The primary aim of the course is to provide initial training in TEFL/TESL. However, the course is also very suitable for people who have previous teaching experience but do not have formal TEFL/TESL training or qualifications. The aims of our CELTA program are to help teachers to:

• Improve their knowledge of American English grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. 
• Build a good foundation of classroom management skills. 
• Acquire and practice a range of effective teaching techniques. 
• Become familiar with a range of current EFL/ESL books and other teaching materials. 
• Develop a self-critical approach to their own teaching. 
• Evolve an effective and personal teaching-style.

TOPICS

• Language awareness 
• The learner, the teacher and the teaching/ learning context 
• Planning for effective teaching of adult learners of English 
• Classroom management and teaching skills 
• Resources and materials for teaching English to adults
• Professional development for teachers of English to adults

COURSE ORGANIZATION - The course presents a communicative approach to the teaching of classes of adult students. Although it has a sound theoretical basis, the course is extremely practical, and it blends proven classroom techniques with modern developments in language learning theory. The course elements include: seminars and workshops; written assignments; lesson observation; supervised and evaluated practice teaching with classes of foreign students; discussion and critiquing of practice lessons.

COURSE INFORMATION - Each course is 125 hours. Homework on weekends and evenings adds a further 70+ hours. Each participant also undertakes 35 hours of self-study before the course, using our "Pre-Course Assignment." The course lasts four weeks, and requires attendance Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:30/5:00 pm.

SCHEDULE - A typical schedule includes:

• TESOL Methodology Seminars and Workshops
• Lesson Observations 
• Language Awareness Workshops  
• Practice Teaching 
• Critiques of Practice Teaching 
• Guided Preparation of Practice Lessons

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS - Acceptance into the program is not automatic. Applicants are accepted on the basis of their performance in a language evaluation task and an interview. Our basic requirements are as follows: 

•  BA/BS degree. 
• Some previous experience of formal or informal study of a foreign language. 
• Previous teaching experience is not required. 
• Be at least 20 years old by the end of the course.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• 111 hours of input, tutorial support, supervised lesson planning, feedback and peer observation. 
• 6 hours assessed teaching practice with classes of foreign students
• 8 hours observation of live and video lessons taught by ELT professionals 
• Maintain and submit a portfolio of all course work including all written assignments and materials related to teaching practice.

Note: Except in the case of true emergencies, 100% attendance is required.

PRE-COURSE TASK - Before the course begins, candidates will be asked to complete a pre-course task designed mainly to improve their formal knowledge of English grammar and pronunciation. This task involves approximately 35 hours of guided self-study. While this task will not be graded or taken into account as part of the coursework, participants who do not complete it will be at a serious disadvantage during the course itself.

ASSESSMENT

• Demonstrated successful achievement of all the teaching practice criteria. 
• Completion of four written assignments. 
• Professional development through participation in seminars, workshops, feedback and peer-observation sessions.

CERTIFICATE AWARD - The CELTA program is approved by the University of Cambridge. The Certificate will be awarded to candidates who meet the course requirements and whose performance meets, or exceeds, the criteria in all three assessment components. 

GRADES OF AWARD - Each successful participant receives the Cambridge CELTA with one of the following grades: Pass, Pass B, and Pass A. Worldwide, over 90% of candidates receive the Certificate, with 70% being awarded the basic Pass grade. (This grade is recognized by employers as showing a good level of ability and potential.) 

TRAINERS - All of our CELTA trainers are approved by Cambridge University and have at least 10 years of TEFL/TESL and TEFL-training experience. Our main trainer is Jeff Mohamed, who has taught on more than 100 CELTA courses. Jeff was formerly the Cambridge Joint Chief Assessor for CELTA courses throughout North and Latin America. He is the author of "Teaching English Overseas," a best-selling guide to the TEFL job market.

MATERIALS - All course participants receive our "Pre-Course Assignment" and our "CELTA Course Manual." Each participant should buy and bring with them to the course one of the following grammar references:

• "Practical English Usage" by Michael Swan (ISBN 019431197X)
• "Grammar in Use Intermediate with Answers" by R. Murphy & W.R. Smalzer (ISBN 052162598X)    

ACCOMODATIONS - While North Harris College will assist course participants to locate suitable hotel or homestay accommodations, the reponsibility for arranging such accommodations rests with the participants concerned. Participants should expect to pay approximately $600 / month for accommodations. Note: As public transportation is very limited, participants normally will need to bring or rent a car.

COST - $1,756, which includes the Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults as well as a North Harris College workforce education certificate awarding 11.2 Continuing Education Units as a measure of substantive professional education and training.   

For more information about the CELTA click here: Cambridge CELTA. 

For more information about TEFL-training options, the CELTA and the TEFL job market click here: TEFL information.