Job Discussion Forums

[Mchristophermsw]

I just finished talking to a advisor at a University who could not answer many of my questions regarding their MA program. I hope someone here can give me an insight.

Background info.
US Citizen, Italian and Spanish.
2 year Liberal Arts
4 year Bachelors (Social Work ).
2 year Masters (Social Work ).

I am going to be in the US for another 5 years working in my profession as a community college instructor ( part-time ) and counseler working with youth. I want to pay off some debt and put my affairs in order before moving overseas.

I was contemplating on working on a MA-TOESL , in the evenings while I work in the day. Part-time it will take about 3 years and cost me about 5 thousand USD in tuition and books ( its a 30 unit program).

I want to be able to start a new career in Education, not just a whim to travel but to find a post that pays me descent wage for were I will be living. (Cover cost of living with the ability to save a little and plant some long term roots).

I really would like to aviod going back to school if I can but will do it if neccessary.

Here are some of the things I would like to have the options of doing.
Work at Public, Private or International School.
Work all age groups ( but I love kids)
Teach English, Reading and Writing.

Should I get that MA-TOESL or go a different route?

thanks
Michael

PS, I get the picture on "IS" can you all give me advice about the other schools..thanks

[Doglover]

[Mchristophermsw]

I am looking at either E. Asia, Africa or Latin Carribean.
I am emailing a few schools for a preliminary of my qualifications, so I will have a better Idea of what is needed.

Also, just today, I spoke with a friend at the University and she told me the degree is a great and you can also work at several communty colleges.

Thanks agian.

[Gordon]

To teach in an international school, a masters will not help. You need teacher certification which normally takes 1 year f/t. I don`t know if you can do this p/t as you will be doing practicums in schools. A Masters in TESOL will help if you want to teach adults, like in a college or university.

[Mchristophermsw]

Well, I looked into a teaching credential, Single subject.

But the Credential is only good in California.
If I even moved to another state, I would have to go through a recertification process ( more school ) to get liscensed.

I assume overeas, that would be same thing.
I dont have to work at a International school but just wanted the option.
Anyhow, I have a coveted, MSW ( atleast thats what my grad advisor called it) LOL, which allows me to counseling and advising. I am sure the International Schools have counselors and advisors also.

Thank you for your advice, I greatly apreciate
it.

Micahel

[Gordon]

Are you telling me that teachers in America can't change states without having to get their teacher certification over again?? I can't believe it. What a enormous waste of energy that would be. Perhaps they just need to get their certification authorized by a central state authority stating that it is a legitimate certificate and not have to go back to university. I would double check that again.

[Glenski]

Mchristophermsw,
If you want to teach in an international school in Japan, you will need to have a teacher's license or certification from your home country. An MA alone will not do it. If you don't have experience in teaching English to foreign students, getting some training (even just a TEFL certificate) will help, especially if you want to get into this for the long run.

[Mchristophermsw]

I just sat in a two hour overview for San Jose State University and the Director of the program stated that you would have to take additional courses to work in another state.

She even asked if there was anyone from another state here to get their California Credential, as they would be on a different track.

Taken from the SJSU Website

""Contact the Credential Services Center (Sweeney Hall 108) in the College of Education for information about clear credential and professional growth programs which satisfy California requirements.""

This would assume that additional requirments would be needed to have your ""Credentials Cleared"" for a Calfornia Credential

[Mchristophermsw]

Thanks gang for the advice, I get the picture.
One needs a certificate from their home country to teach at an International school.

Thanks agian.

Michael

[Chan]

[Mchristophermsw]

Your right, about a certification. In California it is called a PPSC Credential. I would need to take a few classes. But I am not sure how I would work around the practicum as I work full-time in the day.

Anyhow, the MA-TESOL seems like a good avenue with many, many options other than working at an International School, which is not to say is a bad thing but not a place I would "Have to work". I am prettty flexable, as long as the wages are fair and I can make a postive difference in the lives of Students who I work with

Thank you agian for taking the time to respond, it was very informational
Michael

[Chan]