Job Discussion Forums

DeLani · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 9 Location: NW Arkansas

Melee -
Oh, yes, I totally agree. But I don't think I want to spend another 2 years and go into however-many thousand $$$ into debt for that.
I do have 2 years tutoring experience right now (but not exclusively in English). I have 3-5 yrs. experience teaching bellydance - but I don't think that counts! Laughing

So, do you all think it would be easier to get the alternative certification JZer mentioned, or go for the TESOL (or whatever) certification process?
Thanks so much for all the feedback. This is a wonderful forum and I'm learning so much!
Very Happy

guilao · Joined: 30 Dec 2004 Posts: 20 Location: At-large

DeLani,

I have only taught, part-time, in the US, while pursuing an MA TESOL. During my first semester, I almost dropped out because of all the job ads I see for native-English teachers with only a bachelor's degree. My advisor talked me out of it.

An MA TESOL degree will cert you to work FT at any community college in the US, and at least part time at state colleges and universities. In some countries, the MA is your ticket to teaching full-time at a university. As the immigrants keep pouring in, there's always going to be work available here at home.

When you are ready to work abroad, consider that age discrimination is a reality outside the US. Since you have an 18-yearold, I assume you are middle-aged like myself. For this reason consider a certification, if not a master's in TESOL or Applied Linguistics.