Job Discussion Forums

[go_lightly]

Hello...

I've been teaching in Taiwan for almost a year now and am still considering obtaining an MA in TESOL. While the MA would open up opportunities both domestic (I am from San Jose, CA) and abroad, I am still a little ambivalent at times. Currently, I have my BA in Human Communication and 2 TESOL certificates from different institutions. While I have always been interested in languages and enjoy teaching English, I'm not sure if I have the confidence or commitment level to continue with this career track and to further pursue it academically. Honestly, the thought of spending more money on school and studying applied linguistics and SLA theory for 2 years isn't very appealing . I know, I know...In short, I would really like to read about some of your individual experiences w/ MAs in TESOL and/or just practical advice. I know that in the Bay Area, ESL gigs are very competitive, but that in other states, it is not as bad. Has anyone been able to have other jobs open up for them in which having the MA was definitely an advantage??? Thank you for any insight...

[Gordon]

I only just finished my masters of applied linguistics, so can't tell you what it is like for getting jobs. To be honest, it was far more interesting and challenging than I had anticipated. I was never bored (didn't have time too) and because so much of my work was writing papers, I chose topics/areas that interested me. If you want to continue this career for at least 5-10 years, I think you need a masters, otherwise you are just one of many with a BA and a TEFL.

[denise]

Gordon says 5 to 10 years... I'd say unless you are sure you want to make a permanent career out of TEFL (given that you can, of course, change your mind!), you don't need an MA--especially if you are leery of SLA theory and linguistics! It will take a lot of money, energy, and time, and if you're not sure you can commit those, you can still work in many countries without an MA.

As far as what it can do for you in the US--you're right in that it is a very competitive field. An MA is often a minimum requirement. In theory, it will make you eligible for community college and university positions, but there are so many applicants that an MA alone often isn't enough--you need things like publications and conference presentations.

I got my MA in California (the Monterey Institute of International Studies), and I'd looooove to go back there, but I still need to make myself a bit more competitive--papers and presentations--so I can get one of those elusive full-time positions somewhere... (A lot of people end up working at different institutions, piecing together hours to get a full-time schedule.)

d

[moot point]

Interesting stuff.

Denise, I once hired a graduate from the Monterey program when I was working as a DOS. He chose Japan over the Mid-East because of his Japanese girlfriend who also graduated from the same program. His Japanese wife soon found part-time employment at a couple universities and junior colleges. He worked with us for awhile teaching business classes and eventually got hired with an investment company teaching English to their employees (for less than what I was making, if I should add).

Gordon, congrats on completing the MA course and apologies for not keeping up with private correspondence. Good luck to you on finding better pastures.

And to the OP....I finished my MA about 4 years ago. I was all gung-ho at the time and got a few articles published soon after. But circumstances kept me from moving on (making a family of two kids) so stayed with my current job. Meanwhile, I've looked at the options I have on a weekly basis and can't find a single job that would improve our financial or lifestyle. It's frustrating because professionally I'd like to move on but financially there is no benefit in doing so.

[Gordon]

[gaijinalways]

Definately helps with finding work, the pay off might take time, but it will come. Investing in yourself is always good. I got my Master's in 2001, and have slowly seen my pay rise, I make about 50-60% more, but of course my health insurance premiums are ready to skyrocket again .

I am still entertaining the thought of going for my PhD. Wish my wife's income was higher though. That am I am still unsure about teaching in the future, but then again, not sure what I would do in its place.

[Atassi]

[ls650]

[Gordon]

[ls650]

[Chris_Crossley]

[Gordon]

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]

With an MA you always have the option of moving to a country that may well pay you more ... and if you haven't then you must have been getting paid a pretty penny pre MA ..

As unappealing as it may be for some, many who find themselves in need of a financial fix gravitate towards the Gulf ... where, as long as they don't get swept along with the Jumairah Jane lifestyle, they could be set up quite nicely after several years ...

Some use the opportunity their newly found financial independence gives them to move out of the TEFL game altogether ...

[Jizzo T. Clown]

I'm in an MA TESOL program right now and I must say that I've learned a lot in the past year alone (and that's only going half-time). Sure, you could learn about methods, approaches, SLA, culture, lingustics, etc on your own, but the good thing about a program is that you have no choice but to keep up! I think I made a good decision by doing this--fascinating stuff.

Having an MA will get you better jobs abroad (if not money-wise, then otherwise-wise), and will open up more doors in the states (believe it or not). Success at home boils down to: which area are you in? are you willing to relocate? do you have overseas experience?--Anything that will give you an edge over the competition.

I agree with the posters who said not to do it for the money, but for professional development...job security may just be a perk that goes with having an MA (and job security DOES exist in this field).

And if you want to go into administration (like an IEP program director, DoS, etc), where you'll get a decent salary with good benefits, an MA TESOL/AL is the best way to go.