CELTA, also known as “Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages”, is one of the most renowned and possibly the most widely recognized English language teaching qualification. It is considered the optimal initial qualification of teachers of English as a foreign language.
The CELTA qualification is commonly required by employers and, in fact, three out of four English language teaching jobs consider it mandatory.
CELTA training is destined for different types of individuals: from new teachers at the beginning of their career to experienced teachers who need to further develop their skills and know-how, from native English speakers to non-first language speakers to general teachers who want to travel and teach English.
The main goal of CELTA training is to develop practical skills through face-to-face practice, but also to enhance confidence and develop the necessary theoretical competence needed to teach English. The maximum ratio of candidates to tutors on CELTA courses amounts to one tutor for every six candidates, and to two tutors on each course.
How many hours is a CELTA course?
CELTA courses include a minimum of 120 hours of training, covering various topics and focusing both on teaching skills and the theory behind them.
Included in
every CELTA course is the so-called “real-life teaching experience”, as well
as written tests and assignments and tutor-led input.
The 120-hour-minimum CELTA course can have different formats:
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Face-to-face lessons
- Partly online
The candidate will be constantly followed in different areas:
- Tutorial support and consultation
- Supervised lesson planning
- Assessed teaching practiced supervised by a course tutor (6 hours for each candidate)
- Feedback on teaching practice
- Peer observation of teaching practice
- Directed observation of lessons by experienced ELT professional, which could be partly filmed (6 hours for each candidate)
Candidates should also consider about eighty additional hours of reading, research, pre-course preparation, assignment writing and record keeping.
CELTA requirements for non-native speakers
In terms of requirements for non-native speakers, applicants for CELTA courses are selected only if they meet specific criteria and requirements:
- They must be at least 18 years old (although 20 and above is considered a preferable option)
- They should be knowledgeable in English language
- They should know English grammar
- Their minimum requirements are higher C1 on the Common European Framework e.g. Cambridge CAE grade A’
- They should have the potential to effectively complete high-level written assignments
- They must have a standard of education equivalent to that required for entry into higher education
Get in touch with International House Milan now to find out more about the CELTA courses held at our school.