20/05/2020
Aspiring English teachers around the world can now take Cambridge Assessment English’s CELTA qualification completely online. As part of the ongoing commitment to help candidates and teachers develop their skills, Cambridge English has allowed approved CELTA centres to deliver training online to enable access to CELTA courses as the spread of COVID-19 continues to impact education worldwide.
CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Speakers of other Languages) is the most widely recognised English teaching qualification in the world and is the most sought after by employers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. CELTA courses are offered face to face -either full time or part time- and as a blended learning solution combining online learning and face-to-face teaching practice.
Enabling fully online courses means that the classroom-based teaching practice, which is normally delivered face to face, can now be run completely online in a live, virtual classroom with groups of real learners. The practice happens in an online environment and is an integral part of the course. It's assessed and observed by course tutors and assessors. This teaching practice is a central part of CELTA, as teachers develop their teaching skills, and apply what they learn throughout the course. While the course content remains the same, this format will equip trainees, supported by skilled trainers, with the skills to teach both online and face-to-face.
Tim Banks, Global Manager - Teacher Development, said:
‘It’s essential that teacher training doesn’t stop during the current restrictions and this is why we’ve pulled out all the stops to bring out a fully online version of CELTA. Tens of thousands of ambitious people around the world still want to develop their teaching skills, or have dreams of travelling and teaching English and that has been the driving force behind this project. By moving CELTA online teachers are still able to gain this important qualification that will help them to teach effectively once restrictions are lifted.’
The online version of CELTA is available for courses starting up to 31 December 2020 at approved CELTA centres around the world.