TEFL in Ireland – Reflecting a profession?

Abstract

In response to issues raised in Gronia deVerdon Cooney’s article on TEFL qualifications in a recent FELT Newsletter (see De Verdon Cooney, 2000, p.8), I wish to reflect on the notion of TEFL as a profession in Ireland. Gronia de Verdon Cooney questioned the validity of the ubiquitous ‘TEFL Cert.’, and she raised many salient issues about TEFL teacher training as a whole. Her article comes closes without redemption: Let’s face it, how many of you want to be TEFL teachers when you’re 30? 40? You’re really only doing this until you can get a proper job…TEFL isn’t a profession – it’s a long term holiday! … Qualification? Who the hell cares! De Verdon Cooney, (2000, p.8)