Job Discussion Forums

[rexyb81]

Hi there,

I am a certified teacher in Canada and have been teaching for 3 years.

I have taken a leave of absence for the following school year 2009-2010 and am looking for a teaching job in Valencia, Barcelona, Malaga, or Seville.

I have a European passport and can start in August 2009.

If I am a teacher, do I still need to have a TESL certificate?

[spiral78]

Teaching English as a foreign language is not necessarily related to teaching other subjects. A certification would be useful, preferably one that you get in Spain itself. Particularly in the current job market, being without certification would put you at a disadvantage.

Further, don't expect to organize a job offer in advance. It's just not the norm for Europe -there are plenty of teachers (too many,these days, in fact) here on the ground to choose from, and you are not likely to get anyone to take you seriously until you get here.

You'll need to come with enough savings to get you through for a few months before your first paycheck. Landlords will want a month's rent as a deposit and the first month up front, in most cases. Schools usually pay monthly, at the END of the month worked. You can do the math.

Finally, don't expect to find a job and get started in August! It's Holiday Month, and that's taken seriously. Job contracts are usually Sept/Oct thru June, and you will probably need to hustle in early Sept to land something reasonable.

[rexyb81]

Thank you very much for your advice! It really helps!

Do you think it would be beneficial for me to go to Spain in March and submit my resume at different schools while introducing myself??

When is the best time to apply for jobs?

[spiral78]

Apply end August/first of September.
I doubt anyone will be very interested in March...