Is it really necessary to have an ESL or TEFL to teach Engli...

Hi Gladis!

What a valuable point you´ve made with regard to non-native English speakers needing a certificate. Unfortunately, you do and will need to acquire certification...especially if you´re a non-native English speaker..mad, yes, but true. If you´d rather not go that route, why don´t you try gaining experience locally....many countries will accept you without certification if you already have experience. And remember, even if the job listing requires certification, still apply..you never know...

HI everyone. I am presently teaching in Taiwan now 6 months (wow), and have taught in Thailand for 2 years (norht and south). BUT, I am moving to Brasil to teach. Any suggestions for schools, companies, websites, "heads up"? Thanks tons.
Della

Certificates....there are schools in Thailand that are desperate at times for a teacher, a body...and they will help you out. But you may not be getting the best experience, or honest school. But it is possible to teach without certificate.

I think it is necessary to undertake training at a creditable location and after teaching around the world a non-native simply doesn´t have the communication ability to go beyond basic grammar and communication. The small but significant ´verb to be´ errors and pronounciation clangers coupled with article awarness. At a basic level yes you can, but be aware that you have holes in your knowledge you MAY never fill. It doesn´t mean you can´t teach to some degree.... and speaking of degrees I dont think a degree in a non-teaching related sublect means ANYTHING at all and as an employer I will ALWAYS take anexperienced TEFL qualifed person over a non-TEFL qualified one (even with a PHD, which means SQUAT in TEFL)....... Nothing tops classroom experience.

Thanks to all for your valuable suggestions and Yes I will try it out as Jessica said , "Who knows....!!!"

Gladis,
a certificate does not make you automatically a good teacher.
But the requirements of the labour marker are in general such that: the better you are qualified, the better chances you have to get a DECENT job, be well paid and treated for hard work in return!

In China, the EFL market has got somewhat out of controll with many crooks running a school over there. Most of them would employ people without any qualifcation, treat them badly, cheat them,etc.

So, would youn consider studying/training for an EFL qualification like CELTA/DELTA? It would make feel you better, I am sure.....

My best wishes to you, and my hope - that you will be "eligible for" a good and decent job!

Hi Gladis,

In my experience in Korea, many Koreans are employed to teach English in private academies who have no ability whatsoever to communicate in English. All they do is drill the kids (or adults) in grammar. That´s no good either, because even if you´re an grammatical expert, that doesn´t mean that you can communicate.

One of the really good reasons for doing a (reputable) course is that you can get answers to "why do students ...?" And, you can compare teaching experiences with your classmates.

Modelling is, I believe, very important when teaching. So many Korean English teachers model poor pronunciation to their students. I´m not talking about accent - I don´t care about a teacher´s accent. An untrained teacher is going to pass on bad pronunciation as well as any fossilized errors that they themselves make.

If you have the time and opportunity, I would suggest getting into a classroom with a well-trained and qualified teacher (native English speaker or not) and observe their teaching methods, write down questions you have then takl to them afterwards. Then perhaps you could move on to assiting them in the classroom.

Anways, good luck.
Linda :)

Hi,
IT is worth to have expert IT Lecturer