Job Discussion Forums

NadineD · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 20

After doing some research on Costa Rica, I've found that most of the jobs are teaching adults. Does anyone have an experience teaching kids (either in an ESL or elementary school setting)? I have an elementary teaching degree and have taught in the public system in Canada as well as ESL overseas. I'm looking for a position that would start this summer/fall. Any information would be appreciated!

Thanks!
~Nadine

NadineD · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 20

There have been over 100 people who have read this posting. I would really appreciate any tips/advice from people who have experience teaching in elementary schools.

~Nadine

kruegs4 · Joined: 24 Jun 2005 Posts: 29 Location: Heredia, Costa Rica

Howdy,
I am currently living in Heredia. I taught at a private k-12 last semester. It was a good experience that ended well. The regular kinder teacher returned from pregnancy leave. I found it incredibly easy to get a job. I walked into the school and with in a half an hour I had a job and 3 kindergarden classes. The kids were definatly worse behaved than in the states but I enjoyed my time there. If there are any specific questions I can answer email me. Kruegs4

katieesenior · Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 6 Location: UK

Hi Nadine
Did you have any luck getting any information on teach elementary ? Just I am in a similar position to you and would love to teach children in Cost Rica around June 2006

Thanks Kate

NadineD · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 20

I haven't gotten a lot of solid information yet. Most of the jobs seem to be illegal and I'm only interested in schools that can offer a legal working visa. The search continues... Smile

IreneM · Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 19 Location: washington, dc

im teaching 5th grade here full time. schools here start up end of jan/ begining of feb. i dont know of any that start in sept.

to be honest, i love teaching 5th grade but i was the only native english speaker and felt overloaded with the amount of classes given to me, projects, tests, report cards, parent conferences... all thats stuff. my other friends here are teaching adults and going away on weekends or doing stuff during the week and i was left behind grading papers and doing lesson plans.. so im resigning to teach adults, which is so more laid back, pays more AND allows me to experience and see costa rica, which is why i came.

let me know if you have any quesitons/ concerns..
or if i can help out with anything..

irene

NadineD · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 20

Yes, you definitely want to have the freedom to travel around (rather than working ALL the time). How is teaching adults? Did you hook up with one school or a couple different ones? Did you get a visa or are you just doing the border hopping thing?

~Nadine

pollitatica · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 82

Finding a public or semi-private primary school that will provide you with a working visa is going to be extremely difficult for you. You might try schools like the Cloud Forest School in Monteverde if you are certified.