Job Discussion Forums

[simon44]

My career success has outstripped my qualifications.

Teaching is an unplanned, second profession for me. I qualified (MSc) as an electronics engineer and spent 20 years in the telecoms sector, rising to board level positions, before emigrating to Thailand some 12 years ago.

With time on my hands, I applied for the job of Homeroom teacher in an EP school. I got the job (based only on my maturity and unrelated MSc qualification), and progressed very rapidly from teaching primary grade through to adults, IELTS preparation and business English, before being promoted to VP of the school within 8 months of joining.

Then I accepted the position of interim Headmaster at a start-up international school in south-east Asia.

Now I've been offered (and accepted) the position of Homeroom teacher at another international/EP school in a neighbouring country.

So my career progress has been rapid. But as I approach 55 years old, I am concerned that my lack of formal, teaching qualifications will some day catch up with me, especially when an employer has to choose between me and a young teacher with relevant qualifications.

I applied to study the on-line PGCEi from Nottingham University. I was offered a place on the course but do not have the funds to pursue this option. (I have to self-fund, no access to loans).

Likewise, I was also offered a place on the Derby University on-line M.Ed, but my lack of funds also means that I cannot take up the offer.

So........ what qualifications might be more appropriate for me to obtain? I should comment that although I have been successful in teaching students of all ages, I prefer to teach primary aged children (Homeroom subjects). This is because I enjoy teaching the wide range of subjects from English through to Citizenship.

What qualification might I benefit from studying for if I wish to remain teaching primary grades? I'm thinking perhaps a TEYL or CELTA + TEYL.

But I'd appreciate your views and suggestions.

Simon

[nomad soul]