Job Discussion Forums

catie96 · Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Posts: 2

Hello!
I've read some of the information about the different types of certificates and programs out there, but I would like to ask about my specific situation. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I have a BA in Spanish and an MEd. in foreign language education (concentration in Spanish). I currently am in my second year of teaching Spanish at a private high school in Georgia after teaching in a public school for one year and doing various and sundry things like tutoring and working for about 6 months as an adjunct professor at a university. I've also spent about 8 months (cumulative over two summers) teaching English in Mazatl�n, Sinaloa, Mexico at Ingl�s Individual and a local university.

I am seriously considering teaching in Mexico for a longer period of time (at least a year) beginning next school year. It seems to me that I need to have some sort of TEFL certificate to round out the package and get the best job that I can. I've researched the Global TESOL College, ITTO in Guadalajara, University English Teachers in Puerto Vallarta, and a few others. They seem worthwhile and reputable. Based on my experience, would a program with a practicum be necessary? I know it would be useful. I'm just thinking that maybe I could complete an online course next semester (and save money) and be ready with the certificate sooner. I'd have to wait until June at the earliest to do a 4 week intensive.

Thanks for your help!
Catie

Scott in Incheon · Joined: 31 Aug 2004 Posts: 58

I am not sure why you would need a TESOL cert with your experience and education. I am not familiar with Mexico, but unless the schools there are asking for one...I don't see any reason for you to get one.

If you felt you needed one, then the longer courses are the way to go. An online course is not going to teach you any more than you could research yourself.

Chris_Crossley

Catie, with teaching experience already behind you, I see no reason for you to get a certificate now. The idea of a certificate course is to prepare you for teaching in the classroom, no matter what subject it is in. The practicum is there simply to see if you know how to teach, no matter what subject it is in. Hence, paid teaching experience by itself should more than compensate for any specialist qualification on paper (or lack of it).

If you are particularly interested in a specific school and its employment requirements make a certificate in teaching English mandatory, then you might consider such a course. If such a certificate is not necessary, then teaching experience, even in another subject (another foreign language, for instance), should always be favoured in lieu of a certificate, particularly if the experience is related directly to what you want to do.

You have accumulated experience in teaching both English and Spanish, so you may find that Mexican schools may look upon it quite favourably. There is a Mexico forum on Dave's, so check it out carefully!

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

catie96 · Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Posts: 2

Thanks, everyone, for all your helpful advice. Ben, how do you like M�rida?

In your opinion, which is preferable in Mexico: university, private English school, private school for younger kids, teaching business people? I'm sure it all depends on the personal preference of the teacher, but I would like to know. I've read a little about the good and the bad of each. As far as my situation is concerned, I would LOVE to get away from spoiled, rich teenagers for a while.

What is the best way to find jobs? Dave's job listings seems very good... Any other good resources you would recommend?

thanks again,
C

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

I have been in Mexico for 12 years. Some jobs I have connected with through tefl.com, others through the grapevine, others just by showing up and asking.

I would suggest you pass on the certificate course option. As Tim indicated, your academic preparation and experience is much better than that of folks who take the certificate courses. Those courses operate pretty much on the model of diploma mills--I have yet to have anyone with a certificate working for me or with me who even knew how to give a complete class.

cimarch · Joined: 12 Jun 2003 Posts: 358 Location: Dalian

I got a cert because the school offered to pay for one as they wanted to use it for advertising purposes. With 2 years experience it didn't teach me anything I hadn't learned a long time ago. Probably the only thing it did do was put a name or theory behind some of what I knew. I'd agree with everyone that an MEd. with some experience would put you way past a TEFL cert.