Job Discussion Forums

TedSeastrom · Joined: 20 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Hi everyone. I'm 51, single, excellent health. I'm just starting out in TEFL. Newbie issues aside, what about potentional age discrimination in Mexico? I've noticed that some job ads have an upper limit of around 40.

Any differences among the various cities, regions? How about Mexico City? Thanks!

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

I'm in Mexico City. I agree that many job ads have an age limit, and btw I am "only" 44 and I wouldn't qualify. There are just as many who (IMO, quite rightly) don't discriminate, and besides, good native teachers are at a premium. I would knock on a few doors. I'm about to employ one of the best teachers I know, and he's 63. I've also worked with an excellent teacher of 73!

I've found it's OK in this country to apply for jobs when you don't necessarily fit all the requirements...except Quick Learning (max. 40) where I called when I was 41 (just) and the receptionist wouldn't talk to me anymore when I told her my age!

MO39 · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 7:50 pm Post subject:

I'm 62 and have worked and lived off and on in Mexico for many years. This time around I have turned down a couple of job offers because I didn't like the schedule offered but don't think any schools have turned me down because of my age! Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions of this ilk (love that word!).

By the way, I'm in Mexico City, the "ombligo" or "navel" in my Location.

TedSeastrom · Joined: 20 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Thanks everyone.

dixie · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 644 Location: D.F

I would have to agree with what has all ready been posted. I teach in private schools (elementary / highschool full time classroom teacher) and I would have to say that schools like "older". I�ve always thought that it is because there is an association of responsible, commited, and experienced.

From what I see, I would have to say that as long as you can breath well, move well and think well, there are no age issues to be had with teaching!

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

'Older' teachers have a certain advantage over younger/party teachers in that they are more likely to make a long-term commitment. Many schools are looking for this, especially in cities like SLP where 'young' teachers don't seem to hang around for that long.

john_n_carolina · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 700 Location: n. carolina

MO39 · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 1:18 am Post subject:

john_n_carolina · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 700 Location: n. carolina

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

John, have you ever taught in Mexico? Just wondering where the "illegal" comment came from. I have never seen that rule addressed here.

john_n_carolina · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 700 Location: n. carolina

....well, over the years from talking to many people, most have said that is not "advisable". in Paraguay and Ecuador, i had clauses in both my convenios to not engage in romantic relations with any student that is currently in my class.
almost the same as the US, isn't it?? you can't date your students in England, Japan, US, Canada, Sweden,....so why could you in Mexico?? psychologically & physically, i have no problem with it. in fact, im a club member myself many times over Smile

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

So that's a no, you haven't worked in Mexico? Mexico is a country unto itself.

john_n_carolina · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 700 Location: n. carolina

...you're probably right....just seems over the years of teaching in L.America, talking to my students here from Morelia, and other local Mexicans here in Maine, they kind of said the same thing. but, from my seven years teaching ESL, i always figured it was not "advisable" for whatever reasons. however, i didn't always adhere to the policy. just caught me by surprise once when the directora pulled me into the office and told me "back-off" from so-and-so girls because i was becoming "too-close. Smile

another thing is that it always seemed more "acceptable" on the Coast. once you get into the Sierra / Mountain schools, i had very few teachers dating their students. could be that i taught at 2 catholic universities and one military college that had an institute.??

MELEE · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 1:58 pm Post subject:

John,
Professionally inadvisable and illegal are two very different things!
It is never a good idea to be romatically envolved with a person you are grading, authority, emotions, power, social status, rank, age or stage in life, all add up to a very entangled entanglement. But as long as the student is not a minor--I don't think it would land you in a Mexican jail.

To the OP, Here in southern Mexico I've worked with many people over the age of 50. I work on hiring of English teachers at the university where I work and have hired older teachers. We usually try to strike a blance of ages in our staff as both older and younger teacher have advantages and disadvantages.
In my experience neither is likely to stay longer. Older teachers are just as likely to see it as a "vacation" and move on after a year. And younger teachers are more likely to marry a local and stay long term! Both seem equally susceptible to health problems. Older teachers often bring unique experience to Business English teaching which is a big field in Mexico. For example, I have never really worked at anything except teaching English and feel rather unsuited for Business English.
I think you won't have a problem finding a job in Mexico.

TedSeastrom · Joined: 20 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Lots of helpful insights. Thanks. A few responses...

Romance: From the first day of my first job in 1980, I've adhered to the old-school rule that you never "date" people you work with. Over the years I've seen many a mess when people cross this line. Of course times have changed (Bill Gates at Microsoft married one of his employees...guess that's okay if you're a billionaire!) Still, I can't imagine ever having a relationship with a current student other than business cordial.

Longevity: Age does not necessarily equate with maturity. That said, I view getting into EFL/ESL as a serious career move...not a vacation or lark. If I become an English teacher, I intend to work hard and grow professionally. (And definitely have some fun, btw!)

Business English: Definitely have an interest here. But I also think it would be fun to work with kids as well. I've spent 25 years in and around corporate America (ugh), mostly as a business and technical writer. I've worked the last two years as a contract tech writer at Microsoft. Before going into IT, I was a copywriter and consultant in advertising and PR for 10 years. Before that I worked for the "old" AT&T. (It's all on my website.)

Internship: Looks like I might be doing a teaching internship in DF starting in January. If so, I'd love to meet those of you in the area. The first beer (or coffee) is on me! I've been really impressed with the people (most of them) posting on Dave's. I've spent hours and hours reading postings all over the board. Utterly fascinating. Someone should write a book about the whole EFL/ESL culture...maybe even a movie. Seriously.