Job Discussion Forums

jm21 · Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 406

I have noticed there seems to be a jump in pay for teaching these subjects but for the life of me I can't figure out why. Are there some special qualifications that I don't know about? Teaching for these tests just seems like oral English to me. I am having trouble figuring out the justification for significantly higher pay and differentiating these jobs from other oral English jobs.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Both proficiency tests cover all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) and are required for entry into universities where English is the language of study (e.g., the UK and US). As such, they're considered high-stakes tests.

There are practice IELTS and TOEFL tests online. You might give them a try; they're not as easy as you think, even for a native speaker.

jm21 · Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 406

Yeah, I know what they are and have read a lot about them, but what qualifies a teacher to teach them? Or is it really the same qualifications as teaching oral English? Employers seem to think there is something different required to teach these subjects but I can't figure out what that might be. SAT prep I know they want someone who scored well on the test, I understand that. Literature they want an English major, understood. But what sets IELTS AND TOEFL apart?

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

There's a whole forum just on the TOEFL in the 'Teacher Discussion Forum,' which requires separate registration to post:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/teacher/viewforum.php?f=18&sid=ea84b64ecfe94b347cb900cabe1d5f09

Also, check out job ads for TOEFL and IELTS tutors/teachers for the required academic qualifications and TESOL credentials.

What sets IELTS and TOEFL apart from SAT and other tests that native speakers take is that these two language proficiency tests are mostly used to measure the tester's level of English in preparation for academic studies in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program in universities where English is the language of instruction. Therefore, conversation English won't cut it; whereas, academic English (EAP) in all four language skills hits the mark.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

This link might be helpful:
http://www.britishcouncil.cn/en/ielts-examiner-recruitment

jm21 · Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 406

All the TOEFL and IELTS jobs seem to have the same requirements as all the other teaching jobs. I'm sure IELTS examiners have preference but aside from that the requirements seem the same. I've been browsing ads for weeks and have never noticed anything special required. Yet if I talk to a recruiter they will ask if I am qualified to teach those classes. But they don't ask for any extra documentation. If I say yes, they just say OK.

I just got off a Skype interview with an international middle school and they seem to think I am qualified to teach AP (why in a middle school?), TOEFL, and IELTS. Talked with a recruiter yesterday and they thought I wasn't qualified to teach any of them for some reason. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to it. Like if you do an interview and impress them you're qualified. If you don't do well you can only teach oral English.

Maybe just a TIC moment.

I will check out that forum. Sounds like I might need it. Thanks for the link.

I should also mention I have no teaching certificate or TEFL or TESOL and schools don't seem to give a crap. Recruiters do but schools don't.

I don't know if this is normal or I get special treatment because of my JD. Or maybe because I am relatively young and very European looking.

Might as well shoot for the stars and see what happens I guess.

Bud Powell · Joined: 11 Jul 2013 Posts: 1736

jm21,

Have you ever taken a look at some of the text books used for preparation for the IELTS? If not, pick up a few. Take a good look at the writing component. It's no piece of cake.

And no, I doubt that the JD is getting you special consideration. It's a professional degree, not an academic degree.

For future reference:

http://www.ielts.org/test_takers_information/what_is_ielts/test_format.aspx

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

jm21 · Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 406

Guerciotti · Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2014 2:21 pm Post subject:

jm just apply for the TOEFL/IELTS jobs you want, sell them on the value of your JD, then prove its worth. The JD will give you special consideration if you sell its benefits.

Don't let people who never went to law school tell you what you did there. Yes look at the books yourself but through my JD eyes it is quite doable and teachable.

But then again I used to write legal pleadings 20 hours per week for weeks on end, so what do I know about writing, for example?

water rat · Joined: 30 Aug 2014 Posts: 1098 Location: North Antarctica

Voyeur · Joined: 03 Jul 2012 Posts: 431

When I was involved in hiring, I'd be very suspicious of a JD applying for an ESL job. I'd naturally wonder what went 'wrong'. I know there are too many lawyers, but still, a JD applying for an ESL job...

That being said, I have known several JDs who taught ESL. They had good reasons for it. Most were young Gyopos in Korea trying to get a taste of their heritage before they really started their legal careers. And they were teaching at a high-end academy, getting a very good salary.

I'd have a good story for the interviews is all I'm saying.

As for qualifications needed to teach IELTS and TOEFL, there are no formal requirements.

Guerciotti · Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2014 2:56 pm Post subject:

Guerciotti · Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2014 2:59 pm Post subject:

water rat · Joined: 30 Aug 2014 Posts: 1098 Location: North Antarctica

"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers." -Dick, Henry The Sixth, Part 2 Act 4, scene 2, 71–78