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mw182006
Joined: 10 Dec 2012
Posts: 310
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 Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2015 1:24 am Post subject: Is online certification for me? |
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Hey everyone, I'm thinking of starting TeacherReady next month and wanted some feedback as to whether it's the right choice for someone like me. I've searched and read threads about TR as well as discussions on getting a MA. I guess I'm looking for some more personal advice/guidance in terms of the big picture.
Anyway, what it boils down to is this: I've been teaching at universities in China for 2 years now. I'm a transplant from the business world so I've got a degree (accounting) and a TEFL cert. While I'm not in love with teaching just yet, this is something I can see myself doing for a while. My motivations for certification are job security, increased job opportunities, and the flexibility to be able to teach almost anywhere, should I get tired of China. And of course I want to be a better teacher.
The appeal of the TR program for me is time and cost. 9 months for a 5 year certification for less than $5k seems like a no brainer to me. But is it going to get me the security and flexibility I'm looking for? While I'm not really interested in working full time at an international school for big bucks, that could change down the road if I want to 'settle down.' At the end of the day, I want to make myself more employable for the long haul while keeping my time/money invested to a minimum. Is there a better way to go about this?
Other personal info that may help: American, early thirties, no desire to teach in the Middle East, and I'd rather not return to the states to study/get certified (unless that's the best way to get what I'm seeking). Thanks in advance for any feedback. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2015 2:06 am Post subject: |
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| mw182006 wrote: |
My motivations for certification are job security, increased job opportunities, and the flexibility to be able to teach almost anywhere, should I get tired of China. And of course I want to be a better teacher.
The appeal of the TR program for me is time and cost. 9 months for a 5 year certification for less than $5k seems like a no brainer to me. But is it going to get me the security and flexibility I'm looking for? While I'm not really interested in working full time at an international school for big bucks, that could change down the road if I want to 'settle down.' At the end of the day, I want to make myself more employable for the long haul while keeping my time/money invested to a minimum. Is there a better way to go about this? |
Your education is a good investment, but trying to get by with the minimum may not pay off in the long run. The better teaching positions worldwide generally require a degree and license, both relevant to the subject taught. (For example, if you're looking to teach math, you'd need to be licensed to teach math and have a math degree.) Some employers also expect teaching experience gained from your home country. Therefore, credentials obtained while outside the US aren't likely to impress all employers nor help you compete. Plus, some visa regs may not recognize online qualifications. That said, look at actual job ads that you consider to be opportunities for "big bucks" and/or job security to see what qualifications are needed. |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2015 12:26 pm Post subject: |
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| My motivations for certification are job security, increased job opportunities, and the flexibility to be able to teach almost anywhere, should I get tired of China. |
I can't respond in a global way, but I can at least marginally address the 'almost anywhere' comment above. A US citizen with a non-related BA, experience in China, and online cert won't be eligible for jobs in Western Europe (outside of a very few low-paid TA type programs) due to working visa limitations. The same candidate will be very much at newbie entry-level in Central/Eastern Europe. |
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AGoodStory
Joined: 26 Feb 2010
Posts: 738
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| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2015 2:33 pm Post subject: |
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Your education is a good investment, but trying to get by with the minimum may not pay off in the long run. The better teaching positions worldwide generally require a degree and license, both relevant to the subject taught. (For example, if you're looking to teach math, you'd need to be licensed to teach math and have a math degree.) Some employers also expect teaching experience gained from your home country. Therefore, credentials obtained while outside the US aren't likely to impress all employers nor help you compete. Plus, some visa regs may not recognize online qualifications.
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While I have my own reservations about TeacherReady, it is a well-recognized and popular alternative path to teacher licensure. Most ACP's are designed for career changers, and the majority of candidates have a degree in something other than their subject certification--it is the nature of alternative certification programs. Applicants with either an education degree, or a degree in their subject matter may well be given preference by employers, but teachers certified through ACP's such as TeacherReady with subject matter certification by examination get jobs every day.
Given that the OP has stated that she has no interest in working in the Middle East, she does not have to worry about visa regulations not recognizing her Florida teaching credential as valid. Should she go on to complete the MA progam, however, she may have issues getting the DEGREE recognized, or valued, by employers, since so much of the work will have been on-line. While the teaching credential itself should not limit the OP, the lack of home country experience will. As the poster above noted, competing for better jobs will require such experience--two years is the standard amount.
This thread on International Schools Review might be helpful.
http://www.internationalschoolsreview.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/viewtopic.php?t=2354 |
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AGoodStory
Joined: 26 Feb 2010
Posts: 738
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