Job Discussion Forums

lrobbins · Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 1

Hello,
I am currently an editor at a publishing company but have volunteered in a city ESL program, which I loved, and got a TEFL certificate last year. I am considering switching careers to teaching adults at a community college or other higher ed institution, and I know that a master's is needed (I do have a PhD, but in an unrelated field). I have been thinking of doing an online MA TESOL from the New School in NYC while continuing to work. I know the job situation is not all that great, with many people being hired as adjuncts or lecturers without benefits, and I would be in my mid-50s when beginning to look for jobs. Does this plan make any sense? Or would it be better to stick with volunteering? Also if anyone knows anything about the New School's program, that would be useful too.
Thank you!

Xie Lin · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 731

The New School's program is highly regarded. But as I recall, it will cost you a fairly sizable chunk of change. If you were younger, I'd say "Go for it." If you were older, I'd say, "Forget the MA. You'll never recover the cost." But you're right on the cusp, and the determining factor is really how strongly you want the career change. You don't sound impulsive or naive, and you do seem to be well-informed about the downside.

I suspect you'll get a lot of advice telling you that it would be a mistake, but I'm rather fond of mid-50's career changes myself. Smile

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spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Second the quality of the programme at New School. It's very reputable - and recognized.

timothypfox · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 492

The only thing I would add here is that you may find more job opportunities if you can find a way to tack on K-12 teaching certification. It may absolutely not be the direction you want to go in here career, but it may open windows. I'm not sure if that is included in the New School program, but would involve eventually a summer practicuum to get certified, and some state exams.

bobdaun · Joined: 11 Nov 2008 Posts: 53

Check out some schools in the UK. University of Leicester, University of Birmingham, University of Nottingham, University of Sunderland, they all have well-regarded online MA TESOL programs you can take, and they all cost a lot less then the New School one, even for an international student.