Job Discussion Forums

[veiledsentiments]

[desert]

Thanks for all of the responses, and I think El Hobo makes a good point about planning ahead.

Another thought that crossed my mind was to aim for a teaching stipend at a brick and mortar university. I currently have one year of overseas experience, so I would probably need at least a couple more years of teaching experience before making a competitive application.

On the other hand, there is no guarantee that I will be able to get a teaching stipend, so I might be better off doing a distance MA while I have the opportunity.

[justcolleen]

Different states have opportunities to earn a teaching credential in a non-traditional way. It is also possible that your state has a shortage of ESL teachers and you may be able to obtain an emergency certification. Google "alternative teaching certification (your state)" and see; you have nothing to lose. Once you have the proper certification, the doors will open.

[nomad soul]

You can try for a TESOL fellowship at VS' alma mater, the American University in Cairo (http://www.aucegypt.edu/admissions/grad/finsup/Pages/TESOL.aspx).

[veiledsentiments]

[SENTINEL33]

It's a little difficult to comment specifically in your case because the thread has gotten too widespread, I would say. This is because, seems to me, you yourself are not sure what it is you want to do.

In general, though, you have to decide if you want to teach at the K-12, university, military or company levels, because each one of these teaching paths require different preparations and certifications. It's pretty hard to "blend" them, seems to me. At least it would take a long time to get all those certificatioins and degrees.

You also didn't mention if you're male or female, which, in the Middle East, particularly in KSA, is an important category to consider.

Also, as you know, certification for the K-12 level varies widely in the 50 states. In AZ for example, you can be certified in a major subject like Math and then obtain what they call an "endorsement" in ESL, for example, which lets you teach both ESL and Math at the K-12 level. Other states do not have a K-12 certification....they have a K-6 and a 7-12 certification or similar combinations which you have to specify and work towards.

I am curious why you would want to work in the Middle East in the first place. Nothing on this thread has addressed that important question. Have you ever worked or lived overseas, particularly in a 3d world or Muslim country?

Many experienced teachers strongly recommend that your first job overseas should not be in the Middle East and that you test your wings elsewhere first.

[desert]

[SENTINEL33]

Yes, I think you first have to come to a decision on what exactly you want to do. That's at least half the battle. Then your realistic options will become much clearer.

AUC is an excellent choice given that you can get your MA and at the same time be in daily contact with Arabic which you couldn't do in the USA.

If you've already lived and worked in the ME, then there's not much I can say that you haven't run across already.

[nomad soul]