Job Discussion Forums

[seinok]

Hi,

I'm a non-native speaker with a revelant MA, working towards the second one in the UK, CELTA and LCCI-FTBE. I have been teaching for six years and now I'd like to stay and teach in the UK from September. Just wondered if you had any suggestions how I could find a decent job.
- Do I have a chance at all as a non-native?
- Where do I find out about UK jobs? - All job sites seem to focus on other countries. The ones I've found are either summer jobs or well hidden among other European countries.
- What type of shools should I look for? I've heard that private language schools don't pay very well, is that true?
- What would I need to perhaps teach in a state school and would there be any subjects for me to teach? (My Hungarian degree qualifies me to teach in state schools, but I doubt they'd recognise that in the UK.)

Many thanks

[Phil_b]

Have a look at these threads

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=66620

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=63132

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=51917&start=15[url][/url]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?p=705081&highlight=#705081

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?p=660159&highlight=#660159

I would advise anyone coming to the UK to try and avoid private language schools and look to FE colleges to teach ESOL - not being a native isn't going to be a problem, there are loads of non-native teachers around...

I'd start looking by asking in a couple of agencies.. that's the best way to get in, but otherwise jobs are usually advertised in the TES www.tes.co.uk

You will almost certainly have to do further qualifications of some sort.. but you might be able to get some kind of funding for them...

[seinok]

Thanks for that.
Although I didn't expect to have to do further qualifications, after all I've spent the last eight years training to be a teacher. What sort of qualifications do you mean?

[seinok]

Correction: I've read the posts about qualifications but all these abbreviations mean nothing to me so I can't figure out which are the ones that I already have (or the equivalent), and which ones I still need. Did I waste all those years training to be a teacher in Hungary if I want to stay here? I'll still have to do this DTLLS or PGCE or whatever? They should really recognise mine as MA in Education as we received thorough training in teaching in secondary schools but I guess they won't.
Anything else I'd need?
Have I been doing the wrong courses then? Because you would think that unless you want to be a doctor you don't need to study for fifteen years before you can start work.

Is there a website maybe where all these terms (QTLS, DFES etc.) are explained for those who have absolutely no clue, and all 'converted' for ESOL teachers? Like if I teach plain ESOL, what 'level' is that?

So sorry about all these questions, but I'm starting to panic... Although this sounds promising: "Of course what the rules say and what colleges end up accepting could well be very different."

[Phil_b]

It's not that your MA won't help you getting you a job... In fact, once you've got a bit of experience in the sector here, it probably will get you a full-time position if that's what you're looking for... and obviously the knowledge and skills that you gained on the course are what will get you work....

So, if I were you, I would start by trying to get some agency work - you won't need any more qualifications for that

What you will need extra qualifications for, is so that a college can say that you are 'qualified' and register you with the Institute for Learning.

Once you have got a position at a college, then you'll probably find that you've got 2 years to get 'fully qualified' - it might be a condition of your contract, and you might not qualify for pay rises until you have done it.

Your employer might fund the course, if not then your Local Education Authority (LEA) probably will - or vice-versa

As far as being qualified is concerned, the DTTLS and PGCE are equal - if you want to teach ESOL look for an integrated qualification - this will make life much easier.

Here are some links to courses with more info:

http://www.ioe.ac.uk/study/teacherTraining/IPGC_AL999P.html

http://www.lewisham.ac.uk/searchDetails/&courseId=998

The first course is longer, but with your qualifications and experience, I would expect that you could go straight into the second year. You might also get some recognition for the DTTLLS course... you would have to speak to someone there.

It might be worth getting in touch with NARIC, to see if you can get credit for your masters degree..... But from experience, this does not seem to work as well as it should.

Try having a look at this site to get further information:

http://www.talent.ac.uk/faq.asp?id=46

[seinok]

Oh, thanks ever so much!

[Hobo Stew]

I know the original post is several months old, but thought I'd include this suggestion. If you have a state teaching license...

I have been following the forums at Blue Wave International as long as I've been reading Dave's. BWI is an employment agency for non-UK teachers and seem to have their act together. Do Not register as a member until you are ready to apply for a position. They will do a phone interview with you before putting your mini-resume online and it can be anywhere from a few weeks to 18 months (average?) or more before a school seeks you out. If you accept 'all locations' for employment, your wait time may be less. Read as much of their advice as possible. They accept newly fully-certified teachers and you will need a photo (it also increases your chances).

I have not applied yet since I am still working on my certification, but will when I'm ready. Also, go to the British Consulate page to read the financial and visa requirements.

Hope this helps.