Job Discussion Forums

[TeresaLopez]

I am considering moving into University teaching and would like to ask those currently in a university position for advice about what I should do over the next year or so to improve my chances. I have a Bachelor�s Degree in Elementary Education, 1 year teaching in a Catholic elementary school, 5 years in the public school system in Milwaukee, WI, 5 years experience as a Spanish language news editor, 2 years as a translator on a government research project (US), 3 or 4 years total experience in language schools, 6 years experience as a private tutor, and for institutes giving small group classes. Oh, and a year of coordinating for an institute.
I also have a TESOL certificate, 7 graduate hours, and numerous CU credits and workshops. I was considering taking this course:
http://www.up.edu.mx/Default.aspx?doc=5616
since it focuses on teaching High School and University students. Also, is there any value in taking the TKT? Or am I good to go with what I have? I do have lots of reference letters from former students, but most of the schools I worked for have new directors who don�t know me, though I have old evaluations from teaching, and a letter from the schools system that states when I worked for them - that�s all they give anyone. Thanks in advance.

[Enchilada Potosina]

I'd say you're good to go but if you're considering further education then a (relevant) masters would be the best option as a) a lot of unis have it as a minimum requirement to hire (plus it'll give you more teaching options) and b) your hourly rate will be considerably better.

If you're going to work in a private uni gather up all the bits of paper you can, degrees, recommendations, letters validating the amount of time you worked in previous jobs etc. This usually affects your hourly rate. A government uni probably won't ask for so much paperwork as they have a set rate for degree, masters, doctorate etc.

[TeresaLopez]

Do you know of a good program or an affordable distance program?

[geaaronson]

I teach adjunct at two Yucatan universities. One of the universities has decided that all the English teachers must hold a TKT starting next September. I am currently studying for it and find it very easy and basic.

There has been a relative tightening in accreditation everywhere I have gone here in Mexico. Here in the Yucatan, more and more schools are requiring that the Mexican English teachers have PET certification which comes to about 450 on the TOEFL scale. This is particularly low as mediocre universities in the states require 500 for entrance to undergraduate programs. But this is the general trend anyway as more and more qualified Mexican EFL teachers are hitting the pavement.

If you find a program let me know. My masters is not in Applied Linguistics or Education. Currently I am looking into the DELTA program but as I am 6 years from retirement further education may be moot.

[TeresaLopez]

I think I am going to take the TKT, I have a study guide and think I could probably take it tomorrow and pass, and it�s another piece of paper to add to the stack. If I hear of anything I�ll make sure and pass it along. I am not opposed to getting additional training since I am probably going to work another 10 or 15 years. How do you like your job? What are the students like? Do you know what they are asking native speakers for in terms of certifications? I am not technically a native speaker, but have been speaking English since I was 5 or 6 and have no accent, so I always say I am and no one has ever questioned it.

[Enchilada Potosina]

[MotherF]

Teresa,
Are you looking to move or stay in Mexico City?
If you are planning on staying in the great big city, why don't you enquire at some of the universities you are interested in as to what their minimum requirements are? Also, I suspect that there is some flexibility in requirements depending on how great their need is. Like if classes started today and they don't have a teacher, well you're on board just as you are because you have a pulse and are present in Mexico City. But if they have eight weeks to fill the position and a pile of resumes, than having a higher degree will help you.

It is also worth considering that English teachers fall into a wide variety of postions within different universities. Some offer an English major so there is a facultad de idiomas or some department. In those universities the higher degree is probably more necessary. In others different faculties have English teachers to teach the students within their departments only. Many others are organized with a Centro de Idiomas. These centros seem to opporate in two different ways. The first is like any other department or faculty and the teachers are much like other professors at the university in terms or types of contracts, pay rates, and profiles. The other opporates like a support instution to the university. Almost like say a copy center. The teachers in these Centro de Idiomas are treated like support staff in terms of types of contracts, pay rates, and profiles. These Centro de Idiomas also often offer classes to the general public for a fee. Basically a language school under the umbrella of a university.

[Prof.Gringo]

[TeresaLopez]

[TeresaLopez]

[Enchilada Potosina]

[TeresaLopez]

[Enchilada Potosina]

[geaaronson]

[geaaronson]