CELTA

CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching for Adults) - 4 weeks

 Click the link to download:

Auckland Language Centre CELTA Information Pack

See a selection of testimonials from our successful CELTA candidates

What is the CELTA course?

The CELTA is an initial training course in English language teaching, designed for those with little or no previous teaching experience. It lasts 4 weeks and gives you the skills and opportunity to acquire English language teaching positions across the globe.  Accredited by the University of Cambridge (UK), it is an internationally recognised teaching qualification and is accepted throughout the world by organisations which employ English Language teachers.

Who can do CELTA?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the start of the course and have studied to a level which allows entrance to tertiary education. A tertiary level diploma or degree is preferable, but not essential.  A high level of spoken and written English is required. Non-native speakers should have an English level equivalent to an "A" pass in CAE (Certificate in Advanced English, Cambridge ESOL) or an IELTS 8.0. Applicants also need to demonstrate in their written application and interview for the course that they have the potential to develop into effective teachers of English.

Why choose CELTA at NZLC ALC?

NZLC ALC is an approved CELTA training centre and each course is externally moderated by an external assessor approved by Cambridge ESOL (UK). The course is taught by highly qualified, experienced ELT professionals in a friendly and supportive environment.

Course dates and duration

The courses run full-time for four weeks. The normal working day is from 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.  The course is very intensive so, in addition to the above, trainees will need to work evenings and weekends planning lessons and writing assignments.

2011 Course Schedule

Course 1 : 18 April 2011 - 13 May 2011*

Course 2 : 1 August 2011 - 26 August 2011

Course 3 : 14 November 2011 - 9 December 2011

Course 4 : 12 December 2011 - 13 January 2012* (due to the holiday season this is a 5-week course)

*Please note that there are no classes on public holidays and weekends.

2012 Course Schedule

Course 1 : 16 April 2012 - 11 May 2012

Course 2 : 6 August 2011 - 31 August 2011

Course 3 : 12 November 2011 - 7 December 2011

Course 4 : 10 December 2011 - 11 January 2013* (due to the holiday season this is a 5-week course)

*Please note that there are no classes on public holidays and weekends.

Course components

At the heart of the course is six hours of teaching practice. Input sessions on language awareness and methodology relate directly to this, as do the classroom observations and written assignments. The five main components are:

• Language awareness - what you teach i.e. grammar, vocabulary, phonology and how language is used to express different meanings

• Methodology - how you teach i.e. classroom management plus procedures and techniques for language teaching

• Teaching practice - six hours of supervised teaching, supported with guided lesson planning and personalised feedback on lessons

• Classroom observations - six hours of classroom observations in which you will watch experienced teachers and teacher trainers in action

• Written assignments - four assignments on topics involving language teaching and learning. 

Sample timetable (week 1)

How is the CELTA course assessed?

The course assessment is continuous, integrated and transparent (there is no final exam). Each lesson you teach is evaluated and graded by your tutor with both verbal and written feedback. During the course you will have regular individual tutorials, where your tutor will help you to identify your strengths and areas for development. Final assessment is based on Teaching Practice, Professional Development and Written Assignments (you must pass three of the four).

There are three pass grades; these are Pass, Pass "B" and Pass "A", which are negotiated with an external Cambridge assessor.  Award of the CELTA requires meeting Cambridge ESOL criteria for the ability to teach adult learners of English. Candidates can fail the course if they do not meet the criteria.  Provisional grades and a personalised report written by the tutors are sent out to candidates at the end of the course. A certificate, issued by Cambridge ESOL, is sent out approximately six weeks after the end of the course.

How do I apply?

If you wish to apply for the course, please download and complete the application form below and return it to training@akldlang.co.nz.  If your application meets the required standard, we will send you a pre-interview task and arrange for an interview at the school or by Skype/telephone. 

Auckland Language Centre CELTA Information Pack

Meet our CELTA tutor

  Siân Hudson

  B.A (Hons), DELTA, CELTA

  Head Tutor Teacher Training

Since taking the CELTA in 2002 Siân has taught General English, Business English and exam preparation courses in the U.K, Spain, Italy and New Zealand.

After taking the DELTA in Oxford in 2007, she became involved in teacher training as a CELTA tutor and also taught and helped design material for a variety of teacher training courses, including Primary and Secondary teacher refresher courses and CLIL.