Job Discussion Forums

[bgngranada]

Hey all,

I will be getting my TESOL cert. soon, either the SIT TESOL in Oaxaca or in Costa Rica.

I am fluent in English and Spanish and am wondering if this might be helpful in finding a job? I do understand that many schools desire English only instruction but am still curious if it will help me. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Gracias!

[naturegirl321]

It could help you understand the students and their mistakes and with translation work, but in class, English is used.

[ls650]

[MELEE]

There are schools that would prefer you didn't speak any Spanish, and there are schools where speaking Spanish is vital. And most are somewhere inbetween. All other things being equal, I would choose to hire a teacher who has a good level of Spanish over someone who is just starting to learn Spanish. But rarely are all other things equal .

It definately helps and makes everyones life easier, on and off campus.

[Justin Trullinger]

It helps a lot, in life.

In the classroom, for me it's been an advantage, but as MELEE said, all other things are rarely equal. I'd certainly choose the person I though would be a better teacher over the one who spoke better Spanish.

have a great trip,

Justin

PS- What's wrong with the SIT TESOL course in Ecuador, eh? Much more fun than Mexico or CR...mumble grumble...

[lozwich]

Being bilingual would help you get a job in a bilingual school, but you would probably need a teaching qualification (PGCE, diploma of education, etc) to get a job in one of the better bilingual/international schools.

[TheLongWayHome]

We get to read our students' evaluations of our teaching and there's usually a split between those that want the teacher to speak a little Spanish in class and those that want the teacher to stop speaking Spanish in class... you just can't win sometimes.