General Mackevili wrote:

KHarding wrote:Just wanna let you guys know that you are all RANTING now Not helping the discussion And it makes it difficult for people to sift through when they're trying to figure out what is going on in your conversation/trying to find the answer to the original question. Sounds like ya'll should get together over some beers and chum it up

Do the CELTA. Everyone agrees it's number one.

Actually I think the agreement is that it's the principal 'qualification' that employers look for IN CAMBODIA because of how well the owners of the short course marketed it here, and because Khmer employers are academically too naive to understand the tiered qualification system the rest of the world uses. Outside of the Kingdom, CELTA is mostly seen as a four-week course rather than an academic qualification. The ones that debate this most hotly are those that have CELTA without real teaching qualifications.

Edit: this dropped into my FB stream a moment ago, thought it was timely:

Well I have read some sh*t on forums, but lucky this isn't one of them.

CELTA and TRINITY are THE most 'Looked For' certificates, they open more doors but that doesn't really mean they are the best.

Teacher training is about two things Knowledge and Confidence. I am sure, we have all studied under a really good teacher, one who reaches out to the class and creates a fantastic orb of positive learning. We have also, I guess been bored to death by some wrinkly professor, very knowledgeable but with the charisma of an embalmed goldfish.

Really it comes down to CELTA and TRINITY, open doors but internal, upward movement comes from the ability to engage your learners.

I was once given feedback by a learner, an offender, no formal qualifications and a criminal record as long as... He wrote on his feedback:

' Ed is like an educational ninja, he just makes you laugh and learning takes place'

I am very proud of this, not because of his compliment, but how after we chatted about it, he enrolled on a creative writing course, with the local college.

Teachers are not a piece of paper but a vehicle of engagement and learning. Although, certificates get you through the door, it is other skills that make you stand out.

What I would offer to the OP is this: CELTA or TRINITY will get you through the door but knowledge, skills and passion will keep you there and allow you to move up.

Go to Kandels Bar and meet some, they will not only tell you the same but allow you to get known, quality, true quality, is not a piece of paper, it is a strong track record. Earn some spurs there.

The very first person I met in PP was a great example of this. Not a CELTA, not a TRINITY but a real passion for education that shone through everything. Funnily enough, not, socially a 'Teacher' very strongly opinionated but one of the best teachers I met, while there.

I have added a few grammar, spelling and punctuation errors to the above. This will be a a simple test. So, how many did YOU fine ?

Trinity is probably as good, just not as well known. It lacks CELTA's panache.

I would agree totally that CELTA and TRINITY are the best recognised courses, most respected by potential employers. This is due in part to an excellent marketing system employed by them and also the ways in which they incentives organisations.

I would also add that the best and most popular burger franchise in the world, is Mc Donalds:
Consistent
High market position
Commands a good price
Excellent marketing and product support
Franchise network, second to none, in its area.

but, and for those who know their burgers, are they the best when you open the box? are they the best when you take a bite?

CELTA gets you to the point where you can open the box but all after that is down to your qualities and abilities to teach.

I do not, for a moment seek to under mine CELTA or TRINITY, they are both market leaders but, with very, very intense courses, where if the time to be found to develop those key characteristics that make a good teacher a great one?

That is my only point. I think Vlad, was making a valid point about the time when the teacher steps out from behind the certificate and stands before a class of learners.

it is interesting how often English teachers are maligned, yet they are probably the largest element of the expat demographic, and mostly, the only ones engaged with local people on a broad front.

i have one friend who has been teaching overseas since 1973, he does it because he genuinely loves it, and believes passionately that what he does will change the future to something better.

he has no politics or religion either.

raise a glass to the teachers, i say.

frank lee bent wrote:it is interesting how often English teachers are maligned, yet they are probably the largest element of the expat demographic, and mostly, the only ones engaged with local people on a broad front.

i have one friend who has been teaching overseas since 1973, he does it because he genuinely loves it, and believes passionately that what he does will change the future to something better.

he has no politics or religion either.

raise a glass to the teachers, i say.

Cheers, bud.

Trinity is the same price.