Job Discussion Forums

[hubbardahead]

I'm interested in teaching english as a second language, but lately have began to think about long term, so i'm curious what some people think about just being a teacher or should i do it for awhile then go with my fallback plan? thanks

[spiral78]

To make a career out of it, you'll eventually need upper-level qualifications, like a related MA. Otherwise, you'll have to be content as 'just' an entry-level teacher forever

[Salverston]

I followed that path, started as an ESL teacher in a language institute and ended up graduating to becoming a teacher in a secondary school. Pay is higher for sure. You don't really need an MA, although the very best schools want one. The biggest thing is most places want the teacher to have a BA plus a teaching license/certification, which does take additional schooling and lots of hoops, very difficult if you are overseas trying to get one. Much easier to go to some place like Texas where you can work as a teacher on a temp license for a year while you finish the certification requirements.

[Chancellor]

[jdl]

A teaching degree (B.Ed) from a North American University and a state/provincial teaching certificate is very marketable both abroad and at home.... Seems to identify the career teachers in many employers' minds. It is fast becoming recognized by employers that teaching is a learned skill and in itself represents a learnable skill and discpline content set. A search of ads reveals an increasing number of employers wanting the B.Ed. The ESL world coming of age and moving into maturity? It is coming to the point where not only must one speak English (a function of birth geography) to become employed in ESL but must also be a teacher (a function of training). The ESL 'cert' offered as the quick avenue into the job market may well remain a third world strategy. The 'certs' may result in a few good 'gigs' (such vocabulary) in exotic places; but a career???

If one wants flexibility, the teaching degree is a primary avenue. Many states and a few provinces still offer a post graduate certification year resulting in a B.A./B/Sc plus B/Ed. More common; however, is the required 4 to 5 year B.Ed program. Whatever the decision a substantial investment of time is required.

[mlomker]

[naturegirl321]