Job Discussion Forums

[Sheep-Goats]

[Mchristophermsw]

Okey, for all you out there that plan on getting an MA-TESOL in order not to get bashed by having no experience heres my advice.

Work at the University while studying. I have over 5 years experience working with ESL students, teaching, tutoring, conversation groups, Writing Skill Workshops, for the writing skills test ( WST) which is a test all students need to graduate.

And I did not get my Masters in Tesol but Social Work. And now Iam going back part-time for my MA-TESOL which should take 3 years to complete and give me a total of 8 years of experience when I graduate.

That would be the best way to gaine experience while concurrently pursuing your degree--- rather than just to focus on the theory. If you dont, everyone who would rather hirer some one without a degree but with mucho experience, will give the job to someone else....

[Chris_Crossley]

[moonraven]

sheep-goats:

Your question has very slippery criteria.

Someone with 10 years of teaching experience who is a good teacher will be much better qualified (whatever THAT means) than someone with 10 years of teaching experience who is NOT a good teacher (experience doesn't necessarily mean learning or improving one's teaching skills) and PROBABLY better qualified that someone with a Master's degress and 1 year of experience.

BUT it really depends on the person--which is why I put a lot of stock in interviews and in demonstration classes (especially the latter).

[Chris_Crossley]

[moonraven]

Most teachers with 10 years of experience are not good treachers--simply because way too many people go into teaching without having the vocation of teaching.

[Mchristophermsw]

Moonraven,
dont be too hard on people you interview if they dont have the mechanics down in your demo class LOL! I love teaching, I make a huge impact on my students (In counseling related and drug alcohol and Hiv courses at the CC I work at) but I do no think I am a good teacher yet. I am still trying to develop my style and even though right now I try to borrow from the teachers that have impacted me the most---its still going to take me awhile before I feel adequate (maybe Iam too hard on myself LOL)!

But I do agree that teaching like other professions is a calling ( many may disagree) atleast it is for me. And that passion and love for your vocation is that X-factor makes a great teacher when all else is set aside.

I am in a similar situation as a Psychiatric Social Worker. I am making great money starting at 34.00 USD per hour. But my heart is not in it. The passion is null and void. It just doesn't feel right

So I thought back at what makes me happy?? and I was most happy when I was on campus. I loved working with students in the language learning center and I currently love being in the classroom, although it is only a part-time job at 6 hours per week--it is those six hours that I feel I am making the biggest impact, not the 40 hours whe I do the Psyc work.
I also felt alive everytime I was overseas. So adding all that up TESOL seems like a great fit to keep those fires burning


So now Iam on my way back to school to get that MA-TESOL and too pursue what makes me feel alive. I think that is a big part of being a teacher...stepping on campus and feeling alive; feeling home.

However, at the same time MoonRaven, I have also had teachers I dreaded and it was because like you said, "not their vocation" or they were burnt out.

[Mchristophermsw]

Chris

Congradulations on your success thus far, especially in the area of 'creating a meaning full personal life with your wife and daughter in Chine!

As far as highering people with Masters and them not always being qualified or a "good fit" with the school or students?

I agree, you probably have seen this happen several times. Unfortunately, some people get a degree or some initials infront of their name and they adopt a superiority complex. That sad and I would never hire or prefer working with anyone like that.

However, there are alot of people who have sacrificed and struggled to further their education and are humble and hard working. But you probably can tell who those people are right of the bat

While I do have a graduate degree, I was the first person in my family to go to college, I was brought up poor and as Counselor/Social Worker, I understand the importance of "empowering" people, meeting the eye to eye and never making someone feel like they are less than you but rather treat everyone with respect and dignity....You never know who you might meet on the way up or the way down.

Heck, people look at me and would never guess I have a post-grad.
Yes, in our business ( working with people ) human capitol is the most valuable resource.

Continued succcess and blessings.
Pm me if you have time, and also congrad on your new flat!

My only concern is be cognizant if you ever decide to go back. It seems at times 'we' are more valuable in our host Country. Heck, I Beautiful Wife, Child, home ownership, good career---I would say you have found "home" !

[lumber Jack]

I think for a good number of us the main conundrum within this job is that bosses like Gregor want bums on seats, but we know that putting bums on seats and teaching English effectively are not always one and the same thing. A language school which only wants to increase class numbers and does not care in what fashion it is achieved is no place for anyone who considers themself a professional. Since profits must be made, however, most places are pretty much like that. Our experience generally teaches us how to avoid student complaints, how to get a good vibe going, how to appear to be a good teacher.

However, some teachers, generally those who stink at learning languages themselves, never notice this.

If you want to be seriously professional about teaching English, then you will want help students to do it effectively. Languages cannot be learnt effectively without some hard graft, and the most popular teachers are often very laid back, and not always such good teachers of English. One of the most popular I have ever met generally used to spin a yarn, and not let the students get a word in edgeways.