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Thomcat

I tried doing a search, as I am sure there are already threads dealing with this, but got no results.

I am currently attending a TEFL course in Guadalajara and am wondering what people�s thoughts are on where would be better to teach?

About me: I have one year experience working as a bilingual aide in public schools where I was given 2 ELL classes, with no support. I hope to improve my Spanish, which is already very good, but could definitely be improved.
I really don't want to work 50 hrs a week, which I imagine would make it hard to improve my Spanish, but my funds won't carry too much longer either.

Any helpful insight/suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

What are they offering you for job placement there in GDL?

Some language institutes offer the benefit of free Spanish classes...some, anyway. A private school, assuming something of primary to secondary level, may also offer Spanish language training (though they may not offer anything), and also more interaction with admin and other local teachers in Spanish, which in my opinion is a very good way to really learn the language.

If learning Spanish is your primary goal, I think you should look up a language institute that offers both languages as courses and press for Spanish classes as part of the pay package.

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

Private institutes that give classes in companies can be a little insecure in terms of relying on your income. You may find yourself with a good packages of classes to begin, you start making plans for that income and then find you have fewer classes after a few months.

El Gallo · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 318

Just be sure you check out the private schools these guys refer you to on your own. They get commissions for referring you and some of the places aren't very good for your first experience teaching.

Thomcat · Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 9:10 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the helpful replies.

I haven't had any job offers yet. The job placement here has recently sent my CV to a few schools, mostly private. I don't have any of the names of schools at the moment, but most are private elementary and middle schools. I'm not really sure that is where I want to be, though I'm not opposed to it at this moment either, hence this topic.

I was hoping to stay in Guadalajara, but am open to other cities. They haven't given me any other leads in Guadalajara except for IMAC, which is a language institute where the pay is not that great and the hours are LONG. I think they pay approximately 60 pesos an hour. But, for all I know that is what I could be looking at anywhere with my experience

Due to the fact that I don't have a computer, and that I've been so busy with school, I haven't found much time to start searching for employment. I do finish the course this week, so I will start searching on my own and researching a bit more.

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

Prof.Gringo

geaaronson · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 948 Location: Mexico City

Don`t forget to check out the website www.teflwatch.org to make sure any prospective schools that have poor teacher evaluations are not on your list.

GueroPaz · Joined: 07 Sep 2007 Posts: 216 Location: Thailand or Mexico

Wow, still around after all those crazy times, teflwatch.org. I see that you can make new posts. Moderator powers deleted. I guess it will be out there in cyberspace forever.

Thomcat · Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 2:46 am Post subject:

Thanks so much for the helpful tips. I just finished my TEFL course and have started sending out my resume. I haven't had much luck yet, but am still optimistic. I am looking more for language institute jobs rather than private schools, thanks to the replies, I was able to come to that conclusion.

I have another question. Is it preferrable to go to a school in person? call? or send my resume?

I definitely will consult with TEFL watch also. Thanks everybody!!!

El Gallo · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 318

My recommendation is to go in person. Be persistent. If you are told to return at 6PM, don't be angry if you go at 6 and are told ma�ana Go again ma�ana

Thomcat · Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2008 4:02 am Post subject:

Thanks for the tips! I will be persistant. I have had two interviews, and basically got both jobs. Unfortunately, both are only offering me 12 hours a week, with little info on whether or not they'll be able to give me more hours. I know this is a little bit of a different topic, but I was hoping to get a little guidance. Is this common? They are both language institutes.