Job Discussion Forums

[Florizalll]

I noticed that some of the International and American school websites indicate that they use recruiting firms such as TRI and ISS to recruit teachers but these firms require fees. Is it worth paying the fees? What is the likelihood that an American or International school would contact me via a recruiter versus direct contact through their website?

[PAULH]

[Florizalll]

Thank you for your reply.

I'm glad to know that "most people are hired" through these recruiting companies and will move forward with my applications.

I had been looking into applying for postitions as an ALT in schools as an alternative to a conversation instructor at a conversation school. Thank you for clarifying the ALT's role in the classroom. It may be an interesting experience to see hands-on how the Japanese classroom is conducted.

You bring up a good point- while I have experience as a volunteer tutoring Migrant working English in an ESL setting and have done basic undergraduate research, I do not have any certification as an ESL teacher. Really, my goal is to work with International and American students in an English literature class under the American system in Japan-but at this time this doesn't seem like a possible reality for this September.

I went on an "Interview" for the American TESOL Institute in NYC, and was offered a position in their 5-day "training" course for a TESOL certificate. The interviewer could not validate that the program was accredited and I am skeptical that this course is a money-making scheme. The interviewer said that once I attain the certificate I would be garanteed a job placement- no additional charge- or my money towards the certificate would be refunded. The tuition fee is $850.00.

What do you know about the American TESOL Institute (Milestones)? Do you think that this 5-day training would provide me with a proper background for teaching ESL? Would this make me a more viable candidate in the job market?

[PAULH]

You seem to be rowing two canoes here. One is to work as an ALT in the Jaapanese public edcuation system. You are an assistant.

the other is to work in an international school teaching native speakers of English. these are mutually exclusive and separate occupations.

ESL is not teaching literature to kids.

[Gordon]

ISS only recruits certified teachers and you often need to have about 3 years of experience for many of the jobs.
You would be wasting your money if you joined them.

[wangtesol]

In the US, people who are considering making ESL a profession are expected to do a master's degree in TESOL or something like TESOL (e.g. applied linguistics). It is better just to do a bachelor's in education, though since you can then be cetified and can work in public schools. Even with an MA TESOL, one is not a certified teacher. This is because MA TESOL programs were set up out of the US Information Agency rather than the US Department of Education. They produce public-diplomacy agents rather than certified teachers.

And the TESOL Certificate courses are just money making schemes. I mean, if there is not a thorough practicum then how do they expect you how to teach?

But in Britain, most qualified ESL teachers are expected to go through the CELTA/RSA Certificate programme (via Cambridge University) which is great. There is a practicum where you have to teach actual students, and your teacher trainer will criticize you on your teaching. If you do not learn their methods, you fail. And you are out of pocket to the tune of $3000 or so. But with the American TESOL certificates, you cannot fail. You just pay your money and get the certificate. The benefit though is that many TESOL certificate providers are also recruit for small and medium iszed schools. So, they often guarantee a job, although it maybe in a country that you do not want to teach in.

Some institutions in the US do provide the CELTA/RSA Certificate. Definately take this over a TESOL certificate if you really want to learn some ESL teaching methods.

[Florizalll]

Yes, I realize that I am looking into two different fields. My goal is to find an education-related job in Japan.

One option that I'd like to explore is teaching English as a literature or writing program to English speaking children abroad. However, this seems to be a highly competetive job market.

Another option is to work among the Japanese school systems as an Assitant. This would give me exposure to different methods of education at schools. However, since I have only basic Japanese language skills, I am not qualified to teach in this type of setting.

From feedback and information on discussion boards and websites, it seems that English conversation schools and companies create a very contrived facade of langauge learning. How helpful are these programs for students interested in learning to speak English?

I hear lots of feedback about working conditions in conversation companies but not much about student progress through the programs. I would definitely feel more comfortable about working in these types of settings were they deemed to be effective.



Thank you for your feedback on TESOL certification. I may look into persuing a Masters in ESL if that's the canoe I want to row !

Information about the American TESOL Institute may be found on this website: http://www.americantesol.com/

Thank you for the response!

[PAULH]