Job Discussion Forums

The K Dog · Joined: 27 Feb 2003 Posts: 24 Location: Paris

Would anyone care to comment on the practicality of getting, or having, an M.Ed in TESOL? For me, I am now in the United States, and I have been told that jobs other than adjuncting positions are nearly impossible to get at community colleges. I am twenty-nine, taught EFL in Paris for two-and-a-half-years, speak four languages and have an M.Ed in TESOL, and I am very worried about my future because it seems that if I stay in teaching in would be a life of adjuncting and private language schools which is far too insecure, low-paying and self-defeating in the long term? What would you do? Anyone get taken on full-time at the community college in your area? Just wondering. I should think about changing careers very soon, because outside of using it to teach in Korea or Japan (which I don't want), I don't know if my degree is totally worthless in the United States.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Well, I think that speaking four languages would be very helpful for any job, which ones do you speak by the way?

Try getting a job teaching one of those langauges in a uni, get tenure, that would be pretty secure.

As for a Master's, they are always good for getting more money for a job.

Cobra · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 436

If you want smart teachers, you may not have too many employees to manage at your new school.

The K Dog · Joined: 27 Feb 2003 Posts: 24 Location: Paris

The four languages I speak are:
1. English
2. French
3. Spanish
4. Italian

In regards to where I got the M.Ed in TESOL, I got it at the University of Nevada in a year-and-a-half.

Did I ask about the practicality of this degree before obtaining it? Well, yes, I had planned to spend the rest of my life out of the United States, and an M.Ed can get you university jobs in Korea, China, Thailand, Turkey and a few countries in Latin America. For a variety of circumstances, I now find myself back in America, and that's why I am investigating the practicality of this degree in this country. I found it very practical for an expat, but now that I am no longer an expat, things have changed. A radical life change has taken place.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I had a similar experience. I thought I could go bak "home" and take up my career when I was in my mid-thirties. Difficult. There are few jobs in EFL/ESL in the UK.

In the end I did what seemed easier. i came "abroad" again.

I suspect that the US is not that different. A lousy job market in EFL'ESOL teaching. Part-time, temporary, poorly-paid jobs.

Come and join me in Saudi. I promise I wopn't insult you, even if you are from the USA !

MissMolly · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 99 Location: China (USA)

Hey K,
just a thought from a former Reno resident to another -
try working in the correctional system. My mom did it for years and loved it - highly motivated students, good infrastructure and support, and really good money to be made. Of course, you do have to sign a contract acknowledging you understand and agree that no negotiations are made in hostage situations. Confused

Good luck

chinagirl · Joined: 27 May 2003 Posts: 235 Location: United States

K-

I would look at what you would need to teach in the public schools. Depending on what state you're in, you may only need another semester to get certified as an ESL teacher. The Eastern states have plenty of opportunities. Each state has different regulations. PM me and I can give you some good info.

If you don't mind teaching kids, that is.

Chinagirl