Job Discussion Forums

austeacher · Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 91 Location: London

It is black and white. The number of jobs posted on Dave's site, ESL sites in general, including generic job sites in Australia have dried up considerably. It appears now is the time to do professional development so by the time one has completed studies they will be in a competitively auspicious position. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, global economies will pick up. Therefore, those with higher qualifications will be chosen first.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

Good point about professional development... so long as you can afford it.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2009 5:52 am Post subject:

It should have been done BEFORE being forced to by an economic downturn. That's why I look at the Japan board and laugh on the inside. Most folk there got in on minimum quals and are now panicing. Those of us who sacrificed and upgraded their quals from the minimum required don't seem to be worried as we are secure in our jobs.

A true professional has PD on their mind only secondary to professional delivery.

NCTBA

austeacher · Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 91 Location: London

I guess we are lucky in Australia that we have the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS). Yes it is a debt, but you only pay a percentage of it through taxes once one has reached the threshold wages earning. There is a cut off point in how much one can study. However the tuition fees are covered by the state allowing anyone to study up to a certain credit level. After crossing that credit allowance, which is quite substantial infact, then one pays out of their own pocket.

I can walk in to any language center in Asia or Europe but I would rather work for a Government educational organisation rather than the 'ESL corner shop'. Why do you need a suit to teach, really? I know appearances are important. But a clean ironed shirt and cinos are enough. It appears most schools in Japan require suit and tie appearances. That does not make for a good teacher, a good salesman perhaps.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2009 6:28 am Post subject:

austeacher: Your last post seems to be a non sequitur!

NCTBA

austeacher · Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 91 Location: London

Which premise does not follow your comprehension of logic?

There are no conclusions to be drawn from my statements as there are people continually deliberating what should and what should not be.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2009 10:49 am Post subject:

Does you post follow GBBB's post? If it is, the PD...actually better termed "qualifications upgrade" cost is of no consequence. My point is, was, is, if you're serious about being a teacher, then you naturally upgrade your quals...you don't wait to be "forced" into it.

NCTBA

anospi · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2009 12:10 pm Post subject:

I agree with austeacher. I thank my lucky stars I'm Australian, and was able to do my MA Applied Linguistics (TESOL) and put 75% of it onto HECS (now HELP). With that and the experience I have, I'm not worried about the economic downturn. Yet...

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2009 1:46 pm Post subject:

Ah, I get it...I think. I'm not an Aussie, so am unfamiliar with the terms that you are throwing around. That's why I couched my reply with seem as austeacher didn't seem to be a flake, ergo his/her response seemed to be a non-sequitur.

It looks like you all folk down under have yet another social welfare program that we from the Big BX don't have. May we send you an un-wed mother of 14 who just had OCTUPULETS! GOD, I'M GLAD I DON'T PAY U.S. INCOME TAXES!!!

NCTBA

austeacher · Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 91 Location: London

NCTBA,

My post was meant to follow GBBB's but before it were able to upload on this forum, your riposte beat me to the order in which it was meant to follow as a consequence of his set of statements.

Quote: Does you post follow GBBB's post? If it is, the PD...actually better termed "qualifications upgrade" cost is of no consequence. My point is, was, is, if you're serious about being a teacher, then you naturally upgrade your quals...you don't wait to be "forced" into it.

NCTBA

You are correct to a 'T' about qualifications upgrade. We call it 'professional development' in Australia.

I infact possess a Graduate Diploma in TESOL and the usual Undergrad Quals. In Australia, I have to deal with 'putative' teachers who possess a 'buy online ESL certificate'. The problem here is if I am elected to work at a language school, I get the same rate of pay as those with a crapshoot certificate. That is very unfair as the Grad Dip in TESOL was an 18 month course and I completed a teaching round as part of the guidelines to teach formally in Government schools where required.

Essentially, an employer will often look upon those with a certificate favourably as they can then pay them lower rates per hour. I have a bench mark teaching qualification and have to accept what I think is unacceptable. I do the same amount of work, but get paid less money for my qualification entitlements.

So, my point is, I have chosen to to PD this year simply because I want to raise my status as a qualified teacher. Not because I am forced in to it by an insidious phenomenon but because it will stand me in good stead.

If one chooses to do PD in 2009, they will have a step ahead of others who don't have the requisite teaching quals whether it is in ESL or mainstream teaching. It was a thought really and if you/one chooses to view it as a suggestion then that is an individuals decision.

I can go overseas and work at any language center or Government school in South Korea or Japan. However, I have focused my attention on a job in Hong Kong. It is almost obssessive, Laughing

, I must go there.

However, while I am waiting for a job from HK to materialise, I have considered doing PD.

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Nabby Adams · Joined: 08 Feb 2008 Posts: 215

austeacher · Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 91 Location: London

Been a bit busy lately to write anything let alone read...I should have said, Nabby Adams, it is worth everything to continue studying but it can be expensive if you can't afford it. Higher qualifications certainly improves one's status in the job market and also improves one's quality of life.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:44 pm Post subject:

Chancellor · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 4:42 pm Post subject:

Regardless of one's profession, it's important to make oneself more marketable - especially during an economic downturn.