The majority of teachers in Japan aren’t aiming for a permanent career in education- at least not at first. Many people, however, come to enjoy teaching and decide they want to continue. The problem then becomes that while they have the desire to take on positions with more responsibility (and better pay), a lack qualifications holds them back. So what can someone in this position do?
Graduate Studies:
Many schools now offer masters programs in Education or TESOL through distance learning. With technology such as skype, you can even participate in classroom discussions and have meetings with your advisor without leaving Japan. For those whose schedule and location allow, Temple University and Sophia University offer graduate programs in linguistics and TESOL taught in English. There is a lot of time, expense, and effort involved in undertaking graduate studies while working full time, but for universities and some private high schools a masters is the minimum requirement.
For those who don’t have time to pursue a full degree and are in the Tokyo area, Temple University also offers a Continuing Education certificate in Teaching English to Japanese learners.
CELTA/Trinity TEFL
Two of the best known certification programs for teaching English to non-native speakers are CELTA and Trinity TEFL, accredited by Cambridge University and Trinity College, respectively. Both require observed teaching and have a set syllabus involving language awareness, teaching skills, lesson development, and professionalism. The courses can be done full-time (4-5 weeks) or part-time depending on the administrating body. The advantage to having CELTA or Trinity TEFL is that they are very familiar to schools and recruiters. Because of the thoroughness of the syllabus they are well-regarded, however, the courses, especially full time, can have a heavy workload. For those in rural Japan, finding a place to take the course can also be a challenge.
In Japan, Shane English school offers the Trinity TEFL certificate in both full and part-time courses. CELTA is offered as a 20-time Saturday course by Language Resources in Kobe.
Online TEFL courses
Those concerned about money and time may opt for one of the many online courses offering TEFL certification. If you’re looking to take an online course, be sure to check the following:
Is this course accredited? Some accrediting bodies include College of Teachers, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and MEI-RELSA. Universities and colleges may offer their own accreditation.
Does this course involve practical teaching experience? Most good courses will go beyond just having you read theory, so try and find a program with some kind of classroom component (not necessarily on-site, many online courses will allow you to use your current school for the practicum).
How will I be assessed? For a course to be worthwhile there needs to be assessment and feedback. Beware of any course that simply offers a certificate to anyone enrolled for the designated amount of time.
When you go for an interview with a qualification that isn’t familiar to the interviewer, they will ask about these things to make sure your qualification has some merit. While cheap, short, courses that don’t involve teaching are tempting because they are the easiest types of certificate to get, the fact that they are easy to get means potential employers will not be impressed.
Kate Havas is a coordinator for EduCareer, a new service from Global Partners.
Photo by Rex Pe / used under CC license.
Comments
I’m seeing backside, but that is only marginally better…
Hi! I just wanted to ask if BERLITZ certification is accredited in teaching english subject in Japan?
I would also be interested in finding out more about accredited onlIne TEFL courses.
Hi, Any ideas for an on-line TEFL training course? What cost should I be looking at for a full course?
Sorry to bring up a old post.. but I am going to study a Graduate Certificate of Tesol at the University of Wollongong As I do want to pursue a Teaching Career overseas Particularly in Kyoto :).. would this type of certification be sufficient for visa requirements?
Don’t do it!! I did that course when they were called TEFL International and all I got a ton of DVD’s, some paperwork, and had to come in every now and again for grammar tests. OK I liked being tested but the certificate was WORTHLESS.
Such passion with such bad grammar 😉 Yes I’d agree the previous posters shouldn’t EVER be let teaching ANYONE beyond a pre-schooler (their English sucks harder than an overpowered vacuum) but please proof-read your work if you intend to get offended by the grammatically poor.
Eg.
1) “…advise (verb) Get…” requires either a fullstop or a lowercase “G”.
2) When describing the difference between singular and plurals may I humbly suggest using quotation or speech marks to make your examples easier to understand rather than simply typing “…Romulo a & certificationS…” (and a comma wouldn’t go astray here and in a few other places in your tirade as well). Again I feel your passion and yes I’ve been pissed off with sub-standard teachers muddying the English teaching world making it harder for qualified teachers like myself to hold my head up high but really Seed (may I call you Seed?) you’re not helping much.
3) Spaces mark the end of sentences before new sentences start, maybe it’s not a grammar point but it is still a long-held stylistic rule. (eg. “… informationS!!!Ask…”)
4) Your last statement is most enigmatic – “TIt’s your choice!!!”. I would have to say that tits are INDEED my choice. I like a breast as much (or perhaps more) than the next man. One always desires what one doesn’t have.
Hi! I’m planning to take up a 120-hour TESOL online course at the International TEFL & TESOL Training (ITTT) Would this be accredited by any Japanese schools/language centers?
Thank you!
It says backache.
Hello, is it ok if I don’thave TEFL since I’m already getting a TESOL and TOEIC certificate.
I agree with you guys! color nor ethnic background should not determine our status in the society but rather the competence that trancends out of our being!
I agree with you Belchior, its redneck cunts like seedsingapore that are the reason why america is the home of the seedy rat. Their english sounds like a boy with no balls. Soon China will be number one and america will have to bow down to the righteous!!!!
I agree with you Belchior, its redneck cunts like seedsingapore that are the reason why america is the home of the seedy rat. Their english sounds like a boy with no balls. Soon China will be number one and america will have to bow down to the righteous!!!!
This article provides a lot of information especially for those who are looking in this field asa possible career.
To Seed-singapore and not to Kenjin_kai_2007
You’re such an asshole, You don’t have to be a native; you probably ran out of high school and tried a teaching carrer somewhere else just because there’s nothing for you to do in your own country, first of all if you’re American, you’re probably some kind of redneck born in trailer and out of a bottle of Jack Daniels I’m not a native but I grew up in America and I teach English for executives in Brazil besides that I’ve many americans who don’t know the difference between shit and sheet and many Americans can’t pronounce English in a way that students could understand, Go back to your trailer you possum eater.
To Kenjin_kai_2007
You’re such an asshole, You don’t have to be a native; you probably ran out of high school and tried a teaching carrer somewhere else just because there’s nothing for you to do in your own country, first of all if you’re American, you’re probably some kind of redneck born in trailer and out of a bottle of Jack Daniels I’m not a native but I grew up in America and I teach English for executives in Brazil besides that I’ve many americans who don’t know the difference between shit and sheet and many Americans can’t pronounce English in a way that students could understand, Go back to your trailer you possum eater.
After giving her hardcore buka all in her hair and on face I would seriously fist and make animal noises.
What’s the cost for your teaching? Probably fun from a young boy- you gaylord! You must be one of those retarded gaijin that can”t get a job or jiggy in their home country!!!
hello mr!
I guess your better than I do, theres no doubt on that! but there is always room for correction and I`ll accept it. but don`t forget to stand on the ground! you have no right to insult nor look down on us, simply because we`re not native speakers! let me tell you this, language is dynamic and can be learn by anyone who aim to achieve native level ability in a certain language. be grateful that your native tongue is English because if not? oh merciful God! what kind of job awaits you? why are you in Asia teaching English? because your damn country can`t sustain you a good job that provides food and shelter. well for us, In the event that We`re not able to secure a teaching post , We could work on blue collar ones that pays higher than you have! Your like a ball lost in the high weeds due of your irresponsible remarks! and I deeply pity you because your frenzied with your wine of ignorance gushing forth from your stupidity! BE HUMBLE!! have a nice day
To Salmonjam: No!!! Backache you dipshit!!!
To uu: You need to know the language before you can teach it!!! Learn the difference between nouns & verbs for starters!!! Advice (noun) advise (verb) Get cracking & don’t come back here trying to get a teaching job until you pass a primary school English diagnostic test!!!
Same goes for you Romulo a & certificationS are like fire & water they don’t match!!!
Information is a mass/uncountable noun thus you can’t say informationS!!!Ask for a teaching job when you actually know the language!!!
If you wanna earn ￥5,000-￥10,000/hr you’ve gotta be native & have practical teaching skills like me!!!
I can teach you all & educate you thoroughly in the mechanics of the language at a cost or you can resort to working for chump change ￥500-￥3,000/hr as unskilled non-native cheap labour!!! TIt’s your choice!!!
well, I think based on the test that measures my English ability. I`m nearly native but I Still have to polish some accent. where could I find the Oxford training center?can you give me the contact number of OXFORD training school? thanks.
have you tried the oxford teaher training program?
According to Japan – You are only as good as your resume. Idiot or not.
Lovely – If that wasn’t a joke you are legally blind.
Does number 4 on the chalkboard say “bukake?”
id like to get into the world of teaching but the problem is i have no experienced and i dont know whats the first step im going to make…maam,sir, can you please advice me what do? i want to undergo training if theres any program available.
Hey Mike, the hottie in the picture with the tight jeans and spectacles makes a masters worth it. Imagine sitting at a desk correcting homework while she makes relaxation favours under the desk for you……yeah!!!!!
anyone know any good place to do online TEFL Courses that are accredited?
Seriously, to have to have a masters degree to teach children English in a foreign country is just plain ridiculous.
You can take the CELTA or Trinity but the level of English to get in is pretty high. Even then you will be competing with other native speakers. I have worked with a few non-natives in the last 5 years. Their English is always amazing.
hello mam! Im Romulo from the Philippines, and Im quite interested in teaching career but Im just a College 3rd year undergraduate with specialization in English, Is there any program available for me to get a teaching certifications and training?please give me some informations. thank you.