Job Discussion Forums

[denise]

I agree with Justin about teaching a different subject potentially being less interesting. Why would I want to give up a job that I love--teaching the English language to non-native speakers--to do something that I currently have zero interest in? (such as teaching math, science, etc). Even for quadruple the salary and free re-training, I would not do it. My heart just wouldn't be in it. Would you make a similar switch away from social studies and into EFL?

There's just something inherently rewarding about helping people communicate with each other.

d

[denise]

Oh, and from what I hear, there are some "real" teachers out there who regard what we do as fluff--the ol' "anyone could do it" line of thinking. Pshaw!!! It does take training, experience, and a certain personality not only to be able to teach, but also to cope with life abroad. There are a lot of people that just aren't cut out for it. This profession is as real as any others. And just as demanding and rewarding.

d

[Super Mario]

No, I didn't misunderstand you. International school curricula mirror those of their home countries. So, for eg, the Japanese school in Shanghai runs English classes. The American school there offers ESL; some of it's students are non native English speakers.
But yes, you need a formal teaching qualification and home country experience.
I'm just suggesting you maximise the experience you have and focus on ESL.
I teach it within the state high school setup here at home, for the sort of money you mention.

[nomadder]

I think the days of North Americans teaching(legally) in Europe are nearly over.

[saint57]

[JZer]

[JZer]

[mlomker]

[Justin Trullinger]

For a period of far too many generations, we've been sold the myth of "getting ahead for the future."

This neatly keeps of from living in, or enjoying, the present. Kindof sucks, as in my opinion, the present is all there is.

But it works out pretty well for those who have financial interests in the consumerist economy.


Hmmm.

Justin

[tedkarma]

[Jizzo T. Clown]

I've done sub work for public schools and you couldn't pay me enough to have that kind of life. You're not so much teaching as you are babysitting and being held accountable for every little thing the child does wrong or is lacking in. Parents (here, anyway) tend to blame the teacher or school system if their child isn't "getting it." This is true to an extent at some of the private language schools throughout the world (I'm assuming), but the pressures of teaching in a public school are enormous.

Not to say that an International School wouldn't be a bit easier, but by the time you've paid your dues enough to work at one, you may not be in a position to go abroad. Life has a nasty way of getting in the way sometimes.

As for me, the MA and a university job are where it's at, but to each his (or her) own.

[Super Mario]

No one on this thread has considered the possibility of having children, and their impact on your lifestyle.
I quit TEFL, moved back home, bought a house and got a regular job in ESL when my son reached school age.
Still, if this isn't your thing, then it doesn't matter.

[JZer]

I wrote,

[Super Mario]

Sorry JZer. I didn't read thoroughly enough.
My career and personal life are the reverse of many here. EFL only came up as an option after becoming an "empty nester", and a divorced one at that. I already had all the quals. and job security, though the family home went to the ex.
So a sea change was needed. This started with a tentative look at China, a new family, for which I'm extremely fortunate, and then a formal career shift into ESL teaching back home.
I'd love to work in China again, but with a child at school here, it would be very selfish: this time, I'll resist.

BTW, the membership here is far more civilised and empathetic than in previous times.

[Stephen Jones]