Job Discussion Forums

[go_lightly]

hi...i'm somewhat of a newbie still -- so far, i have my BA, TESOL certification, & less than one year of ESL teaching experience, but am still feeling good about this "career" path. despite some of the cynicism, i'm truly passionate about TESOL as i'm sure many of us are. i'm curious about MA degrees in TESOL. so far, i've surveyed a few MATESOL programs available at universities in California, & while there are enough opportunities to teach ESL here, many of the positions are either volunteer, part-time, or taken. even teaching at the community-college level w/ a Master's offers mainly part-time positions. i would appreciate insight from people who either have MAs in TESOL &/or have considered it. i'm more interested in how you've applied your MA domestically. do you find the MA in TESOL too conforming in terms of a domestic career? would a MA in English have been more flexible? Thanks...

[Mchristophermsw]

Go_lightly,

I currently teach at a CC ( for extra money) but my career in human services. The whole thing about CC's is that they are coveted jobs in any subject ( except maybe nursing ). If a CC career path is your goal then you may get lucky out the jump after you get your MA but for most people they have to pay their dues as part-timers before offerd a tenure position. But once your in, "you are gold". I know many counselors and teachers at this level and they Loooooooooooooooooove workin for a CC.


I am currently going back to school for my MA-TESOL at SJSU and I will say that the program is flexible, day and evening classes, part-time and full time opps.; A great bargian ( any Cal State ), your MA may cost you roughly 6 thousand in fees by time your done and there is both on campus and off campus working oppertunities. I know for GRAD students there is a University grant that covers about 80% of the tuition. and then theres GSL's. (Hey, you can wipe those out and have some money in your pocket by just teaching in Korea for a year)

Most importantly, follow your heart. Your not in Education to get rich, but I understand that you want to be fairly renumerated also for your skills.
Lastly, I will encourage you by saying that other people are doing what you want to do everyday---Why cant you be one of them in the future?
Of course you can

PM me if you would like, Iam currently based in Northern California.