Job Discussion Forums

Elise9 · Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 32 Location: Celaya, GTO

Hello,
I have been wanting to ask if anyone will share some personal experiences, as in; What brought you to ESL teaching in the first place, was it a lifelong goal of yours? Or did you start teaching as a way to travel? or maybe fell upon it by accident?
Also, those of you who have stuck with the teaching, why have you? What keeps you coming back? And what are some of the reasons you've seen for people leaving the profession? How long do you see yourself teaching for?
I'd love to see your answers.

fraup · Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 10:53 pm Post subject:

I started out teaching German, and when the US schools slowly eliminated that language, went back and got my MBA. After 10 years of working in banking and owning my own business, I went back into teaching: business subjects at the university level, in various overseas locations. Working abroad was exciting, but after seven years, I was burnt out from teaching the same subjects over and over, from American texts, in countries where US rules did not necessarily work. I took a CELTA course, which acted as a rebirth of my dormant intellectual powers (!), and have taught ESL and business English since.

The first school I was at post-CELTA had a teacher development session called "What next?", in which the DOS talked about burnout, its symptoms and how to overcome it. I've been teaching outside the US and have just decided to come back home, get my stuff out of storage, and work here for a few years. Jobs will be harder to get--the US favors a master's in TESOL over the CELTA--but I need a challenge. I've coped with foreign cultures, and now it's time to tackle my own.

Of course, if nothing comes up by October, I may be looking at those "China needs 10,000 teachers NOW!" ads again...

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

I came to Japan 16 years ago after being laid off from a butler position in Los Angeles. I went to visit my girl friend who was working for an entertainment production company. Found all the foreigners I met were teaching and soon started. I stayed because I felt I was able to maintain a higher standard of living than I had previously experienced. Currently, I have a full time position at a private high school and a family here. We recently purchased a condo and we are expecting our 2nd child. Downside is I am looking for a new job from April of nest year as we are limited to 3-year terms of employment, for the most part. Of course, my school never mentioned that when they lured me away from my previous employer but, oh well. One door closes, many more will open.

Enshalla,
s

MELEE · Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 2:27 pm Post subject:

Elise,

If you're wondering why you haven't gotten many replies, probably because most of us answered this recently. see this thread

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=36487

Elise9 · Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 32 Location: Celaya, GTO

thanks Melee, I had read that thread before I posted my questions. The reason I asked them is because I was wanting some idea of how and why people got into ESL teaching, not just why they are in Mexico (or what ever location) and what makes them stay. I wanted to know more specifically about the profession, not the particular cultural aspects. Perhaps I wasn't very clear...

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

If you're not particularly about Mexico, and more about teaching in general, I'd try the general discussion...

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

I am curious to know why you have nothing to say to the people that did indulge your curiousity?

Elise9 · Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 32 Location: Celaya, GTO

Sorry Sweetsee, didn't mean to offend anyone. I just thought I'd see a few more posts before saying thanks to all who reponded, but there aren't anymore!
So thanks guys! I guess I'll try my questions in another forum to get other responses.