Job Discussion Forums

[sarahcharles]

Dear all,

I want to become an ESL teacher in Australia. I am Singaporean and my fiance's an Aust PR and currently residing there. I plan to join him soon, as well and was hoping to become a English teacher, perhaps in a language centre?

I have a Bachelors of Social Science (Political Science) from Singapore and was wondering what course I shld undertake in Aust. to be suitably qualified?

I understand (frm extensive surfing of the net) that in Aust, I have to have a bachelors in education, otherwise, I need to undertake a Masters of Teaching or Bach. of Teaching (Pri/Sec), however, is this offered to an international student?

Also, I was wondering whether a grad dip in TESOL (for eg, from UTS), would be sufficient, together with my existing bachelor's degree, to get casual/part time work or a permanent job? Im torn. Is a CELTA enough? Or must I definitely undertake a course in teaching (Mteach/Bteach) in order to teach?

Would certainly be extremely appreciative if I got some replies. Thanks in advance!

[eslstudies]

You don't need a B.Ed to work in ELICOS, migrant ed or an English college. Its only to teach in the school system.
A graduate diploma in TESOL is looked upon favorably by employers. A Masters is better of course, but much more expensive.

[sarahcharles]

Thanks eslstudies!

Im relieved

With regards to my Bach. in soc. sci. from Singapore, must I get it verified by DEST or some other organization to be considered as an equivalent to a Aust. degree?

I have considered doing a Masters in TESOL but I'm just afraid that since I do not have any ESL experience (did casual/relief teaching in English to secondary school students in Singapore for about a year or so), potential employers might not want to employ me? And you're right, there's the cost issue to consider as well.

I'm currently looking at the grad dip (TESOL) at UTS. Understand that the Uni of Western Sydney offers it as well (but not too sure abt the uni and its rep wrt tesol/teaching). Do you know of any universities in NSW that is well-known for its TESOL courses?

UNSW seems to offer a grad. cert in TESOL but I'm thinking a grad dip would put me in a better position to secure a job.

Sorry for the many questions, and thanks again eslstudies for the reply!

English colleges, migrant centres and lang. schools, here I come

[eslstudies]

I did mine by distance through Macquarie University. They have a very strong linguistics department. The award is widely offered by many unis throughout Australia.
Which ever institution you wish to enrol at will convert your Singaporean qualification to their own equivalent. You will need first degree status to enrol in any post grad award. Obviously employers prefer higher awards, but they can't afford to be too fussy.

[Gordon]

Sarah, have a look at my website below and click on distance masters. There are links for all/most of the distance masters programs in Australia and other countries too. I did mine with USQ, they have a very good program and you get quite a lot of choices as far as elective courses go, far more than UTS anyways.

[sarahcharles]

Thank you so much for your replies.

I think it would be a great idea to be a volunteer tutor to migrants/refugees under the AMEP. Not only to increase my job chances, but I think the experience will help lots in being a good teacher. Thanks eslstudies for the suggestion, am def going to take it up.

And Gordon, I saw your website. The links page is fantastic. Looks like I've got a lot of reading up to do. I'm not planning for a distance masters (plan is to be with the fiance whilst completing the postgrad in tesol) but I'd take a look at the websites of the universities you've put down for sure.

Thanks again!

[Gordon]

[sarahcharles]

Hi all,

Just to keep you guys updated. I think I intend to pursue my tesol studies at Macquarie Uni; either a post grad cert or dip.

The post grad cert in TESOL is way cheaper, but I was wondering, would it be sufficient in securing casual work whilst studying? Or is it pretty much useless and I wld have to continue with the postgrad dip, to get some casual work/perm job?

Need help in making a decision! Replies anyone?

[eslstudies]

You say "while I am studying". Does this mean trying to find work in ESL before you've completed the certificate?

Generally though, it will depend on market forces. I've seen ELICOS and TAFE ads stating "PG Diploma TESOL preferable", but know they have employed people with certificates.
TESOL qualified people aren't that thick on the ground. Many people in the field have a BA and experience, but no TESOL training.
And the certificate can easily be upgraded to a diploma should you decide that's what you want/need.

ps I'm not in Sydney. Market forces may well be different there.

[kinshachi]

A CELTA was enough for most private language schools when I was working in Sydney. Post grad qualifications seem to be icing on the cake as far as most of them are concerned, but I expect much more useful if you're looking for higher end jobs. You could go for a CELTA first, and work while studying for something higher...