Job Discussion Forums

SwimminThruAsia · Joined: 14 Sep 2005 Posts: 24

Hey Guys,

I recently took a job at a boarding school here in the states.
As part of the benefits package, you're enrolled in a course which earns you your teaching certification and a masters in Special Ed. within 1.5 years.

During my interview, I asked if it would be possible to earn a regular M.Ed instead, and the school said sure, but it would be foolish. They claim that in today's day and age, with inclusion becoming the norm, having a Special Ed only adds to your marketability.

Will this hold true in the international market? I'd like to get some experience stateside and then head for either Europe or South America to teach in a bonafide International school-the kind that don't own your soul like a hogwan in Korea does. Decent pay, benefits, plenty of vacation, etc.

So, which is an international school more likely to favor? Good ole regular M.Ed, or the M.Sped??

Thanx in advance for your insight!

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

I imagine that it's easier to get a Special Ed job with a 'regular' M.Ed than a 'regular' job with a Special Ed masters.

darkside1 · Joined: 16 Feb 2005 Posts: 86 Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Check if you can do an M Ed with an emphasis on SEN/ Inclusion, ie put together a package of modules that suits your interests. It may also be possible to focus on an 'inclusion' issue within a dissertation (eg autistic learners within a specific subject area).

Have you done a job search for Special Ed jobs within international schools? It seems to me that subject expertise is prized as most are exam factories for the elite in their countries (or expats), although from time to time I do see job ads for Special Ed/ Learning Support teachers in big international schools.

saint57 · Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 10:24 am Post subject:

In my opinion, an M.Ed is usually for someone who wants to get into administration. If you lived in Ontario and were really interested in special education you would take an honours specialist course. This qualification would almost guarantee you employment. Take whatever interests you. I believe any additional qualifications you get will help your chances of finding emloyment. However, I believe international schools usually have an academic focus.

By the way, my ex-works for an international school that now "owns her soul" for another three years. They flew her from Shanghai to Kuwait for some sort of training. The condition is that she must work for them for another two years. If she breaks this condition, she must repay the expenses that would amount to more "soul owning" than any hogwon could dream.