Job Discussion Forums

almuze · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 125

Yes, that is the question. I have a BA, I have previous ESL teaching experience, and am currently employed as an ESL teacher.... think my job and salary are fine. But I wonder, if I had a MA in teaching ESL, would this open up new worlds of possiblity here in Istanbul? Would anything really change in terms of jobs available to me (primary school, perferably) and salary offered? Then, if I did get a MA, I would do it on-line, would that make any difference at all? any thoughts?

Hector_Lector · Joined: 20 Apr 2004 Posts: 548

To get.

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 11:52 am Post subject: not worth the effort

First question is the cost to you ,then how are you going to get that back .Sure you might get a bit more in your paycheck but not much . Really in this industry do you need one ? Most people do it for a hobby,in this game it just becomes part of a paper chase ,don't bother .

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

The people with M.A's who work in Turkey usually do not possess significant advantages over others who come to Turkey to work. In fact, oftentimes, they have no advantages at all and work the same hours, for the same wages as 'backpackers' with a mere 4 week TEFL Certificate.

This was the case for ghost, when it lost its job at a certain Kolej on the South Coast. Ghost then went to work at a couple of language schools, and was paid at the same rate as the backpackers. No advantage whatsoever. Ghost has an M.A. as well as a B.A., B.Ed. and a Post Graduate Certificate in Second Language Teaching (also equivalent to an M.A.).

Yes - an M.A. looks good on a c.v., but the reality of the situation in Turkey, is that most jobs do not require an M.A., and many schools do not see the advantage of employing someone with an M.A. when a dynamic backpacker can do the same job.

In some Universities, M.A.'s are given preferential treatment, but those jobs are not plentiful.

Ghost in Taichung, Taiwan

Hector_Lector · Joined: 20 Apr 2004 Posts: 548

People with an MA often discover that their messages disappear mysteriously from the forum.

Not surprising, as the forum is based in a country which has murdered 1000 people (officially) since 1976.

Looking through Gary Gilmour�s eyes, I would have to say - where is freedom?

Hector_Lector · Joined: 20 Apr 2004 Posts: 548

Poncelvania.

Hector_Lector · Joined: 20 Apr 2004 Posts: 548

And don�t even mention the CIA...

Hector_Lector · Joined: 20 Apr 2004 Posts: 548

Good!

molly farquharson · Joined: 16 Jun 2004 Posts: 839 Location: istanbul

If you want to teach English in North America (I don't know your nationality), you would need the masters deg. For Turkey, it would allow you to work at places like Koc or Sabanci Univ. I think a masters gives a lot of insight into the depth of teaching and thus much more understanding of it. It would also allow you to do more than teach-- testing, curriculum development, materials development, etc. If you are serious about the profession, I think it would open doors for you.

almuze · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 125

well, I am North American, have done some sub. work over there just w/ my BA, but we are here in Turkey to stay FOREVER, because I think if my turkish spouse had to deal with any more lack of "food culture" (that basically, every country in the world outside of Turkey lacks) he would go insane. poor boy. who knew access to good turkish tomatoes was so essential to one's well being? Smile

But now I am derailing my own thread. opps.
I hate to ask, but, so the ESL dept. at Koc and Sabanci is more than just well educated turks who are copying the lesson plans word for word from Oxford Uni Press into thier lesson books? I mean, I am teaching at private schools where the curriculum dev. is basically purchasing the package from Oxford and then spacing it out over the year on your big year plan paper. same for materials dev. and testing, all bought as part of the package, all very glossy and nice, but hardly something I need further schooling to be able to do. It is kind of boring, and when outside materials are suggested these are often viewed w/ suspicion.

Since we are here Forever (did I mention the Turkish Yogurt? and bread?)
I would really like to find a job that is interesting and more than play pretend professional. hmmm, I'll take your word that the ESL dept. at those schools is a real dept. Any other schools w/ good ESL depts where a MA would be worth getting?