Job Discussion Forums

[SueH]

Thank you, PattyFlipper.. it's nice to know that one isn't alone in the 'buggermeIcantbelieveit' stakes.

I recall I've asked before: "who takes these jobs?". Have they no shame, are they that desperate, are they that badly qualified??? "There goes the blackleg teacher.."

I think I'm increasing my hours in the local state schools next academic year, so I might just try for a very cheap summer with the odd private lesson to help on the fun front..

It's a bugger, I used to do me own basic plumbing and electrics, but now you need various certificates to sign things off. I've known the odd plumber/leccy do a little half hour cash job for a tenner, or so me ageing Mum tells me, but those rates, for a few intermittent hours, with hours of prep..?? Minchia!!

[PattyFlipper]

[Kipling]

Well the CELTA does give you an introduction into teaching, but the real introduction is actually teaching for many people, and I know some very good teachers whose experience has been of greater value than their qualifications and I know some well qualified teachers who...are... well just not so good in the classroom, but who do you think will be preferred in many jobs in the long run? Experience plus quals seems essential to get any job with half way decent remuneration and anyway who becomes a TEFL teacher for the pay???? Many initially see the CELTA as a way of paying their way while travelling around the world, again nothing wrong in that, shows good initiative. You are right that a lot of TEFLERS spend their lives abroad, the longer away the longer you stay away, many cannot return to decent jobs or salaries,point taken about the summer pressessionals and University work. as rare as rocking horse droppings for some.
There is a discussion on another board and a little bit of argy bargy between language schools and FE's and IMHO some sort of very English subtle take on the class system...us them...different....better.All rather depressing.
Those that make a career in TEFL often do it for the love of teaching and want get or be better at what they do and if that means the DELTA or MA then it is worth their while both financially and professionaly.
I am doing a distance MA TESOL with Oxford Brookes, self paid, self development. I will finish oh......just about when I retire. Is it worth it?
Of course, because it puts all the years of experience into perspective and I have learned a lot and think I have developed as a teacher.
By the way in TEFL
"Disappointment is all the rage./ For Teachers of a certain age."

Cheers Mr K

[Phil_b]

The discussion about FE and language schools is here:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=68287&start=15

The relevant point that comes from that discussion is that due to either the better language schools, or colleges, or universities, there is no need to accept rates like those offered by the schools highlighted in this thread... University jobs might be rare, but there's plenty of work around in colleges - as a guide, check the TES http://www.tes.co.uk/jobsSearchResults.aspx?keywords=ESOL and there's plenty of hourly-paid, agency work that doesn't show up there.

I think there is a need for some kind of association/union... if just to remind people what they don't need to accept and to give them the confidence to turn it down.

[Kipling]

Couldn't agree more, Phil_b, but that would involve standards across the board for both TEFL teachers and education establishments.
Mr K

[SueH]

Just a comment on Phil's job link: the part time jobs, of which there can be quite a few at FE colleges, are often only advertised in local newspapers, as nobody is going to move nationally for 6 hours a week or so.

That was my experience in the UK a few years ago and I doubt it's changed much.

[Phil_b]

I'd second Sue's comment - most jobs, especially entry level ones are never advertised - just pick up the phone and call is probably the best tactic...

A few more jobs here

http://www.talent.ac.uk/jobs_results.asp?Keywords=esol&submit=Search&Subjects=&RegionID=&Frequency=%25&browse=1

[SueH]

... or possibly advertised on the colleges' own web-sites... so target colleges in the areas in which you are interested.