Ask Headmaster Ken

Is it possible to tell me which TESL/TOEFL certificates are the better ones to obtain from the standpoint of being widely accepted and desired by most Chinese senior middle schools and universities?

From what I have been able to ascertain, the CELTA appears to be the best. Are there any other certificates that are widely recognized?

All things equal, I would agree that the CELTA certificate is the most desirable as—unlike the others—it is administered by a single accrediting body: Cambridge. It is the only certificate to have for those who are thinking about teaching in Europe. However, if you were to successfully complete the intensive 7-week summer TESOL program at Columbia University, I don’t think any prospective employer in status-conscious China would think of it as a second-class alternative.

The more important issue, I think, centers around the overall importance of any EFL teaching certificate for the purpose of facilitating the speaking and listening skills of students in China. I would say the vast majority of Chinese employers realize that given the severe limitations of the foreigner’s role in their de-professionalized EFL program, degrees, certificates, and even prior teaching experience are unnecessary. One's innate ability to charm and entertain Chinese students, and to remain flexible and open at all times with the saint-like patience of Job are not predicted by the possession of a CELTA, TEFL, or TESOL certificate.

In reality, a college degree is far more important for obtaining university EFL employment in China than possessing an EFL teaching credential (TEFL, TESOL, CELTA) and the hiring advantage is negligible I think.

As an employer of foreign teachers in China, I’m sure Ken will want to weigh in on this as well.

I agree with Greg in that most [English speaking] decision makers would view the CELTA or Columbia's Program quite favorably.

Insofar as private training schools, many, perhaps most, hiring decision-makers, due to language barriers and other factors, may be unaware of the distinction between a CELTA and other certifications.

In the end, however, any certificate is going to carry far less weight than other factors, including availability date, work history, and interview rankings. An EFL teaching certificate, from any institution or body, will very unlikely be a deciding factor in hiring.

Dr. Greg and Mr. Ken:

Thank you both very much for the quick and very informative replies!

Best wishes,

Dadczak