Job Discussion Forums

[aswang]

What are the job prospects of teachers with 10years+ experience teaching in USA public schools when it comes to locating a teaching position in Taiwan? I'm a "refugee" from the LAUSD and will be basing myself at my home in the Philippines and plan on teaching in Taiwan or Korea. I taught everything from elementary to special ed in Los Angeles at a number of different schools and am very healthy and active and want to work. I'm in good shape physically--I can still swim non-stop for 2 hours in the P.I. and I look 35 instead of my actual age of 50. I know Asian schools can be very age prejudiced, I taught in Japan in 1990 and saw lots of it. What's the story in Taiwan, more of the same?? --- I am caucasian-- pointing this out because it DOES matter in the ESL world, as unpleasant as it is.......Any helpful insights from anyone out there teaching in Taiwan and other parts of Asia? Especially "old farts" like myself?? Thanks in advance!!

[MTurton]

Do you have a masters? You can teach at a university. University language centers and continuing ed centers are also a good choice, as are the community college systems, since they all involve adults. You can also teach English in a high school here. I wouldn't do the cram school thing, too draining.

There is age discrimination, but experience is a plus. Have you thought about the international and private schools here? Certified teachers are in demand.

[aswang]

No masters, never really needed it, just Calif state teaching credentials of various types--elementary, special ed, single subject........NOW I regret not finishing the masters related programs.............As a side note-- I've been thinking of setting up a location for ESL teachers once I get squared away in the P.I. so burned out English teachers can come on down and kick back on the beach where I base myself in the Philippines. God knows everyone can use a relaxing break on a nice tropical beach after endless hours in ANY classroom..... The P.I. beaches are nice out in the provinces and the water is fantastic.....hope to make that happen in the not-too-distant future.......might be able to turn it into a PHYSICAL Dave's-type ESL cafe on the beach.........sound good???

[WorkingVaca]

You're qualifications are above-average compared to most ESL teachers in Asia. However, you will have about the same prospects. Don't expect higher pay or higher positions based on your experience. We're all treated pretty much the same. As for being older, I don't believe this is a problem. I know several older men teaching everything from adults to elementary to kindy kids. I think you'll have no problem finding a job.

[aswang]

Thanks for the info guys, every bit helps me plan. I don't really expect anything special, just a decent position so I can use what I've learned over time. Public school teaching in the states has just gotten more and more out of control, especially in a district like LAUSD. If I recall correctly, LAUSD had something like 800 schools, 20,000+ teachers and a total of 70,000 employees, think they lost that "personal touch" ??? I taught full time at several middle schools in East L.A. and it was, what can I say?-- a "challenge". But, like any teaching job anywhere, it's the quality and attitude of the management that makes or breaks a school. It really made all the difference in the world on who was in command and how staff morale went.. The same story holds true for all these "jukus" and "hogwans" and "bushibans" too. It all comes down to who's running the show and what their motives/agenda is.................

[myesl]

MTurton

[MTurton]