Cambridge CELTA Certificate Course in Miami, Florida
Teacher Training in Miami, Florida
CELTA Course Introduction
The CELTA is the most widely recognized TESL/TEFL certificate in the world. The CELTA is highly regarded around the world because of its high standards and rigorous assessments. It is one of the few certificate programs that involves practice teaching.
The CELTA program is an excellent choice for those who are looking to teach in Europe or the Middle East, although this certification can be used worldwide. Our CELTA program meets the TESL Canada and USA requirements, allowing you to teach English at home.
CELTA caters for a wide range of people and experiences. Maybe you've been teaching for a few years and would like to get a qualification. Recent university graduates, people wanting to change job and try something else, travellers abroad wanting to combine getting a teaching qualification with living in a foreign country. These are all people who enrol on CELTA courses.
In Miami, our CELTA is offered on a full time basis to make your transition from one career to the next quick and easy.
During the program, teacher-trainees are observed by their CELTA tutors, who grade their Teaching Practice lessons. Assessors from Cambridge inspect the course each time in order to assure that quality is maintained in every CELTA program that is taught.
If English isn't your first language this doesn't pose a problem as long as you can demonstrate that you "have an awareness of the language and a competence in both written and spoken English which will enable you to undertake the course and prepare for teaching a range of levels" (Cambridge guidelines) - see Entry Criteria.
CELTA course aims:
- How to be sensitive to your adult students and their needs
- How to be sensitive to the different ways in which students learn and how to teach each learner
- How to manage your students and classroom
- Basics of grammar, lexis and phonology and how to teach it
- How to teach reading, listening, speaking and writing
- How to evaluate your own lessons before and after the class
- How to adapt and evaluate teaching materials
- Effective lesson planning
- A professional classroom presence
Why take CELTA if I already have an masters degree or a teaching degree?
Having the CELTA in addition to an MA gives you an advantage over candidates who have a masters. While there are a variety of masters programs (both TESOL and non-TESOL masters, say English literature, etc), because CELTA training is standardised and monitored by Cambridge worldwide and knwm internationally, employers will know exactly what standard of teaching to expect from a job candidate holding a CELTA.
I have no previous teaching experience.
Teaching experience is not a requirement of the program.
I don't know if I'm suited to being a good teacher.
If your idea of teaching involves a lot of lecturing in front of a class -you have the wrong idea of what communicative language teaching is.
Language teaching is different from most types of teaching. While there is a small bit of explaining that comes from the teacher at the front of the class, much of language teaching involves small groups, pair work, and other activities in which the teacher is not the center of proceedings, but a facilitator who encourages others to communicate.
Language teaching suits a variety of personality types and extroverts and introverts equally excel at and love teaching English.
I already have teaching experience, so do I really need the CELTA?
Regarding previous teaching experience or teaching qualifications, it depends on what and how you've been teaching and the content of your qualification. Did it include communicative style teaching in the classroom? As that is what employers are looking for. Everyone can learn from the CELTA, it holds up a mirror to how you actually teach. Linguistic theory and teaching theory are all well and good, but teaching practice with feedback from Cambridge certified tutors is worth it's weight in gold. Experienced teachers find themselves fine tuning their teaching during the course, being made to see and reflect on habits and practices, good and bad, that they never knew they had before.
Having this certificate also enhances your job prospects, regardless of the amount of teaching experience you already have.
Employment as an English Teacher after the Course
Currently, there are lots of jobs available abroad for English teaching, and it seems the demand for English teachers will only increase, not decrease, in the coming years. Nevertheless, as demand for teachers has risen, so has the number of people wanting to teach, so despite the large number of jobs abroad, competition for these jobs is fierce. Any advantage you can gain over other prospective teachers should help you gain a job, or a better job.
During the CELTA course, graduates are guided toward the right job. The teacher trainers are qualified and experienced, and know just how broad the ESL and EFL industry is, so are able to provide one to one employment assistance any time after graduation.
This employment assistance includes, but is not limited to
- resume and cover letter assistance,
- job contacts,
- contract review,
- visa advice and assistance
- anything else you need to begin working as an English teacher at home or overseas.
Having connections with over 150 schools worldwide and by graduating from an institution that shaped the English Teacher Training world makes finding employment very easy!
Can I teach in public schools in the US with the CELTA?
The CELTA does not count towards becoming certified to teach in public schools in the US. The CELTA should, however, count towards professional development credit for current public school teachers.
CELTA Course Entry Criteria
To be accepted for the CELTA course in Miami, Florida applicants must fulfil the following criteria:
- A minimum age of 20* at the start of the CELTA course
- A good standard of education* (e.g. having gained university entrance qualifications, completed High School)
- Awareness and high level of competence in written and spoken English in order to be able to follow the course and prepare for teaching a range of levels
- For non-native speakers, an excellent command of the English language in all areas (CAE or equivalent for Second Language speakers)
- No previous teaching experience required
*Applicants who are not at least 20 years old or who have not gained university entrance qualifications may be admitted at the discretion of the Course Coordinator
Do you have to know a lot about grammar?
Knowing grammar is definitely beneficial for being an English teacher, but it is not necessary to know everything about grammar to take the CELTA. Key concepts like subject, verb, and verb tense are good to know so:
- Pre course material will be sent ot you on being accepted to start orientating you toward what you need to know
- You will go over some key grammatical concepts during the course and also be exposed to resources for future teaching.
CELTA Course Structure & Content - Miami
The CELTA course is an introduction to the teaching of English as a foreign language and aims to lay a firm foundation on which a teacher can build as s/he gains experience. A CELTA course involves a minimum of 120 contact hours with tutors.
These are broken down into:
- Practical seminars on methodology and language awareness.
- Supervised teaching practice
- Lesson preparation and planning
- Feedback on teaching pratice
- Observation of experienced teacher
On your course there will most likely be ten to twelve people. For CELTA courses there are always two tutors and no more than six students per tutor.
CELTA Syllabus
The syllabus consists of five units of learning that deal with specific topic areas in the teaching of ESOL:
- Unit 1: Learners and teachers, and the teaching and learning context
- Unit 2: Language analysis and awareness
- Unit 3: Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing
- Unit 4: Planning and resources for different teaching contexts
- Unit 5: Developing teaching skills and professionalism
Units 1, 4 and 5 focus on the preparation and delivery of ESOL teaching programmes. Units 2 and 3 focus on the content of ESOL teaching programmes as well as the pedagogic knowledge required for teaching language and language skills.
CELTA Timetable
The CELTA full-time course is held during the working day from Monday to Friday Total input = 120 hours
The day will typically include:
- Input sessions
- Lesson Planning
- Assessesd Teaching Practice
- Teaching Practice feedback
| 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 2:15pm | 3pm to 6pm | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | Class Input Sessions | Professional Observation |
CELTA Course Assessment – Miami
Assessment overview
- One of the reasons CELTA is popular is precisely because there is no final exam. Evaluation is strictly practical and is based on your ability to plan and give lessons.
- You will also have to write four assignments which are marked. Outside Cambridge assessors are involved in your final evaluation and grade. You must obviously complete the course, and if you do not meet the minimal threshold you can also fail; but the CELTA Trainers will do their best to help you succeed thoughout and advise you of your progress.
Assessment framework
There are two components:
Component 1: Planning and teaching
In this component, candidates are required to practice teach for a total of six assessed hours, working with adult learners at a minimum of two levels in classes of the required size. By the end of the six hours of assessed teaching practice, candidates should have demonstrated successful achievement of all the teaching practice assessment criteria.
Component 2: Classroom-related written assignments (of which there are four assignments in total).
This component consists of four written assignments:
- Adult learners and learning contexts
- Aspect of the language system of English
- Aspect of language skills
- Reflection on classroom teaching and the identification of action points
The assignments are internally assessed and externally moderated.
Assessment requirements
To meet the assessment requirements, candidates are required to attend a course and to:
- Practice teach classes of the relevant age group and size for a total of six hours
- Observe experienced teachers teaching classes of adult learners for a total of six hours, two of which may be on video
- Maintain and submit a portfolio of all course work including all written assignments and materials related to teaching practice.
Mode of assessment
Assessment is continuous and integrated:
- Assessment takes place throughout the course.
- Component 1 and 2 contribute to the overall grade.
CELTA Certificate grades
The Certificate will be awarded to candidates who meet the course requirements and whose performance meets, or exceeds, the criteria in both assessment components. Candidates are ineligible for the award in cases where dishonesty or plagiarism is brought to the attention of Cambridge ESOL Teaching Awards.
CELTA is internally assessed and externally moderated by a Cambridge ESOL approved assessor who samples portfolios and teaching practice and who discusses and agrees the grades for all candidates.
A Pass
This grade is awarded to candidates whose performance overall in the teaching practice and in the written assignments meets the specified criteria.
They will continue to need guidance to help them to develop and broaden their range of skills as teachers in post.
Pass (Grade B)
This grade is awarded to candidates whose performance in the written assignments meets the specified criteria and who have demonstrated in their teaching practice a level of achievement significantly higher than that required to meet pass-level criteria in relation to: Demonstration of the criteria for teaching skills and professionalism.
They will continue to need some guidance to help them to develop and broaden their range of skills as teachers in post.
A Pass (Grade A)
This grade is awarded to candidates whose performance in the written assignments meets the specified criteria and who have demonstrated in their teaching practice a level of ability and achievement and a level of awareness significantly higher than that required to meet pass-level criteria in relation to:
- Planning for effective teaching
- Teaching skills and professionalism
They will benefit from further guidance in post but will be able to work independently.
Can I Fail the CELTA?
You must complete the course. Candidates who fail to meet criteria in any or all assessed components will receive a Fail.
Being accepted on the course is a clear indication that you have what it takes to pass and tutors will advise you of your progress throughout. However, the work must be done by you to pass. That canditdates can fail ensures the quality and standard of CELTA as a certificate therefore giving it more strength as a qualification from an employer's perspective.
Beware: CELTA Intensives are INTENSIVE: "I kept telling myself "it's only for a month" as night after night I missed my regular yoga classes because of the study required. One of our tutors shared a comment that CELTA was "the cheapest personal development course around” an accurate description I have to agree with...I liked the intensity of the course, it ensured a person like me who multitasks and juggles life had no choice but to focus and stay focused. The rest of the world managed without my input." - -Matewiki Karehana, New Zealand
CELTA Course Dates & Course Fees - Miami, Florida, USA
| Jan 7 - Feb 1 |
| Feb 25 - Mar 22 |
| Apr 8 - May 3 |
| Sep 9 - Oct 4 |
| Oct 7 - Nov 1 |
| Nov 12 - Dec 10 |
| Tuition: $2400 Registration: $100 Total: $2500USD (Cambridge ESOL Assessment fee included) |
|---|
*All courses and prices are subject to change without notice. Prices are in U.S. Dollars. CELTA tuition costs are tax deductible.
Course Texts to buy, beg or borrow:
- Learning Teaching, Jim Scrivener (Heinemann)
- A Concise Grammar for English Language Teachers, Tony Penston (TP Publications)
- Practical English Usage, Michael Swan (Oxford University Press)
How to Apply – CELTA Miami, Florida, USA
- If you believe you meet the requirements to do the CELTA Course, contact us for an application package
- Acceptance onto the University of Cambridge CELTA course is not automatic or guaranteed. Applicants must satisfactorily complete the tasks and pass a subsequent interview to be accepted. Non-native speakers of English must be able to demonstrate that their level of English, both spoken and written, is suitable for the demands of the course. The decision of the centre is final.
- Applicants who have satisfactorily completed the pre-interview task will be invited to attend an interview shortly after this date at the School or on the telephone if the candidate is not based within Miami. Skype can also be an alternative option to avoid long distance phone call costs.
- Successful applicants will receive an offer of a place on the CELTA course immediately, if there is a place available.
- A non-refundable deposit of $500USD is required to hold your space in the course, and the remaining amount to be paid before the first class day. You may obtain a full refund (minus the deposit) any day before the start of the course, but after the first day, there is no refund. In cases of emergencies, we allow you to withdraw from the course and use your tuition for a course at a later date provided space is available.
- The school reserves the right to refuse admission to any student or to dismiss any student in the event of misconduct or unsatisfactory attendance or timekeeping or work, without refund of fees.
- No liability is accepted by the school for the loss or damage of property.
How to Pay
Payments (deposit & balance) can be made to the Center via:
- Visa or Mastercard
- Cashier's checks
- Wiire transfers
- Cash (in person only)
Please note that you will be responsible for any bank charges (This includes international students who have already paid bank charges in their own country). So please, when paying make sure that the payment to the School is "free of charges" since the School has to receive the whole net amount in USD.
Conditions of Enrolment
Fee payment:
Applicants accepted to the course must reserve their place by paying fees according to the deadline noted on their acceptance letter. The deadline is six weeks prior to the course start date although last minute applications are accepted subject to availability.
Last minute applications: For applicants who are offered a place on a course within six weeks prior to the course start date, a payment deadline within the week of the interview will be set.
If applicants fail to pay their fees in full by the indicated deadline, their place will be offered to another qualifying applicant.
Cancellation / Refund:
You may obtain a full refund (minus the non-refundable registration fee) any day before the start of the course, but after the first day, the refund schedule is applied which the center will clarify to you on application.
Selection criteria, assessment and grades
The CELTA Centre in Miami is a Pass/Fail course, and if the candidate receives a 'Fail' grade, the result cannot be changed, and that the course fee will not be refunded.
The CELTA Centre in Miami requires 100% class attendance, in addition to work outside of scheduled contact hours. As a result, absences, tardiness, incomplete or late assignments may compromise grades on the course.
Information disclosed in the application must be complete and accurate, including any circumstances that may affect performance on the course.
