Job Discussion Forums

[Ruthie]

Thanks in advance for any advice on this subject.
I've got a PGCE and 2 years post grad teaching experience but have decided to give my poorly head a break from the brick wall that is an English High School.
I taught EFL for a year in both Japan and S.Korea, and would love to get back into this in OZ. I'm in the process of emigrating now and will arrive in Sydney in Sept
Does anybody have any advice on getting a job, either in a High School teaching TEFL or in private language schools?
Thanks again.

[Van Norden]

Apply with the NSW Dept of School Education. There are Intensive English Centres within some high schools where ESL-trained teachers teach all subjects to recent migrants.

There's also the adult migrant english sector. Try ACL or AMES. The pay might be a bit less than at a high school but the work's much easier.

Another option is the private English schools catering to fee-paying students from abroad (ELICOS?). There's even a Japanese company (GEOS/ST MARKS) in Bondi and the CBD that you could try.

[Super Mario]

Check out www.careerone.com.au then use esl as a search term. There are always jobs, though the number varies according to the time of year.
If you limit yourself to Sydney you'll find life expensive. Be open to other cities.
As the previous poster indicated, your choices are essentially:
-public and private school systems. Aussie public schools probably aren't much better than the UK, though there are a few good ones. I've fared nicely. You'll need to get teacher registration first, which will most likely include current certificates in areas such as first aid and mandatory reporting [of child abuse], as well as a police clearance.
-ELICOS, usually attached to universities.
-migrant ed, through TAFE or some private contractors
-English Colleges

One caveat. Most of this work is contract. Whilst much of it is ongoing, there is a measure of insecrity, and you'll find that you won't be paid during the 12 or so weeks vacation each year: probably just for 3.

[Ruthie]

Thankyou so much, both posts are really helpful.