The post-CELTA Days
Ratnavathy Ragunathan
This might not necessarily be your cup of tea. In fact, it might even cause a slight squeamishness in the tummy and tightness in your chest. These are purely not my intentions. I do, however, genuinely mean to take a reality check, laying out the bare, grim facts of the ELT industry for post CELTA trainees, most importantly, how these dark hues can veritably be transformed into splashes of radiant colours on the canvas of our teaching journeys.
A couple of months ago I got my CELTA done. It was such a momentous experience. I became more aware of my teaching but most of all, crossed paths with people from different walks of life; experienced teachers meaning to become better teachers, serious individuals deeply thinking of switching careers, fresh graduates planning on a bit of backpacking. And then, there was this other group – a group who had not the slightest inclination as to why they’re getting the CELTA done – “yea, probably yea, it’s gonna…you know…help me get some part-time teaching thing going”. The CELTA group support, though, was tremendous. In between back-to-back endless lesson planning, sleepless nights and assignments, we somehow managed to laugh and hold on together during the intense CELTA month. In a swoop it was all done.
Speaking of the CELTA, it’s interesting how this certification is advertised on the Internet. Recognized as the most highly respected and widely known teacher training programme, these advertisements for the CELTA promise you a teaching job “in almost any location worldwide”, with such strong conviction at that. What most training schools fail to mention is “in almost any location worldwide with the right passport”.
Seriously, the “native non-native teacher tug of war” is, I believe, nothing but a façade. The reality is you just need to have the right passport from the right country. At the very core, this educational industry has regrettably, turned out to be a revenue-churning megacorp, hasn’t it?
Sadly, this truth only set in when some of my CELTA mates started looking for teaching jobs. You see, some of the most passionate CELTAites in my group were NNESTS. They grew so much as teachers during the 4-week course that I was utterly impressed as I sat through their classes day after day. These new teachers connected so well with their learners that it always felt like being in a magical bubble of a classroom. And yet, after the CELTA, they had the toughest time looking for a teaching job (with the “other group” mentioned above, being qualified passport holders, almost immediately receiving offers). It was so painful watching them struggle that it gave me sleepless nights. I could feel the frustration in their messages to me as reality dawned on them.
All I could do was listen, offer suggestions and supportive words.
To these friends so close to my heart, I’d like to say something – “Challenges in life can either enrich you or poison you. You’re the one who decides”. Please remember that …
1) The CELTA is only a certification. Don’t let it define you. Don’t let it break you. Leave it where it belongs – in the file, among the other certificates. Great you’ve got it. Now, move on.
2) Rethink your expectations when looking for a teaching job. Be practical. You’re still fresh in the industry after all. Rather than competing with the “appropriate passport holders” and seeking for the “perfect-CELTA-like-Pre-Intermediate-highly motivated- 16-to-a-class-language school” job, accept the real deal whole heartedly, be it a public school with 30 plus rebellious teenagers or a group of hyperactive young learners who drive you up the wall. Let the experience of working and connecting with them build you up. Reflect. Blog or keep a journal. Think of how you can do it better again. One step at a time.
3) For a start, re-read all the methodology books suggested in the CELTA course. Not for the purpose of completing CELTA assignments, but for expanding your consciousness as a teacher.
4) Get connected with teachers around the world, and don’t give reasons not to. All you need to do is to google ELT webinars, iTDi,pro, ELTChat or KELTChat (just to name a few) and the teaching world will open up to you.
e) Nothing comes easy in life! If it’s easy, it’s not life is it? Work harder if you have to. Go ahead, complain and vent your frustrations, but keep working harder and growing as a teacher.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering as to whether I’ve put this into practice? Yes. I have. And yes, it has helped me get to where I am right now. And for the record, I do think I need to work on my YL classroom management skills, and am in the midst of reading up a brilliant book titled Getting The Buggars To Behave J
PS: My most personal and heartfelt gratitude to all teachers who have been strongly standing for equal opportunities in the ELT world. If you drop by Malaysia, I’d like to invite you for a warm meal at our home.
Ratnavathy, thank you for your amazing post. I was reading your post, and it was like about me. I completed CELTA two years ago. I really loved the course. There were different people in my group, but all of them were native English speakers. As I wasn’t “a passport holder”, I felt full of knowledge and energy, but also I was totally frustrated after the course. After 4 weeks of sleepless nights, I had an every day question “So what’s next?” I came back to Russia, and went on working in the ESL school, trying to find a job abroad, but all replies were “Sorry, as you’re a non-native speaker…”
I didn’t want to give up and started watching ESL webinars from OUP and Cambridge English Teacher, took some ESL courses from them. My husband, who I met during the CELTA course, moved to Russia and started working at my school too. He always supports me, because he felt really frustrated about all those job refusal that I got.
This summer I joined iTDi family, and I’m so happy to be here. It’s a great opportunity for teachers’ development.
I fully agree with you, Ratnavathy, we shouldn’t give up because we don’t have a right passport:)
Dear Anastasia,
Thank you so much for reading my post. I totally understand how you feel – this journey is indeed an arduous one. But I love the passion within you. And I also believe that the natural laws always returns the positive energies we put forth into the world – you will be repaid for your hard work and perseverance! Keep striving…
Ratna
Thank you so much for your support, Ratna I completely agree with you:)
This is a wonderful post, Ratna! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I found myself angry (as always) about the very real situation for people with the wrong passports (a very real issue in Korea, I’m sure you remember). But I think your advice: “Challenges in life can either enrich you or poison you. You’re the one who decides.” is incredibly powerful. Thank you for all you do to encourage and support me and other teachers. You really are an inspiration.
Dearest Anne,
I remember a conversation we had in Gyeongju, where you told me how good you felt when helping some very expert (nonnative) teachers to get a job at the university you worked at. I also remembered your offer to work on weekends for a 2 day camp at your place. I saw and felt the pride and happiness in your eyes for the deeds you did. You’re a giver : we need more people like you in the world.YOU keep the world a sane place, and a hope for many.
Hugzzz Anne.
What an awesome post filled with lessons for life! I never took the CELTA, but If I had to your post would put it in the right perspective and prospect for the future.
Thanks for writing my dear Ratna! 🙂
What a true and practical post, dear Ratna. You brought to me the unforgettable memories of CELTA days. I have taken it a year ago .. and worked hard after it on my PD till I could luckily join the BC team in Cairo, Egypt. So we are colleagues here and in the BC !! 🙂
I agree it shouldn’t be the end , but just a good and motivating start .. though I still wish I can work in different places around the world to gain more experience in different contexts .. though still not sure how easy it can be for a non-native teacher!!