A bit of motivation

It’s been one month since I completed my CELTA. Right now, I have 3 classes: a group of professionals at a software company, a group of university students and one private individual. It’s barely enough to pay my rent.

I’ve been applying to several places. I got an offer from ILA, but it was in a different city so I turned them down. I’ve been interviewed by a university and it seems they are waiting for the new term to start before making any decisions. I have a couple private students who might start a class with me.

So 4 weeks out of the CELTA, I’m doing about 10 hours a week plus following some leads. It’s not full-time, but it’s a start.

CELTA, CELTA, CELTA

I got my CELTA. Did it at ILA Vietnam. Cost me 1,700 USD (36,000,000 VND). I’m happy.

The class ran for 4 weeks: 20 schools days with 8 teaching practice sessions. I thought the content was very good. They teach you how to teach using the “communicative approach”. An approach which works best with a classroom of 8-16 students. I imagine this is how most classroom teaching is done nowadays: task-based and student-centred.

The teaching practice was invaluable. The feedback is excellent. You can see improvements in everyone; even the experienced teachers learned something. I think the combination of self-reflection, peer feedback and expert feedback makes the class worthwhile. It really did accelerate learning. I think this model of teaching is what separates CELTA from other ESL certification programs.

If you have the money, it’s worth doing. Unfortunately, I don’t know any cheaper alternative. I’ve heard about a Trinity TESOL, but I don’t know anyone who completed it. But without a doubt, I can say that CELTA makes you a better teacher.