TESOL TE

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: Teacher Education program

(TESOL TE is also offered as an ISEP Direct Track - see ISEP page for further details.

Application information

Application form for spring 2010 is available only online

Application deadline

  • For the spring course 2010:
    • For students who need visa to follow the course: October 1, 2009.

    About TESOL

    The TESOL Teacher Education program is a one-semester program specially designed for undergraduates, M.A. level students and recent graduates who are interested in gaining valuable experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) in a cross-cultural environment. This course opens in spring semester of each academic year only. The purpose of the program is to bring together Czech and English-speaking students in order to foster understanding and broaden both groups' social, academic and professional experience - all of which are a vital part of succeeding in teaching English as a foreign language. The program integrates the fundamentals of language learning theory and hands-on teaching practice. A unique aspect of this selective program is that native English speakers and non-native speakers study and practise together. In addition to the TESOL-related courses, students can choose from courses on applied linguistics, the Czech language, and a number of courses relating to the Czech cultural heritage.
    Students who successfully complete the course of study earn the internationally recognized Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). The actual CELTA component of the program is accredited by the University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and carries with it the prestige and recognition of that ancient centre of learning. The TESOL TE program is supported by the State University of New York (SUNY), Oswego, which enables students to earn academic credit recognized in North America.

    What is CELTA?

    • The Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) is an internationally recognized certification in the field of the teaching of English.
    • Designed for people with no or very little English-language teaching experience, the CELTA course provides the participant with the knowledge and tools to teach English as a foreign language worldwide.

    Who recognizes CELTA?

    • CELTA is recognized worldwide by employers in the English language teaching (ELT) industry, Peace Corps and professional organizations like TESOL and IATEFL (the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language).
    • CELTA qualification can gain credit in some M.A. TESOL programs.

    Why is CELTA so highly regarded?

    • Successful CELTA candidates receive a certificate that is recognized worldwide because of its high standards, guaranteed by the accreditation body at Cambridge.
    • The quality of each CELTA course is ensured by external assessment: a Cambridge assessor visits every course run, and each centre must undergo an annual approval process.
    • The CELTA course offers training in a communicative teaching approach, one that is flexible anough to be easily adapted to different age groups and cultures.
    • The CELTA covers a wide range of topics: besides the input workshops and teaching practice, students have course-related work to prepare at home.

    Course descriptions

    All of the courses with the TESOL TE program are taught in English.

    TESOL Metodology

    Credits: 9 ECTS
    CELTA teacher trainers: Mgr. Alzbeta Cernuskova, PhDr. Debora Zemenova, MA, Phil McSweeney
    The first part of the CELTA training program. In a series of workshops, participants acquire the general knowledge, skills, attitudes and awareness necessary for a novice teacher of English as a foreign language. Topics covered include language awareness and analysis for teaching purposes, teaching language systems and skills, lesson planning and timetabling, error analysis and correction, language testing, classroom management, teaching aids, and different aspects of learning foreign languages. Several written assignments and projects are required as part of the evaluation. Classes are held in small groups.

    Teaching Practice

    Credits: 6 ECTS
    CELTA teacher trainers: Mgr. Alzbeta Cernuskova, PhDr. Debora Zemenova, MA, Phil McSweeney
    The practical training component of the CELTA program. Teaching practice (TP) includes the following: students' own classroom practice, observations of experienced teachers, peer observations, feedback discussions and assisted lesson planning. The aim of teaching practice is to help students acquire basic teaching skills and establish a solid basis for further professional development. Classes taught consist of two groups of six students.

    Applied Linguistics

    Credits: 6 ECTS
    Course teacher: James Edward Thomas, M.A.
    A straightforward and comprehensive introduction to the study of language. The main emphasis is placed on linguistics for teaching purposes. The course gives students a basic framework in phonology, grammar, discourse, language development and change.

    Credit

    Credit, based on the number of courses passed, is given upon completion by Masaryk University. American undergraduate students can receive academic credit through the State University of New York at Oswego.
    Students who successfully complete the above coursework receive the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA), issued by the University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), as well as a written evaluation of their performance and, from Masaryk University, a certificate for the courses in Applied Linguistics, and the Czech language.

    Faculty profiles

    Mgr. Alzbeta Cernuskova (CELTA Main Course Tutor) Received her diploma in Czech and English language and literature at Masaryk Unviersity and the Trinity Licentiate in TESOL from Trinity College, London.

    PhDr. Debora Zemenova, MA (CELTA Course Tutor) Assistant Professor at the Department of English and American Studies of Masaryk University. Received her PhDr. at Masaryk University and an MA in English-language teaching methodology from Herriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. She has been teaching English since 1984 and running teacher-training courses since 1992. Research interests include learner autonomy and humanistic education.

    Other tutors: Phil McSweeney, James Edward Thomas, M.A.

    A week at a glance

    What a student's normal week would look like:

    MON Observed teaching practice, feedback
    (FA, Build. A, Rm. 40)
    for one half of the course    		 16.40 - 18.40
    		18.40 - 20.00
    TUE Observed teaching practice, feedback
    (FA, Build. A, Rm. 40)
    for the other half of the course    		 16.40 - 18.40
    		18.40 - 20.00
    WED Input + assisted lesson planning, feedback
    (FA, Build. A, Rm. 35)    		 10.00 - 17.00  
    THU Applied Linguistics 10:00 - 11:30  
    FRI FREE    

    Students´ perspectives

    Anita Shek, SUNY Oswego
    I feel the most important thing about the CELTA program was that it gave me support in a real world teaching experience and thus, built my confidence. The analysis of the lessons I taught were valuable in teaching me to critique my own performance so my learning would continue even when CELTA ends.
    The advantage of taking the class at Masaryk University was learning alongside Czech students. They offered a different perspective of our students and helped us to understand how their mentality and school system which are so different than those I know in the USA. It's easy to get caught up in the work and forget to make good friends with the people from that area. With them in this class, it wasn't even an issue.
    Jennifer Russell, Ithaca College
    I've really enjoyed learning to teach ESL here at Masaryk because of the unique perspective I've gained by teaching and working alongside people who have learned English as a second language themselves.
    Jana Zalska, Masaryk University, Brno
    I'm absolutely won over by the practical approach of this course. Real-life answers to real-life questions and well aimed practice. And a group of great people who make the challenge of learning to teach fun. I love it.
    Jiri Karas, Masaryk University, Brno
    The CELTA course? I've found it to be more ... than I expected - more interesting, more intensive, more challenging, more rewarding, more demanding and also more fun. I feel like I'm learning a lot and at the same time I can also contribute to the course a lot. The people are great, the schedule is sometimes crazy, the stuff we learn interesting and motivating. All in all - I'm really glad I can do it.

    General information

    Enrolment

    Enrolment is open to undergraduates (in their junior or senior year), students at the M.A. level, and recent graduates. Students do not need previous Czech language study or prior teaching experience; however, some general background in educational theory is helpful. Minimum 2.75 GPA overall. Applicants must be at least 20 years of age at the time of interview.
    The application process has two steps. First, the application form must be handed in. Then, after it has been reviewed, a telephone interview is held, after which the applicant receives formal notice of acceptance into the program.

    Program cost

    The cost is $6,450 per semester (15 weeks). This includes on-site orientation, tuition, room and board, and excursions to places such as Vienna, Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, Krakow and Wroclaw. Medical insurance and student visa must be arranged by the applicant prior to traveling to the Czech Republic.
    Undergraduate students in the US who wish to receive credit through a US university may contact the State University of New York at Oswego for application information.

    Housing and meals

    Accommodation and meals are included in the program fee. Students live in modern university dormitories sharing double rooms (each with an ensuite bathroom and kitchenette) with Czech or other foreign students. They have access to university computer centres, sports facilities, canteens and laundries.

    Orientation

    The orientation week program includes visits to university libraries and computer centres, an intensive "survival Czech" course, introductory talks on Czech culture and society, a tour of Brno and visit to the city museum, a reception bringing together international and Czech students as well as Masaryk University faculty, and excursions to the surroundings of Brno.

    Excursions

    The program fee also includes 4 weekend excursions to a number of cities in the region. In recent years these have included Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Prague and Krakow.

    Program dates

    Fall semester 2009 not opened  
    Spring semester 2010 Orientation February 15 - 21, 2010
    Spring semester 2010 Classes February 17 - May 28 , 2010

    Application information

    Application form for spring 2010 is available online

    Application deadline

    • For the spring course 2010:
      • For students who need visa to follow the course: October 1, 2009.

      Our address

      Applications and any questions can be sent to the following:

      Masaryk University
      TESOL TE Program
      Office for International Studies
      Komenskeho nam. 2
      602 00 Brno
      Czech Republic
      Tel: + 420 549 49 7785
      Fax: + 420 549 49 1113
      e-mail: tesolte@czs.muni.cz
      web: http://ois.muni.cz

      Office of International Education
      State University of New York
      122A Swetman Hall
      Oswego N4 13126
      USA
      Tel: ++1 (315)312-2118
      Fax: ++1 (315)312-2477
      e-mail: intled@oswego.edu
      web: www.oswego.edu/intled

      Links to TESOL sites

      Here are some TESOL links worth exploring:
      www.tesol.edu
      This is a professional organization for ESL/ EFL teachers around the world. It publishes ESL/ EFL books and a range of magazines running from the scholarly (e.g., TESOL Quarterly) to practical (e.g., the on-line Career Counsel, which focuses on employment possibilities).
      www.eslcafe.com
      This web page offers everything for the ESL/ EFL professionals and students, from chat rooms to exercises. It's worth a look.
      www.edunet.com/ciltsrsa/index.htm
      Here there is more comprehensive information about the CELTA certification and syllabi.

Last updated: 28/08/2009

 
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