Job Discussion Forums

[rudo!rudo!rudo!]

I've extensively looked through this site and a few others (especially Paulh's great posts at ELTNews) on the topic of part-time positions at universities, so although this isn't entirely a noob's question, I thought I'd still start at square one and ask a couple of questions...

1. I will be getting my MA in Sociology late this year (I'm just finishing writing my thesis), and I was wondering if Sociology is a "marketable" degree? What I mean is that when a postion asks for a MA in English/TESOL or equivalent would this include Sociology or do they consider this type of degree too esoteric for teaching English? I'm guessing this isn't toally the case but I thought I should ask just to make sure.

2. At what sort of a disadvantage am I with out a TESOL/ESL certificate/training? With only an MA and no English teaching experience what would I be expected to know in regards to teaching, or would they provide training? Am i even competitive without TESOL training?

3. I don't have any any publications (yet--I have a couple pending publication but they may not be suitable to show a possibly conservative employer), but I have an done a few conferences and I also have an extensive research background where I have worked for both the government and academics. Would I be able to stress this/trade this off in lieu of actual publications? For example, some positions say 3 publications could I say I did research for "x" amount of publications for various academics/government officials?

4. I've noticed that some positions also include an allowance for academic research. I'm very, very interested in this because I would captialize on any trip to Japan to further my academic pursuits. My question is, what would they consider "research?" For example, I would be interested in Art Theatre Guild and Japanese New Wave cinema or the recent films of Miike or Sabu as research. Would they funding boards go for something like this or would it have to be language/teaching related? What have other people used this research money for?

5. I have about 3 years experience as a teacher's assistant for upper-level undergraduate courses (where I held office hours, ran and prepared weekly seminars, marked papers, etc.). Would this be considered
'university level teaching' in regards to the positions that I would apply to?

6. Outside of March, are there any other 'hot' times when these positions are posted? I'm only asking because I really like to have things settled by early next year, but i was also wondering if it'd be worth it to wait until the 'hot' month of March?


... Oh, just to make it clear. I am only interested in part-time English Language teaching positions. I'm not even thinking about tenured 'professor/lecturer' positions. I basically want to be in an academic environment where I can work with and teach to adults.

Thanks.

[Glenski]

Your post is entitled PT work at universities, but your questions almost all smack of FT uni work, and you ended your post by writing that you simply want to work with adults in PT English language positions. Makes it harder to answer. I think your main concern should be getting the work visa. As far as I know, no university or other type of employer is going to hire you on PT work and provide visa sponsorship.

Here is an attempt to answer your questions anyway.

1. I will be getting my MA in Sociology late this year (I'm just finishing writing my thesis), and I was wondering if Sociology is a "marketable" degree?

In general work, it's as marketable as a degree in microbiology. That probably includes PT uni work. For FT uni work, not very marketable at all.

What I mean is that when a postion asks for a MA in English/TESOL or equivalent would this include Sociology or do they consider this type of degree too esoteric for teaching English?

Too unrelated is more the word I would use.

2. At what sort of a disadvantage am I with out a TESOL/ESL certificate/training?

To get a job anywhere else, not very disadvantaged. To actually teach the job, it depends on you and on the position.

With only an MA and no English teaching experience what would I be expected to know in regards to teaching, or would they provide training?

As far as I know, you aren't going to get training for PT or FT uni work.

I have an done a few conferences and I also have an extensive research background where I have worked for both the government and academics. Would I be able to stress this/trade this off in lieu of actual publications?

Probably not. Universities are quite specific in their requirements. This is a fairly moot point anyway since your degree is not going to get your foot in the door very far.

I would be interested in Art Theatre Guild and Japanese New Wave cinema or the recent films of Miike or Sabu as research. Would they funding boards go for something like this or would it have to be language/teaching related?
Doubtful that this would be accepted, but you aren't likely to get a FT job anyway.

5. I have about 3 years experience as a teacher's assistant for upper-level undergraduate courses (where I held office hours, ran and prepared weekly seminars, marked papers, etc.). Would this be considered 'university level teaching' in regards to the positions that I would apply to?
Not likely as far as I know. I think the ads are asking for experience teaching in Japan, and as a full-blown teacher not a TA.

6. Outside of March, are there any other 'hot' times when these positions are posted?

March is not really a hot month for uni work, as far as I know. That is when people bolt or give last minute notice, and it is when other types of jobs open up. Universities hire 6-12 months in advance because of their funding calendars. If you want to work in April, 2005, for example, start looking now. You may even be too late!

[Gordon]

I am starting my 3rd year f/t at a uni in Japan. As Glenski noted, all the benefits you mentioned are for f/t professors only. When they say MA in TESOL or related field, they are talking about applied linguistics, English or ELT, not history or sociology.

You also lack the teaching experience necessary, I had 7 years before I started at my current job.

Regarding budgets, every uni is different, but my travel budget would not cover art film screenings. They are for teaching related conferences, which is what they are paying us to do.

[PAULH]

[PAULH]

Advice for Applying to and Securing a University Position


Hiring committees are quite strict about applicants meeting the minimum stated requirements, typically age, credentials, and experience. Therefore, if, for example, the advertisement says you need five or more publications, and you do not, do not bother to apply (Washida, 2001, p. 65).


Once you have found an open position or university that interests you, it is time to begin preparing your application materials that provide documentation of your teaching experience, publications, and related experience (Washida, 2001, p. 64): namely, a CV or r�sum�, a picture, and select publications. For those who do not already have Japanese working visas, you will also be asked for elementary school through high school records as well as your college degree. To be considered for a full professor's position, you need publications, preferably good ones in large numbers (Washida, 2001, p. 87-8. Some universities or even individual departments have ranking systems for publications and presentations. Even if the university to which you apply does not have an official ranking system in place, some informal ranking will naturally exist; e.g., a TESOL Quarterly publication will carry more weight than a local newspaper editorial. My university--a national one--as well as those at which close colleagues of mine now work, value such achievements along the following simplified lines, from highest prestige to lowest: sole authorship in a refereed international journal, in a refereed domestic journal, in a non-refereed journal; shared authorship in any of the above (worth less than sole authorship); a single presentation at an international conference, at a domestic conference, at a local conference, and finally as a poster presentation. In short, publications are worth more than presentations, books more than articles, refereed more than non-refereed, single author works more than shared, and international more than domestic. Similar systems may exist in other universities and may differ slightly in details, but I trust they are basically the same.


You should submit papers to the highest level journals possible; if the paper is rejected and subsequent editing and resubmission fails, work your way down the ladder of prestige until your paper is finally accepted. Most important, do not feel intimidated. Journals interested in furthering the exchange of ideas and understanding will accept papers from anyone so long as the content is lucid and original. Furthermore, if you are currently working part-time at an institution, you can use that institution for your affiliation. In addition, this affiliation may entitle you to submit papers to the university's or even department's kiyo, its journal, which you should do. The ideal strategy is to submit to the kiyo preliminary drafts focusing on facets of your research, because kiyo are only lightly refereed, thus worth fewer "publication points," while continuing to work on the papers to submit more complete versions to international refereed outlets, making note that preliminary versions appeared in the kiyo. You can also publish works by yourself (Washida, 2001, p. 119-120). Lastly, try to choose catchy, concise, and attractive titles for all your works (Washida, 2001, p. 119-120), since most of your publications will likely go unread beyond the titles in the hiring process.


Concerning the r�sum�, you should create the best r�sum� possible, because some universities make hiring decisions without interviews (see below); moreover, you should submit it in both English and Japanese versions, if possible. English r�sum�s should be written according to the style(s) in favor at the time of application. Numerous services (r�sum� checkers) and resources exist online (check a search engine such as google.com or an online bookseller like amazon.com) and in print for creating and polishing r�sum�s. For a cookie-cutter approach, you can use one of the r�sum� templates provided by most word processors or even commercial r�sum� software or templates (see Table 1). I have professionally edited English-language r�sum�s for Japanese job seekers, and have found the Boston College Career Center's r�sum� site (www.bc.edu/bc_org/svp/carct/resume.html) to be excellent for North American r�sum�s, since it provides clear suggestions and printable examples, although numerous similar sites exist.

Japanese r�sum�s, called rirekisho, can be purchased in packages in stores, even in convenience stores; however, some institutions do require proprietary r�sum� forms, which should be explained in the job advertisement, although you may wish to contact the institution to confirm the preferred format. It should also be noted that Japanese r�sum�s are generally handwritten, because the handwriting is felt to give the interviewers added insight into the applicant's character. When properly completed, a Japanese r�sum�, printed or handwritten, provides the applicants with many potential edges: some of the other applicants probably did not submit them, its existence indicates the applicant's willingness to go the extra step to acculturate, and Japanese staff will naturally be more inclined to read and recall something in their native language. While this may only apply in certain cases, the institutions that will survive and thrive are most likely those that are more innovative and accepting of outside opinions and ideas.


Japanese ability can be an important consideration. If a portion, or all, of your interview is conducted in Japanese, bear in mind that Japanese interviewers face the same problems in evaluating Japanese ability that English teachers have in evaluating student ability. There is no uniform standard and interviewers differ on what is essential and what is not. There is the added problem that too much Japanese ability, perhaps indicated by holding a degree in Japanese language or culture, may raise questions about one's commitment to teach English by suggesting a greater interest in speaking Japanese than English. Some universities prefer non-Japanese-speaking foreign staff who are possibly more likely to converse with students in English as well as create an appealing atmosphere of "internationalism" or "foreignness" for both students and staff. Other universities prefer Japanese-speaking foreign staff who can participate fully in the various administration functions, such as hiring committees or curriculum planning, of the university. Interview "tests" of Japanese proficiency range from the realistic (an oral interview in Japanese) to the unusual (e.g., reading the minutes of the previous faculty meeting cold with no background). Rather than spending one's time memorizing the kanji necessary to read the faculty minutes, it would probably be best to concentrate on becoming an effective communicator in Japanese, even if this comes at the cost of accuracy. For those who speak Japanese, credentials are important. The traditional measure of Japanese proficiency is the Japan Foundation's (2002) Japan Language Proficiency Test (www.iijnet.or.jp/jpf/jlpt/contents/main-e.html), which is given annually. A more recent test is the JTOC (The Japanese Test of Communication, www.jtoc.org), which is perhaps less well known than the Japan Language Proficiency Test.


Many positions require applicants to submit reference letters, called suisenjou in Japanese. These should come from the most senior and reputable individuals you know, preferably a Japanese, since the referent will be better understood in terms of ability, position, and reputation. If you are currently studying abroad, ask any Japanese you know well for references, since some of them may be academics working on their graduate degrees: A r�sum� from such an individual could be particularly useful.


Credential inflation is a regrettable aspect of modern employment in many sectors. Having a doctorate in hand is a boon to anyone seeking a job in Japanese academia, yet the degree's importance is not overriding, especially for non-tenure positions. Numerous positions exist for those with an "MA or higher." According to Kitao & Kitao (1996), "[t]hat means...a PhD or an MA plus some university teaching and research experience. For research experience, it is publications that count most." In my experience, foreigners with PhDs teaching English at Japanese institutions tend to view their positions as stepping stones to gaining positions at (typically foreign) institutions where tenure is far more likely: Teaching experience gained in Japan (or elsewhere) can provide an edge. As long as tenure remains elusive for most foreign PhD holders, we expect that job turnover in Japan will continue to provide regular job openings. Moreover, with increasing numbers of Japanese university positions, for both foreigners and Japanese, being offered with contractual limits on length of stay (Monbukagakusho, 2001), some as brief as two years, turnover is structurally reinforced.

[rudo!rudo!rudo!]

Oy vey!

I guess I wasn't reading too carefully (or more like reading my hopes into what I read). A bit discouraging, but I guess I gave myself unfair expectations about my qualifications/abilities.

Just the same, thanks for the replies/advice.

[hamel]

an ma in sociology is plenty of academic background to do esl in a university setting, but you need classroom experience first. the old hands in japanese universities want you to believe you couldn't do it. try korea and then maybe move to japan later.

[PAULH]

#00167 - Kanagawa-ken


Job Description: Sagami Women's University is looking for a full-time English Language Instructor to teach in the Junior College Division, Department of Media and Information from the 2004 fall semester (will begin in November). Three-year contract with possibility of extension.


Job Details: Qualifications: Masters degree required, TESL/TEFL certificate/CALL training preferred.Japanese speaking ability required. Application+Materials: Resume, listing of publications and writing sample


Deadline: September 30th, 2004


Contact Details: Isei Nakamura, President, Sagami Women's University, 2-1-1 Bunkyo, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 228-8533, Japan

#00165 - Tokyo-to


Job Description: The Waseda University School of Letters, Arts and Sciences is accepting applications for possible openings for part-time teachers for 2005-2006. Duties: Teach English for General Communication, English for Academic Purposes, or English for Professional Purposes classes.


Job Details: Qualifications: Master's degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, Literature, or related field and at least two years of teaching experience at a Japanese university. Salary & Benefits: According to Waseda University regulations. Application Materials: Cover letter, and resume in either English or Japanese with a list of related publications, if any.


Deadline: Ongoing


Contact Details: Send application materials to Part-Time English Teaching, Waseda University School of Letters, Arts and Sciences, 1-24-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8644. Only successful applicants will be contacted.


Email Address: <>


Job Description: Gakushuin University is accepting applications for possible part-time English teaching positions for 2005-2006.


Job Details: Qualifications: Resident of Japan with an MA in TESOL or related field, Japanese university teaching experience, and at least two academic publications. Duties: The classes are for undergraduate students in all faculties in the general English programme, which consists chiefly of two types of classes: communication classes (primarily addressing listening and speaking) and reading classes (focusing on reading comprehension and writing). Application Materials: Interested applicants should send a current CV with a recent photo, complete contact information (postal, telephone, email), a list of publications, and the names and full contact information for two references in Japan.


Deadline: November 30, 2004


Contact Details: Part-Time English Teaching Position, Foreign Language Teaching and Research Centre, Gakushuin University, Mejiro 1-5-1, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588. No telephone calls.

Job Description: The English Department of the Faculty of Education at Shiga University in Otsu is seeking two part-time native English speakers for required freshman oral English classes from April 2005. Each position is two consecutive classes on Fridays; second, third or fourth periods. While there is some flexibility in the choice of periods, the day cannot be changed. The campus is a 10-15 minute bus ride from JR Ishiyama Station.


Job Details: Qualifications: Native English speakers with an MA in a language related field and experience at the university/adult level given first priority. Other MA's with relevant experience considered. You must present evidence of completing your MA, no in progress or ABD's will be considered. Basic Japanese would be useful in dealing with the office staff. Duties: The classes are 90 minutes each with approximately 25-35 students per class. Salary & Benefits: The salary depends on your age; from \7,000 to \10,400 per class per week with paid transportation. Application Materials: Cover letter and resume including DOB and photograph, a copy of your diploma, three checkable letters of reference at least one of which must be from someone in Japan (with email addresses for those outside Japan, and telephone numbers and email addresses for those in Japan), and evidence of a proper visa. Send materials to the contact address below; email applications will not be considered. Only successful applicants will be contacted. Application materials will not be returned unless accompanied by SASE.

#00162 - Miyagi-ken
#00160 - Fukushima-ken


Job Description: Sakura no Seibo Junior College, a Womens Christian Junior College located in Fukushima City, is seeking a full-time English instructor (female) to teach in the English Department from April 1, 2005.


Job Details: Job Details: Qualifications: Mature female native English speaker currently residing in Japan with PhD. or MA in Applied Linguistics, ESL, Communication or related fields; Japanese university/ high school teaching experience; Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 1 or equivalent. Duties: To teach and develop a variety of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing courses, and to participate fully in the day to day activities of the department and college: To accompany students bi-annually or as required on a 2 month home stay program in Canada (May- July). Salary and benefits: as determined by Sakura no Seibo Junior College rules and regulations. Application materials: Resume (with photo), references (2), copies of diplomas/ certificates, list of publications, brief statement of teaching philosophy.


Job Description: The Department of English, Miyagi Gakuin Women's University, Sendai, Japan has one faculty position to be filled by a contract professor, associate professor, assistant professor or lecturer to begin April 1, 2005. The contract is for two years and can be extended for a maximum of an additional two years if both parties agree to the extension. Selections are to be made on an open competition basis.


Job Details: The accepted applicant will teach courses including English Conversation and Writing, Overseas Immersion Program, and other English Department classes. Qualifications:[/b] Applicants should hold an MA degree or equivalent in the field of applied linguistics, and have publications related to their degree. [/b]Regardless of nationality, applicants who are native speakers of English and have taught English as a second language are eligible. Salary and benefits: Based on Experience and Publications Application materials: 1. A curriculum vitae or resume 2. A list of publications with short abstracts. List the publications according to the categories BOOKS, ACADEMIC PAPERS, REPORTS (or NOTES), REVIEWS and OTHERS and list them according to their chronological order of publication. Mark at most the five most relevant publications to the minimum requirements above. 3. Copies of all publications 4. A letter of recommendation 5. A medical checkup document including a chest X-ray examination 6. A 20-minute video of an English conversation class taught by the applicant


Deadline: September 30, 2004


Contact Details: Professor Kinu Oshima President's Office (Gakucho-Jimushitsu) Miyagi Gakuin Women's University 9-1-1 Sakuragaoka Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, 981-8557 Japan

#00157 - Kanagawa-ken


Job Description: The Foreign Language Center at Tokai University Shonan Campus is seeking several full-time non-tenured English instructors to begin teaching April 2005. Position: Two-year contract, renewable up to 6 years.


Job Details: Duties: Teach eight 90-minute lessons per week 4 days a week, which include required English speaking, writing and elective courses; attend monthly teachers' meeting; work on committees and special events. Salary & Benefits: Salary (including bonuses) dependent on applicant's qualifications and past experience; 15,000 yen per month housing allowance; 330,000yen annual research money; transportation allowance. Requirements: BA and MA in TEFL, TESL, Linguistics or related area; native English speaker, currently resident in Japan; at least 3 years' teaching experience at the college / university level; previous publications in TEFL, TESL, Linguistics or a related field; Japanese ability preferred but not required. Will sponsor / renew applicant's visa status. Application Materials: CV/resume, diploma(s), letter of introduction, all publications, photo, teaching certification(s), transcripts, 2 letters of recommendation, photocopies of current visa and certificate of eligibility. All application material must be sent by post.


Deadline: September 30th, 2004


Contact Details: Professor Yuko Iwata, Group 1 Chairperson, Foreign Language Center, Tokai University, 1117 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa 259-1292. Tel: 0463-58-1211, ext. 4523; Fax: 0463-59-5365


Job Description: The School of International Politics, Economics, and Business at Aoyama Gakuin University's Sagamihara Campus is seeking versatile part-time teachers for the 2005-2006 academic year.


Job Details: Duties: Teach English courses; communication courses related to public speaking, discussion/debate, English in the mass media, English for academic purposes; and advanced English courses related to specific themes, such as intercultural communication, comparative culture, media studies, gender awareness, conflict resolution/peace studies, global issues, and other subjects related to international studies. Qualifications: Resident of Japan (both native and nonnative speakers); proper visa if not Japanese; MA or PhD in relevant areas of the Humanities, Social Sciences, or Education (including TEFL/TESOL); three years?f previous teaching experience at the university level, with at least one year in Japan; ability to teach language, communication, and advanced courses in English; publications and membership in relevant academic associations a plus. Salary & Benefits: Similar to other private universities in the Tokyo area. Application Procedure: Send a complete resume in English that includes details about qualifications/experience in the above areas. No personal responses (including replies to inquiries) will be made unless the applicant is being seriously considered for a position.


Deadline: September 30, 2004


Contact Details: Send applications to Dr. Richard Evanoff, School of International Politics, Economics, and Business, Aoyama Gakuin University, 4-4-25 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8366.


Email Address: <>


#00150 - Kanagawa-ken


Job Description: Keio SFC Junior and Senior High School, the newest secondary school associated with Keio University, is seeking applicants for full-time teaching positions to start from April 2005. Our students go on to Keio University, one of the most competitive private universities in Japan. SFC Junior and Senior High School differs from other secondary schools in that more than two-fifths of the students have lived abroad for extended periods. Many of these students already speak English or other languages fluently. The school provides training in computing, language, and intercultural communication in an effort to equip the students for active roles in the global community.


Job Details: Duties: Teach up to 19 hours per week (16 core English classes, two electives, one homeroom). Full-time staff work 5 days a week (Sunday and one other day off) and are occasionally asked to come to school on holidays for school events and other duties. Share typical homeroom responsibilities with a Japanese partner, including 1 hour per week supervising a homeroom class. Assess students in accordance with school guidelines. Participate in all school events and supervise students during school trips, sports days, club activities, preparing students for speech contests, etc. Play an active role in departmental functions such as curriculum development, test writing, coordination of exchange programs, coaching, etc. Qualifications: Native speaker of English. MA in TESOL or a related field. Junior or Senior High School experience (particularly in Japan) a strong advantage; conversational Japanese an advantage. Salary & Benefits: Contract is renewable up to 3 years. Salary based on age, qualifications, and year of graduation. Commuting allowance, annual book allowance, furnished apartments close to school available for rent (key money not provided). Application Materials: Cover letter; curriculum vitae; transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended; details of publications and presentations, if any; at least one letter of recommendation from a recent employer and/or a professor in TESOL.


Deadline: September 30, 2004


Contact Details: Mr. Paul Gilson, English Department, Keio Shonan-Fujisawa Junior and Senior High School, 5466 Endo, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa-ken 252-0816; t: 0466-47-5111; f: 0466-47-5078.

Job Description: English instructor wanted for Kagoshima Immaculate Heart Women's Tertiary College from April 2005. Women strongly encouraged to apply. Duties: Teaching load 12 hours a week.


Job Details: Native English speaker with a B.A. Salary & Benefits: Two-year contract. Annual salary \3,000,000 (\250,000/month), plus board and lodging in student residence. Also, return airfare between the country of residence and Japan.


Deadline: Ongoing


Contact Details: Mr. Masato Omoto, Kagoshima Immaculate Heart College, Toso 4-chome, Kagoshima City 890-8525; t: 099-253-2677; f: 099-254-5247.#00145 - Niigata-ken


Job Description: The International University of Japan in Yamato-machi is seeking a part-time English language instructor beginning October 2004.


Job Details: Duties: Teach two 90-minute classes every week on grammar, vocabulary, academic writing, or thesis writing, in the fall (October-December) and the winter (January-March) terms. Teach graduate students studying International Relations, International Management, International Development, or E-Business. Be responsible for course materials, lesson plans, and assessment, in coordination with full-time faculty members. Qualifications: M.A. in TEFL/TESL or Applied Linguistics; at least 2-years teaching experience at the university level, but 5-years experience preferred. Salary & benefits: 14,000 yen per class, round trip transportation charges to and from the campus, overnight stay accommodation (if necessary). Application materials: Please submit a cover letter (highlighting qualifications, experience, and research; describing current employment status and situation; and reasons for applying), detailed resume (qualifications, teaching and other professional experience, research); a passport size photo; and two letters of reference.


Deadline: Open until filled


Contact Details: Applications should be made in writing and documents sent to Ms. Mitsuko Nakajima, International University of Japan, Yamato-machi, Niigata-ken, 949-7277

Job Description: The School of International Politics, Economics, and Business at Aoyama Gakuin University's Sagamihara Campus is seeking versatile part-time teachers for the 2005-2006 academic year.


Job Details: Duties: Teach English courses; communication courses related to public speaking, discussion/debate, English in the mass media, English for academic purposes; and advanced English courses related to specific themes, such as intercultural communication, comparative culture, media studies, gender awareness, conflict resolution/peace studies, global issues, and other subjects related to international studies. Qualifications: Resident of Japan (both native and nonnative speakers); proper visa if not Japanese; MA or PhD in relevant areas of the Humanities, Social Sciences, or Education (including TEFL/TESOL); three years?f previous teaching experience at the university level, with at least one year in Japan; ability to teach language, communication, and advanced courses in English; publications and membership in relevant academic associations a plus. Salary & Benefits: Similar to other private universities in the Tokyo area. Application Procedure: Send a complete resume in English that includes details about qualifications/experience in the above areas.


Deadline: September 30, 2004


Contact Details: Dr. Richard Evanoff, School of International Politics, Economics, and Business, Aoyama Gakuin University, 4-4-25 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8366


Email Address: <>

[PAULH]

See also this site for current teaching jobs

http://jrecin.jst.go.jp/index_e.html

[Gordon]

[PAULH]

A rather timely article has come out in this months Language Teacher about getting a university teaching position, a follow up to a more thorough September 2001 article (posted elsewhere). based on 21 ads from NACSIS website, 3 from Japan Times, 3 from JALT Information Job center, from Daves ESL page, 1 by word of mouth

Weblinks will be operational within about a month.

http://www.jalt-publications.org/tlt/articles/2004/10/stapleton


http://www.jalt-publications.org/tlt/articles/2004/10/maccasland

This is mainly referring to FULL TIME jobs but will be of value to PT people thinking about improving their chances or a shot at the full time slots

I wont repeat the whole article except the section on what schools ask for
(implicitly and explicitly) and what is desired (a lot of things are left unstated so you have to read between the lines)


Masters

Listed 34
explicit 24
Implicit
Desired 10
Comments TESOL English or Linguistics

University teaching experience

Listed 29
explicit 22
Implicit 6
Desired 1
Comments often 2 to 3 years


publications

Listed 27
explicit 8
Implicit 16
Desired 3
Comments often 3 required

English as native language
Listed 19
explicit 19
Implicit
Desired
Comments others: native like competency


Japanese ability

Listed 14
explicit 6
Implicit
Desired 8
Comments: general ability proficiency (no specific level of proficiency JLPT mentioned though)


Age

Listed 10
explicit 8
Implicit
Desired 2
Comments perfect age is 35


Computer skills
Listed 3
explicit 1
Implicit
Desired 2
Comments computer /Internet Literate

[Gordon]

Paul,

I too just read that article tonight. Really interesting. The other article about the guy who sits on the hiring commitee of a university is also good as he tells about all the good and bad resumes he sees. Over a third of the applicants didn't even meet the minimum requirements for the job that was posted.
The minimum requirements do appear to be on the rise. PhDs, int'l presentations and int'l refereed journals are not uncommon for non-tenured positions. That really is terrible.

[PAULH]

Now you can see why Im working my b_utt off these days.

1.5 down 1.5 to go (overseas PhD half done, one overseas poster session, referreed publication)

By the way do you know about the annual education conference in Hawaii? Good place to present (even at a poster session in the morning and drink Margaritas by the pool), though you may be a bit late for submissions now.


Hows USQ going for you?

[PAULH]

[hamel]

paul h: korea will always need people with your qualifications and perhaps you will teach in your native land in future?