Job Discussion Forums

tedkarma · Posted: Wed May 09, 2007 11:27 pm Post subject:

I would support the idea of teacher training as a career move. I did teacher training in one form or another for about five years and did enjoy it.

Great way to meet new people, make new friends - and once you have taught a course several times it is not particularly difficult - but it is always different due to the great variety of people to you teach.

TEFL anonymous · Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 22 Location: Tampico, Mexico

Thanks for all your feedback!

In response to Justin - I was actually hoping to one day become a teacher trainer, but for the moment I understand that my meagre 3 years teaching experience are not enough (it's 5 years teaching before I can be a trainer apparently) and the town I am living in (possibly the whole state for that matter; I am doing some research on that bit) has no TEFL courses... Thus there'd be no employment for me!!

Ted, I'd be prepared to do an MA, but my understanding is that there's little chance for any kind of promotion at the Universities. So if I really wanted to improve things in the future, this might not be the best option because I'd have to do more training anyway. Although I am willing to admit that I could be completely wrong on that one and please correct me if I am!

Hence my plans to head into the direction of management... But obviously I'm still up for any suggestions/advice!

Sherri · Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 7:10 pm Post subject:

I am enjoying reading the replies to this thread. It is true, being in EFL management is a position for the obsessed or borderline crazy. After doing it for many years in Japan (enjoying it, hating it and sometime--yes--even loving it) I was looking forward to returning to the US and "just" teach, that turned into teaching and a little curriculum development, then just a little work on testing, then a little admin to help out. Now there is no turning back, and I am totally submerged in program development with no teaching (for now). I have my moments, the bolt-upright-in-the-middle of the night moments. But for the most part, it is rewarding. You have to be really single-minded and driven I think to do a good job, motivated by the if you want it done right, do it yourself kind of philosophy.

To the OP, good luck in where ever your career takes you. The main thing, I think is don't be afraid to try new things.

Best
Sherri

MELEE · Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 9:30 pm Post subject:

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

abusalam4 · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 143

Advancing into the position of management is not the only way of climbing up the career ladder. As Yinguo (tedkarma) already pointed out rightly - at colleges/universities you can be promoted to Assistant, Associate and Full Professor if you qualify and if this is something that suits you.

It offers you many opportunities - teaching, research, guiding advanced students in their thesis projects, etc. All this may turn out to be fruitful and rewarding if you love your job and those you are working for/with.

Management and this sort of things, on the other hand, is certainly NOT my cup of tea, I would not want to spend my time on that.

In private ESL business, however, it seems that management is one of the few options where you could climb up the career ladder. This private business is not my cup of tea either.

TEFL anonymous · Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 22 Location: Tampico, Mexico

Thanks for all your worldy wisdom - I eventually decided to go for an online Masters in TESOL. Not eithor of the choices that I first presented!! I'm all geared up for studying again and after I looked at the qualifications of a lot of people in positions that I would aspire to be doing in a few years time, I found that they practically all have Masters. So, it seems like I'll end up doing a Masters at some point, so why not just do it now?!

There were a few things in this thread that I hadn't considered much before, like Uni teaching and writing/getting stuff published. It was really useful to have some different prospective work to consider.

Thanks so much! I'm just waiting to hear back from my Uni applications now...

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

TEFL anonymous- Glad to see you know what you want to do - good luck with the MA

Speaking of teacher training though- I have found that it is incredibly difficult to break into- especially with courses such as the CELTA and so on. After 8 or so years of teaching it's something that I'd really like to do, but....anyone else going through the same thing?

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

I've just finished an MATESOL and I really want to get into college or university teaching. I'm currently a public elementary school teacher in New York City and after three years, that has worn me out. I'll be leavin' that in a few weeks and headin' for Japan. I won't look back and I think the move to Japan will ultimately put me closer to where I want to be.

Reading these posts has been encouraging. Many, many thanks! Here's to all finding their niche in the TESOL world.

Gambatte,
fat_c