Job Discussion Forums

SOBELLE · Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 35

I am an American but not a native one. I have been working as a French immersion teacher at the elementary level for more than 10 years. My certification is in foreign language. Here is my problem all my teaching was done in French with the exception of 2 years where I taught English along with French. However, I do have a Master's degree in Technology in Education but no class experience. Do I have any chance of working in an Australian public or private school? And if so what are the requirements?

eslstudies · Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 1061 Location: East of Aden

Each state and territory runs it's own recruitment division, although qualifications are pretty much the same.
Generally speaking, a registered teacher in the US would fit the bill, but then you have to meet immigration and working visa rules.
Basically, if you're qualified, you have an employer to sponsor you, and you meet immigration requirements, you are in.
Best to talk to some potential employers first: check a few sample links.
Native speaking teachers of foreign languages are prized, as long as their English is also good! However, Asian languages are very much in demand.

http://www.teaching.vic.gov.au/becometeach/qualification.htm

http://www.jobaroo.com/job-teaching.html

http://www.teachingaustralia.edu.au/ta/go/home/pid/418

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0501/teach_in_australia.shtml

http://www.skillsinfo.gov.au/skills/EducationTraining/InternationalSkillsReports/

Bear in mind you'll find a job far easier in a hard to staff rural location than a school nestled next to the Harbour Bridge. Sounds obvious, but many people think like that!

SOBELLE · Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 35

laughing_magpie06 · Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 282

How's this for a suggestion? I have a TESL certificate and 3 years teaching experience in Indonesia. If I was to put an ad in a local newspaper or advertise freelance in Unis how much response do you think I would get? I'm looking at making a little extra pocket money outside normal working hours.

eslstudies · Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 1061 Location: East of Aden

Tutoring? The notice boards in ELICOS centres in unis wouldn't hurt. Many of these people will do anything it takes [and no disrespect at all] to bump their IELTS score up a smidgeon. ELICOS terms run from early Jan right through to Christmas.

Insubordination · Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 394 Location: Sydney

It depends which suburb you live in and what kind of rapport you can establish with your clients. Also, it's better if you go to them. When I did privates, my most regular clients were high school students in years 9-12. Their parents paid and they always showed up.

eslstudies · Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 1061 Location: East of Aden

True. ESL students cover the whole age range now. Ask if you can put an advert in some local school newsletters.
Another casual option would be to register for relief [supply] work with your city's English Colleges. There may even be an agency already working this area, as there is in Adelaide.