TESL/TEFL/TESOL Certification value...

[Emoni]

I've been browsing the options for teaching English in Japan outside JET, and was noticing mention of TESL/TEFL/TESOL certification, as well as a BA and BS requirements in TESOL. I have also heard that CELTA is important for any certification as well.

However, I was a bit lost as to what the situation was, and how things worked. I've noticed many places that offer just a certificate for TESL/TEFL/TESOL (clearly not a BA and such) and that some colleges have certificate programs (that end up taking a year due to not offering the classes).

What is the value of these certificates? Is there any value in the 6 week online courses you see for $300 or so, or are you having to look at only college certification (if that is different?) or a BA in TESOL to really have a reliable career teaching English abroad in Japan.

(Reason for checking into this is for saving up for graduate school while teaching English in Japan as a back up option.)

Thanks to anyone who can help clear this up. I've been lost about this for some time now and I'm certain there are those in the know about this here.

(Just to add, when speaking of online certification this is the sort of thing I'm referring too: http://www.teflonline.com/ However, what the value of such a certificate is, I'm highly leery of. Obviously it can't match a TESOL degree, but does it have any value?)

[Glenski]

Getting started in Japan does not usually require a TEFL-related certificate. Most entry level employers (including JET) just want a body with a BA degree.

The value of such certificates is even dubious for some situations. For example, some employers will see them as dangerous. They might think the teacher will storm in with new-fangled teaching theories and upset their prescribed teaching format.

The value comes in higher levels of teaching. Competition here is pretty stiff. Also, if you plan to make TEFL a long-term goal, it only makes sense to improve yourself, even if you have a teaching background/degree, so adding certification can be professionally rewarding that way.

Don't expect to negotiate more salary with a certificate in hand, though. Like I wrote, competition here is fierce, and if they don't want to raise salaries, there's always someone waiting at the door to take your job at a lower salary.

Certification is not the equivalent of a degree, either. The degree or 3 years of teaching experience is what is needed to get a work visa. Just a certificate and no degree won't cut it.

Online certification. Take it for what it's worth. Correspondence course, basically. No hands-on practicum.

[Emoni]

Thanks, I had a chance to talk to a university professor of TESOL nearby and he said similar things. I've never heard about the "new fangled method fear" thing though.

I was mostly looking at a low level cert to help the chance of getting a job a bit, not increasing income really.