Job Discussion Forums

[Vince]

What would a TESOL certificate from a US university add to a teacher's marketability in Japan these days? I'll use my situation as an example: BA in English, six years of TEFL experience in Tokyo, post-baccalaureate cert in business. Would a TESOL cert add a significant boost to that?

[Kionon]

Like in everything in Japan... it depends. There are some jobs that absolutely require TESOL/TEFL/CELTA certification and the like, but I feel those that require it (versus a vaguely worded preference) are in the minority. I think your BA and six years of experience are enough to qualify for most everything aside from good university positions for which you would need an MA and publications.

That said, if you are competing against individuals with a similar background to you, it might move you ahead by just enough to get the position. It isn't really something that can easily be predicted. I would say if the program is properly accredited, and you have the cash for it, and you're actually interested in the content, it can't hurt.

[jmatt]

The requirement for publications is pretty frustrating. For most ESL jobs at the college/university level in the US, it's almost never necessary, unless it's a tenure track position requiring a PhD. I understand that having been published demonstrates a certain level of professionalism, especially at top level institutions, and in a certification obsessed society like Japan (are certifications really necessary to swim or play tennis as a hobby???), I suppose it's not unusual. Seems more like a formality.

That said, anyone here have any experience with that? Aside from the usual suspects like TESOL Quarterly, any other ideas on where to publish?

Thanks!

[HLJHLJ]

I find it more frustrating that other countries don't have the same requirement. If you are teaching a subject at university level, you should be actively researching to improve your field and publishing your findings. It's bad enough that shockingly low standards are accepted as the norm in most other ESL situations. Universities of all places should be insisting on a higher level of academic professionalism.

As for where to publish, there are many ESL and related journals out there. The best one to choose depends on your style (e.g. research or theory), topic and intended audience. If you can give us some idea of what you want to publish, I'm sure we can give you some suggestions.

[Kionon]

Japan does not require you to have publications in ESL unless ESL is what your MA is in, and even then...

My MA is in Government, minor in History, emphasis on Japanese Culture and Politics... and my one publication so far is in the area of Philosophy of Religion.

They just want to see that you can write well (and make you jump through hoops). Trust me, I doubt I'll ever need to discuss Christian epistemological constructs in a Japanese university English class...

Someone who teaches at a university, am I correct?

[Glenski]