Job Discussion Forums

[nyclondon]

I'm interested in getting feedback re: teaching at a secondary school/high school in Spain, either teaching English literature at American high schools (such as the American School of Madrid, e.g.), or teaching TEFL at a private secondary school. If anyone has information or advice on jobs teaching English in secondary/high schools (as either a language or literature course), I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

[ajnabiyya]

I've looked into this too and unfortunately the outlook is not good. Teaching jobs at schools like ASM are _extremely_ competitive, especially for teaching English lit. Teaching in international schools in general is competitive, but Western Europe more than anywhere else, and humanities (English, history) more than math and science. As for teaching in private schools in Spain, from what I understand you really need connections ("enchufes") and luck. You'd think they'd be happy to get a well-trained, experienced native speaker but apparently there just aren't all that many openings.

Of course you could always go for it anyways and see what happens. I think that to apply to international schools you'd set up a file with an international school recruitment agency (or several) and maybe go their job fairs. (Of course, you need a credential/certificate and experience, plus preferably qualities that distinguish you from the competition.) To try to get an EFL job in a Spanish private school, I've heard that the most likely route is to move to Spain, teach in language institutes or whatever while you network your way into a better job. I'd think they'd be more likely to take your application seriously if you're already living in the area anyways. Of course, for that I'm pretty sure you'd need to already have permission to live and work in Spain.

Sorry I can't give you a more optimistic answer. If you find a better way to get this kind of job, then I'd love to hear about it!

[Pauleddy]

Ajna is right. There are only around 20 International High Schools in Spain.

language academies are the most common source of work, but the teenagers normally pile in during the evenings or weekends--and Spanish kids are as bad or worse than others I have taught in terms of horseplay.

state school teaching is almost impossible-- there are 20 Spanish graduates with English degrees for any job--and the Spanish are notoriously protective in giving jobs to Spanish. the current climate makes it all worse.

AFAIK, US citizens have next to no chance of legal jobs because of the EU immigration rules. You don't mention yr passport.