Job Discussion Forums

[Mr.Lee321]

I already have an MA TESOL, which seems to be an internationally recognized terminal degree in the field. Although there doesn't appear to be any doctoral programs in TESOL, I can always apply for ones in a related area, such as Linguistics or English Education.

I am currently a certified teacher, employed in a US public school. Although I do enjoy the work I do, I eventually want to move up the ranks to teaching full-time in a postsecondary environment such as a community college or university IEP program.

Given how competitive the FT career market is at at the college level, would have a doctorate give me any significate advantage? Or would having some international teaching experience trump higher in the TESOL applicant pool over an added degree?

[nomad soul]

[RedLightning]

Your MA and teaching license will land you a lecturer position, but you'll be stuck there with a minimal salary and no way to move up the university ladder (within a few years, you'll have colleagues doing the same job as you making twice+ as much).

Sure, your overseas experience suggests a more rounded teaching/pedagogical perspective and you'd be a nice trophy for the head of department to point at when speaking of faculty diversity (in this respect, your overseas experience may very well help you get your foot in the door more so than your MA alone), but again, you're going to be stuck.

If the endgame is working at a university, get the doctorate

[Mr.Lee321]

The university doesn't have to be the endgame. I am totally content with community college employment.
So, which is the better option?

A. Teach overseas for one or two years, return back the States in seek of a lecturer position. Then, go back for a doctorate.
B. Start working on an educational doctorate Ed.D. while continuing to teach high school in the United States.

[nomad soul]