this. The reader further added, “Do you think that an online TEFL course would suffice, or would it be better to do a CELTA course?” What a loaded question that is. Can’t you just picture the trouble I could get into answering that one? Here’s some of what my response 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 be a tremendous boost in preparing you for the rigors and challenges of ELT (English language teaching) abroad, my preference is towards the CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). The quality of TEFL certificate courses can vary considerably and great care should be taken in selecting a TEFL certificate course. Personally, I recommend an official CELTA course first while in the USA, Canada or the UK for a more than a couple of good reasons.

First - CELTA training will provide you with well-founded teaching tools and skills that will stand you in good stead once you begin teaching. The CELTA course is rigorously monitored so quality is highly constant across a variety of different schools, institutions and organizations that offer it.

Second - The CELTA is recognized world wide as a solid EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teaching credential, meaning that your English level is high and that you have proven knowledge of English language teaching techniques. It also indicates that you have in fact practice taught at satisfactory levels and that you understand learner needs and how to approach them, among other essential ELT basic skills.

Third - Almost all officially recognized CELTA programs have job placement services for their graduates, which means you can land your first job before you leave the USA. You’ll have local contacts provided for you and the reputation of the school behind you as well. You may even be able to get leads on a second or even third position from your CELTA course provider as time ticks on if you need a change. This offers an excellent introduction to teaching while helping to minimize elements of the “culture shock” often experienced during your first overseas job.

Fourth - A CELTA course is designed to prepare you for the realities of teaching EFL abroad to learners who may know little or no English. With the confidence and ability to teach English to foreign learners without a knowledge of their L1 is an important skill that will often place you head and shoulders above many other “local” English teachers who frequently rely heavily on use of the learners’ L1 (first language).

Fifth - Taking the CELTA in the USA, an English-speaking country, will enable you to start preparing your own “care package” of materials before you leave for your new job. It happens that many locations where we find ourselves teaching English simply do not have an extensive array of materials available. At home in the USA however, virtually any materials you’d like to use is not only available in abundance, but is usually dirt cheap as well.

If you need more information you can check out my article series on English language teaching at ezinearticles.com. I sincerely hope this offers you some guidance. Best wishes for a great career in a location that’s interesting for you

and good luck, you’ll need it.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an ELT Teacher Trainer, English language learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. He has published more than 350 articles and academic papers and presented at numerous EFL teacher training and TEFL conferences throughout North America, South America and Europe. For comments, questions, requests, to receive more information or to be added to his free TESOL articles and teaching materials mailing list, e-mail: lynchlarrym@gmail.com

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Cuautla Jobs - First the “pay dirt”

Being primarily a weekend “getaway” for affluent and middle-class Mexicans, foreign national tourists are in short supply. Cuautla’s charms was one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. But the word is getting out. As a result, the English language teaching business is on the upswing, much to your benefit. These represent the larger options for a steady gig in town. More will be cropping up as the economy grows and more and more “touristas” invade the area with their “gringo dollars”. Stay tuned

English Center
Address: Catalan No. 2 Altos 107
Col. Centro Historico

Phone: 352 - 9989

Situated one short block from the Zocalo on Galeano, this is an aggressive school with three locations. One is in Cuautla, one in Atlixco and a third in Tehuacan. They boast certified instructors, so you’ll need TEFL certification to be a strong candidate. They also guarantee their teaching methods using Canadian, American and British teachers. Pay isn’t always the best, so negotiate hard before signing a contract. You’ll like it here though, both for the location and the students, who will be extremely curious about you. Take souvenirs, postcards, pictures and such to help with your English conversations and you’ll be a tremendous hit. It’ll also put you in good stead to know a bit about the area’s history. Residents are very proud of it.

Harmon Hall
Address: Reforma No. 36 (first floor)
Plaza Rosada
Col. Centro
Phone: 354 - 1102, 352 - 3302
Website: www.harmonhall.com

The ever-present, English-language teaching icon has one of its nearly 100 locations in Cuautla. This Mexico-wide institute is one of your best bets for employment if you’re long on desire but short on experience. They will evaluate and train you over a period of approximately one month or so, for which you won’t get paid. After the initial training and trial teaching period where you will first be an observer, then an ever-increasing teaching participant in class sessions, you can receive a full-time class schedule of your own. Salary varies, of course, but you can expect something in the neighborhood of 35 to 45 pesos per hour. Harmon Hall locations are individually owned and operated under strict franchise agreements. Contact them directly online to apply or inquire about the possibilities in Cuautla.

Ingles Individual
Address: Carrera Mexico - Cuernavaca No. 1561 - B

(next to the Los Arcos Cinemas)
Phone: 353 - 6880
Website: www.ingles-individual.com

Another established school with multiple offices all over Mexico. Well-prepared teachers with an enthusiastic, lively style should do just fine with the small groups and individual student classes taught here. Classes are primarily for adult and business groups, dynamics are an important factor in classes taught here. This institute has its own TV channel. There is also a multi-media room for the small group classes. Courses feature conversation skills. Salaries range at 35 to 40 pesos. More for special-interest or advanced English groups. This school charges students a set fee, and students take classes when they have an opening in their work schedule. This system is a bit unique for Mexico but seems to work well for them. Your salary will be based on your experience. They do prefer experienced English language teachers with a teaching degree. There is an ongoing need for experienced teachers. Check out their website for the latest details and to submit a CV.

Finally, be sure to check out my other articles in the two continuing series: Teaching English in Mexico and Traveling in Mexico. If you would like more information, have questions or comments, the author can be e-mailed; see address below.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an ELT Teacher Trainer, English language learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. He has published more than 350 articles and academic papers and presented at numerous EFL teacher training and TEFL conferences throughout North America, South America and Europe. For comments, questions, requests, to receive more information or to be added to his free TESOL articles and teaching materials mailing list, e-mail: lynchlarrym@gmail.com

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CANCUN JOBS:
Here are two MORE job possibilities

In the last article we talked about language schools and institutes. This article features Bi-lingual schools, Pre-Schools, Primary, Secondary and university-prep schools which heavily accent English in their programs and are earnestly seeking native-speaking English teachers for English and other classes. There are a considerable number of them due to the influence of tourism as the principal area industry. So, polish up your resume, apostil your diplomas and dive right in.

Colegio J. Lancaster
Avenida Palenque No. 20 S.M. 27 Canc

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