To those who teach english as a second language. Do you have a EASL certificate?

Question

I am an Indiana University graduate who is now living in Germany and am going to interview this week for a teaching job at Helen Doron.

I worked for 10 years in the public relations department in the healthcare field, so I am used to speaking with people of all ages.

I don´t have a EASL certificate. Do you think this will disqualify me for jobs in this field, or will my educational background and the fact I am a native english speaker improve my chances of employment?

Answer 1

Didn't they tell you in the job ad (or however you found Helen Doron) what kinds of qualifications they require for you to be able to teach for them?

Helen Doron offer their own seperate teacher traning as you will have to stick to their method of doing it.

They usually require the following:

"Requirements:

Applicants are required to have an excellent grasp of English and speak fluently. They need to enjoy working with children. Experience working with children is helpful. Applicants with a teaching certificate, background in education, language certificate or who are native English speakers will be preferred."

So you see, you might stand a good chance. Good Luck with the interview. :)

Answer 2

ESL teachers usually have a TOEFL.  Teacher Of English as a Foreign Language certificate.

Answer 3

If you are going to teach English as a second or foreign language you really need a basic qualification such as a CELTA or a Trinity Certificate. It is not fair on you or on the students who are paying for lessons to place someone with no knowledge of the issues involved in the position of a teacher. There are lots of courses on offer apart from the two I mentioned above. If you do one, make sure the following areas are covered:

Grammar / vocabulary / phonology

Listening / speaking / reading / writing

Lesson planning / materials evaluation / classroom management

There should also be provision for supervised teaching practice with real EFL students - which rules out on-line courses.

I don't know about the organisation you mentioned. Do they at least provide some in-service training?

Answer 4

I have mine. I teach in PA and its now state required. I don't know about other states/countries. I know they prefer it, or at least some experience. There are some great websites out there for you to refresh yourself and familiarize yourself with. So at least you'll have the lingo down.

eslcafe.com

eslteachersboard.com

eslpartyland.com

usingenglish.com