Job Discussion Forums

The Noodles · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 202 Location: China, Chengdu

Hi people

I've been an ESL teacher for three years and am thinking about coming back to the UK to start a PGCE in September. The overall aim is to teach for international schools abroad. I s this the right way to go about it or is there another course i should take?

saint57 · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 9:17 am Post subject:

Although, I know of one person with an MA TESOL who works at a good international school, PGCEs and B.Eds account for the overwhelming majority of teacher at international schools.

Whatever subject you teach, you'll need some post-certificate experience to get hired. However, some schools might be in a pinch and hire you straight out of school.

If you were thinking about a university job, I' say MA TESOL. I really believe that for internationl schools, a PGCE or B.Ed is the way to go.

I'd say go for it. From what I've seen, competition isn't as tight as everyone likes to make you believe.

The_Hanged_Man · Joined: 10 Oct 2004 Posts: 224 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia

Currently, I'm teaching at an international school in Kuwait and you seem to be on the right track. Generally international schools look for certification plus 2 years of experince. Yes, with some schools you may be able to get around this, but schools that make a practice of hiring uncertified and inexperienced teacher are places to avoid.

Also, like Saint said its not nearly as hard to break into as some people say once you have the basic qualifications. If you are certified in a high demand field (high school math/science for example) it is actually relatively easy to land your first job. On the other hand elementary positions are much more competitive due to the surplus of teachers.

The Noodles · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 202 Location: China, Chengdu

Well thanks for your advice. In all honesty, i don't think i could handle maths or science as they really were my weakest subjects.

I was thinking more along the lines of geography or history, maybe IT. As for the MA in esl teaching, i thought about this, but then realized that a PGCE would be a better option as I can always take a DELTA which is the equivalent of the MA but only 3 months.

I have had so many plans over the last year checking my options. there was Korea both North and south. Still thinking about the south, but i don't know if i'll be making any progress.

With a PGCE i feel that it will be a natural progression 1 year as a newbie, 1 year as a freelancer this year as a director of studies and now the next step. One thing i do know is that i don't wanna go back to a management job. or at least not yet.

Also a PGCE means i'll always be able to get a job back home.

Just need to know if International schools accept a PGCE or if there's a special course i would need to take.

saint57 · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 10:59 am Post subject:

guangho · Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 476 Location: in transit

Is there a site which lists vacancies at schools worldwide, especially administrative vacancies?

saint57 · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:04 am Post subject:

joyjobs.com always has a bunch. You have to pay for a year membership. It's about $25.

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I thought PGCE were 6 months to a year.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

A DELTA is NOT equivalent to an MA.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

At some UK unis a DELTA will give you an exemption on the first third of the MA.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 6:59 pm Post subject:

It's been said, but...

A DELTA is a diploma in English language teaching to adults.

No more, and no less. It IS a professional qualification.

It is NOT an academic degree, MA or otherwise.

While some UK universities give it academic credit towards an MA, with only a DELTA, you won't be in line for masters level positions.

It can be useful for getting either administration or teacher training work in the EFL field. Or just for getting better EFL teaching jobs.

But in mainstream education, meaning teaching subject courses to under 18s, a DELTA counts for precious little.

A PGCE should be sufficient for the majority of international schools, if you have a couple of years experience.

If you see yourself in EFL, a DELTA is a good EFL professional diploma. But if you see yourself in schools, you have to get the qualifications that schools expect and respect. A BA in Education, B Ed, PGCE, M Ed, MAT, or MA in Education.

Best,
Justin

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Where do you want to work at international schools? Here in Japan, you need a teaching license (not just some certificate, but a real license for teaching science, social studies, English, or whatever as if in your home country's mainstream schools), plus a year or two of experience.

Jetgirly · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 741

A lot of international schools use the IB curriculum. From what I understand it's very difficult (if not impossible?) to get "certified" teach IB on your own. Most teachers get their IB training through the school in which they work. If you have to do student teaching (which you should), you may want to talk to your placement coordinator about getting placed at a school that uses the IB curriculum. That would look great on your resume.