English Teacher Certification: Boost Your Teaching Career in Japan
English has become one of the most popular international languages. This has created numerous teaching possibilities worldwide, including in Japan, particularly for those who have the appropriate certifications.
Are you an English teacher in Japan looking to upgrade your teaching career? If so, are you indecisive about what English teacher certification is suitable for you?
Potentially, switching between many certification choices is even more confusing. However, CELTA, TEFL, and TESOL are the most valuable English teacher certifications that boost the employment prospects of finding teaching jobs in Japan.
Are you interested in the advantages, requirements, duration, etc. of these certificates? If yes, this article is going to be a complete guide for you and all other new and seasoned English teachers, helping them with the steps they need to take to advance their teaching career in Japan.
Let's get started!
Importance of English Teacher Certification: Elevate your Teaching Career
A survey conducted in 2018 by the Japan Education System revealed that among the 82 important professions in Japan, a teacher or Sensei is ranked 18th while school principals occupy the 9th place, and university professors or Sensei ranked 3rd.
Besides, in this evolving teaching profession, English Teacher Certification holders are able to enhance their teaching application and become potential candidates.
Let's discuss it in detail:
1. Demonstrated Expertise
Certification provides the employer with an assurance that as a teacher of English, you have certain specialized knowledge and skills.
This not only shows that one is capable of handling his/her job assignment but also earns one an attractive job and enhances one’s standing in the market.
2. Enhanced Credibility
The right certificate from a recognized organization enhances teaching credibility and validity.
3. Meets Employer Requirements
Most employers are inclined to employ candidates with certification since it may act as an indicator that the candidate has mastery in teaching English alongside other skills that make them unique in the competitive market.
4. Competitive Edge
English teaching certification sets you apart from other applicants and helps you to get English teaching jobs in Japan.
5. Improved Teaching Skills
An English teaching certification enhances effective teaching skills and opens doors to rewarding career opportunities in Japan. This way, educators can make a significant impact on their students’ lives and enjoy a unique cultural adventure.
6. Increased Confidence
Teaching a class is not an easy task; it requires a huge amount of confidence. When someone gets a relevant certificate, it helps in boosting their confidence in the classroom.
7. Commitment to Profession
This certification demonstrates that certificate holders are committed to teaching and it also ensures their professional development.
8. Enhanced Resume
English Teaching Certification adds value to your resume and cover letter, helping educators showcase their commitment to professional growth.
9. Higher Salary Potential
Certified teachers may be eligible for higher salaries or benefits. Additionally, they can get the best employment contracts in Japan.
English Teacher Certification in Japan: Types and Benefits
English teacher certification in Japan is a valuable asset for educators, and understanding the types and benefits can assist you to make an informed decision.
Let's discuss the different English teaching certifications in detail:
1. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate
This certificate is provided by the TESOL International Association. TESOL imparts you with the right skills and knowledge which are essential for teaching English to people speaking other languages.
In fact, the TESOL certification opens doors to a teaching career and is a recognized credential worldwide.
Time to Complete: 120 hours
Prerequisites
The following are the prerequisites for TESOL:
- Bachelor's degree
- Proficiency in English
- Technology skills
- Completion of coursework such as language theory and pedagogy.
2. Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA)
Cambridge Assessment English provides CELTA. This certificate is for people with little or no teaching experience but who want to teach English to adults. The course teaches practical skills like teaching practice, classroom management, lesson planning, and understanding how adults learn languages.
Time to Complete: 120 hours
Prerequisites
As per the CELTA requirements, an applicant must be:
- At least 18 years old.
- Possesses at least a diploma in secondary education or equivalence.
- Capable of speaking English without any problem.
- Prepared for rigorous coursework since it is an intensive program.
- Able to finish the task and undergo an interview session or something like that.
3. Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate (TEFL)
International TEFL Academy provides Foreign Language Certificates. The TEFL certificate is a globally recognized certificate for candidates who want to teach English somewhere abroad and fortunately, 80% of graduates easily find work within sixty days after getting this certificate.
This certification program teaches essential skills like:
- Teaching methodologies
- Use of educational technology
- Student engagement tactics
- Adaptability in teaching
- Classroom management
- Understanding learning styles
Time to Complete: 120 hours
Prerequisites
The following are the prerequisites:
- Candidates must be capable of speaking English fluently.
- A high school diploma or bachelor's degree is compulsory.
- The age must be at least 18 years old.
4. TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test)
TKT certification is useful in the examination of the minimal teaching knowledge of English language teachers. It outlines areas such as language acquisition, teaching plans, and materials.
Besides, it is appropriate for every teacher irrespective of the number of years of teaching practice. This certification is offered by Cambridge Assessment English.
Prerequisites
The following are prerequisites for TKT certification:
- Candidates must have acceptable English skills (at least intermediate level).
- No particular qualifications or extensive expertise are needed.
- Registration through an authorized test center is necessary.
- The payment of a set examination fee is also required.
- Once enrolled, the applicant needs to follow all test administration rules.
5. DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
DELTA certification is a professional development certification that is awarded to experienced teachers of the English language by Cambridge Assessment English.
It enhances the knowledge of the teachers on both the English language and the teaching method to be used. In addition, it also promotes the professional growth and career advancement of the nurses.
Time to Complete: 120-240 hours
Prerequisites
The following are the key requirements to get admission to DELTA certification.
- Having 2+ years of English teaching experience is mandatory.
- An initial teaching qualification such as CELTA is required.
- It is essential to have a high English proficiency.
- Varied teaching experience is also one of the requirements.
- Must have access to a class for supervised teaching practice.
The Bottom Line
Obtaining a recognized English teacher certification in Japan is the best choice to advance your career. With this certification, it can be possible to prove one's competency and passion for the course of teaching.
Eventually, anyone with appropriate English teacher certification can improve their career opportunities and get an edge in the education field.
Don’t have any English certification yet? No problem! Join One Coin English (OCE), an English school with one school in Yokohama, nine schools in Tokyo, and an online school.
You can start your teaching journey with a 12-hour paid training program. So, now is the time to take the first step towards a better teaching career in Japan by joining OCE!
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