Job Discussion Forums

[ryanlogic]

I pray all of you are well, as usual... I need some advice.

I've been entertaining the idea of teaching English overseas for quite a while now. Each step along the way, I'm told that I can't get what I want with what I've got... But now I finally feel like I'm getting somewhere (sort of)

I finally completed a BA in sociology and international studies. During the end of my last spring semester, I interned at a well establish islamic school and applied for a job teaching English before I even graduated. Long story short, a veteran teacher left and the school offered me a job teaching social studies. I am currently teaching 2 groups of 8th grade american history, and one group each of highschool world history, American history 2, and civics. I'm only a quarter way throgh the year, and I'm exhausted.

Here's my dilemma:

My current employer will contribute a little less than half of my tuition for a mAsters program of it relates to my subjects. Essentially if I stick with them they will contribute towards a Masters in teaching:social studies. But I'm not sure if I want to commit to a degree that locks me into teaching.

My original plan was to do a masters in education with a concentration in TESOL. My employer probably wont pay for it. Furthermore they advised against seeking a degree which doesn't include state level teaching certification.

I guess I'm just not sure which path to take.

Should I pursue the M.Ed TESOL, or should Ihunker down and specialize in social studies.

I want to be able to work in the Middle East and elsewhere, pay loans, save money, and have career path when I get home.

I'm literally falling asleep writing this, I'll finish later..

[nomad soul]

You say you don't want to get stuck teaching with the MAT in Social Studies, yet the M.Ed TESOL locks you into teaching as well.

Why not stay with the social studies path since you're already building experience? Let your employer contribute toward your social studies degree, and when your MAT is completed, get your license and teach in the US for a couple of years. You'll then be eligible to teach in American curriculum international schools in the Mid East, and years down the road, DoDEA schools in the US or elsewhere. Another option is put some of that Mid East teaching money aside for a possible second master's---an MA in Educational Technology, which will open even more doors for you.

[coder]

delete

[ryanlogic]

I honestly don't remember writing the original post, but I appreciate your reply.

The reasons I'm still feeling inclined towards M.Ed is because I do not want to teach forever. I would eventually like to work my way up and get into administration. Another possibility I'd like to explore is working in international development and relief. My mother works for an organization that uses state department grants to fund schools and educate rural communities... There's no garunteed that I could ever land a position with a similar company but I'm going to keep nosing around.

It may seem strange to many of you, but I really can't see myself teaching in public school in America. As a muslim, it would be difficult to pray on Fridays and I've really come to enjoy having all the religious holidays off at my current school.

I'm afraid a MAT social studies would prevent me from moving up the ladders if like to climb and lock me into teaching forever.

What do you think?

[nomad soul]

[ryanlogic]

Well the thing is, I am getting mixed opinions from friends and colleagues.

Some say that the MAT will be no different when I decide I want to move on...Other people are screaming bloody murder telling me not to box myself in with a MAT.

The MAT social studies seems to have more of an immediate benefit, and as I mentioned the benefit of being subsidized... but I am wondering if a M.Ed will serve me better in the long run.

Each of the respective department advisors aim to convince me that their program is wonderful and filled to the brim with opportunities. I cant seem to find anyone familiar with my area of interest locally...

[nomad soul]

You're getting mixed opinions from others because you haven't settled on what you want to do. Until you figure out what that will be, you might hold off on heading to grad school. Otherwise, another option is to get the MAT, teach and save money, and subsequently, get a second MA with a major in Education or Educational Leadership. Seriously, you're in your 20s and have plenty of time to get a career established. Either way, the decision is all on you.

[ryanlogic]

As always, I appreciate the advice...

I decided to hold off grad school until next fall so I can focus on being a good teacher and getting into the groove with everything else. I've been a full time student and a part time wage slave for so long, I'm still adjusting to having a real job with steady consistent hours and all the other fixings.

I'm still leaning towards the M.Ed, but now I have plenty of time to discus things and come up with a path that fits my goals.

I've found that I really enjoy teaching middle school, and I dislike the highschool classes that I'm teaching. I can deal with the immaturity of the middle school kids but I struggle to put up with the attitude problems that seem so infectious during the "Punk" stages of growing up. It's strange because I honestly thought it would be the other way around, but I'm a much better middle school teacher.

My current school will be offering the IB diploma next year and many of those encouraging me to seek a MAT Social studies may see me as a potential IB teacher after additional schooling. Many of those who have encouraged me to pursue M.Ed are people such as our behavior specialist, fundraising coordinator, and other teachers who are less than thrilled with their lack of mobility as a dedicated subject teacher.

I could be wrong, but minus the actual teaching certification, I'm not sure that a M.Ed will be viewed in a different light than a MAT after a few years of teaching experience. Maybe I'm just naive... It wouldn't be the first time.

Many things to think about and research.

[sicklyman]

I assume that your self-confessed naivety means you are unaware that if you

[ryanlogic]

[sicklyman]