CERTESL FAQ's
Is CERTESL Accredited?
Yes. CERTESL is accredited by TESL Canada, the national organization in Canada representing ESL teachers. This national recognition should be sufficient for most employers. Some provincial TESL associations have their own standards which
CERTESL usually meets.
What is TESL?
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) is for teachers in a wide range of teaching contexts, particularly in English speaking countries. Often, students in ESL classes are from a wide variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds and are learning English to communicate in an English-speaking country such as Canada. If you take TESL courses, you will be prepared to teach in English speaking countries and abroad.
What is TEFL?
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) focuses particularly on teaching in countries where English is not the first language. TEFL courses emphasize the foreign language context. The courses are designed especially for those who only want to teach outside of an English-speaking country and really have no intention of teaching in English speaking settings.
What is TESOL?
TESOL means teaching English as a second or other language. The terms TESL and TEFL tend to be used in Canada, while TESOL is used in the USA. TESOL covers both TESL and TEFL. The rest of the world will understand all three terms.
What is TOEFL?
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is a test often required by non-English speakers to enter academic study. Often teachers find themselves teaching in TOEFL preparation programs.
How will CERTESL prepare me to meet my English teaching goals?
CERTESL lets you choose courses that will train you to teach in ESL, EFL or ESD settings, depending on your own career or travel plans. CERTESL courses will teach you about the ideas and approaches that underpin effective communicative language teaching; ESL/EFL learner needs assessment and evaluation; TESL/TEFL lesson planning; selection and development of TESL/TEFL materials; and English grammar and phonology. our Supervised Practicum in TESL/TEFL will let you master the skills needed by successful English language instructors as you work with ESL/EFL classes and qualified teachers either in your home community or at the beautiful University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon, Canada. If you are already an experienced teacher, you may choose the Professional Project option which will let you conduct TESL research or prepare TESL curriculum materials that will help you in your own professional setting. Please consult with our Academic Coordinator to discuss details.
Should I take the TESL or the TEFL stream of CERTESL?
This depends upon where you most likely will be teaching and how you want to focus your learning. You will learn most of what you need to know to teach in both TEFL and TESL contexts no matter which stream you choose. However, it is a matter of context and how much you will need to adapt what you learn.
Should I take CERTESL or the TEFL Program?
CERTESL is a six-course certificate level program and covers much more than the two-course TEFL Program. The TEFL program has a lower language proficiency entrance requirement and was developed primarily for non-English speakers. If you do take the Summer Intensive TEFL Program, and pass the with at least a 60% average, you can transfer the two courses into the CERTESL Program providing you meet the entrance requirements.
Do I need a Bachelor’s degree to get a job teaching English?
Yes and No. The higher the level of education, the better your job, salary and employment opportunities. In Canada and in most developed countries, a bachelor's degree is usually (though not always) required. In other countries, you may find employers willing to hire teachers without degrees; however, you may not be able to get a work visa without a Bachelor's degree. Often an employer can get around this, especially if you get the job while you are in that country. However, investigate such employers very carefully, and be aware of possible legal implications if you are found to be teaching without a visa.
Can I get a job with just a certificate?
Most CERTESL graduates, even those without a Bachelor's degree, are able to find jobs abroad, especially if they go to the country and knock on the doors of EFL employers and if the country in question is less developed. In fact, as an English speaker you could probably get a job right out of secondary school. However, without the teaching skills you learn by taking a certificate, you may find yourself unprepared for the job, resulting in personal frustration for you, students and your employer. As previously noted, the higher your education level, the higher your job level. Keep in mind, employers who prefer qualified teachers are likely more reliable than those who don't.
Where can I find a job in Canada?
If you want to find a job in Canada, search the yellow pages. Employers in Canada are usually universities, colleges, private language schools, or immigrant settlement agencies. To teach in the public K-12 schools, Bachelor of Education degrees are usually required.
Where can I find a job abroad?
Whether you are seeking a job abroad from Canada or when you actually arrive in your target country, networking is invaluable. Ask people who you think or know are involved in education about possible employers. Often the best way to find a job is to go to the country and ask about local language schools. People at “foreigner” pensions, hostels, or hotels tend to talk to each other and may know of local opportunities. If you are looking for a job from within Canada, you should contact agencies such as WUSC. There are also a number of Web sites that advertise for teachers or that you can explore to find out the kinds of jobs available, educational requirements, salaries and benefits and so on.
Questions?
Email Shannon Storey, Academic Coordinator or call 306.966.2085
