Job Discussion Forums

[pface]

Hi, I'm interested in transitioning into teaching ESL abroad. Basically, I'm interested to know if this is something that can turn into a career - the industry seems to have a great deal of turn-over and some establishments seem designed to deal with temporary, inexperienced teachers. Here's my questions:
(1) How difficult is it to find long-term positions?

(2)What kind of schools generally are looking for someone long-term?

(3)What's realistically the career arc of an ESL teacher (i.e. where can one advance after a basic TEFL/CERTA certification and an entry-level teaching job)?

(4)What are some reasons why people choose to leave the career?

Thanks

[mozzar]

I only have vague answers to your questions I'm afraid, but at least it's a start.

A career can be made from ESL according to some more experienced teachers but it usual involves having to get a Masters degree in TEFL. You'll then be able to teach in universities which pay better and offer a more stable career. Or you could try the management route in a language school but I've no idea what this involves.

All I know is a masters is pretty much essential for career growth.

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

its easy to make a career out of esl. how far can you go and how much can you earn? the sky's the limit really. it all depends on your desires, your education, your ability to network with others etc.

you can settle into university jobs in a place like china and remain there almost forever as long as you dont get fired. the downside to this route is you peak in salary pretty quickly as most universities dont pay a lot compared to other types of schools. other jobs pay a lot more but have different requirements.

i think the best way to find out if and how YOU can make a career out of esl is to simply scan this forum a lot and read, read, read. there's a ton of info here.

[Glenski]

Many do it. What countries interest you? Are you willing to get the necessary training (and ongoing training) to be a viable applicant?

[denise]

As the others have said, you need to further your own education to stay in this--an MA or a DELTA, or a teaching credential in your home country. Sure, some people do become lifers with more limited credentials, but other than getting lucky/being in the right place at the right time, having limited qualifications generally means that you can move countries/jobs every couple of years without really moving up into the better jobs.

What do you consider long-term? Even with an MA, a lot of jobs will offer short-term contracts, ranging from one to three years. Once you're in, though, it's generally understood that your contract is renewable unless you have major problems.

Places that look for better-qualified teachers are universities (there are some that will hire teachers without MAs, though) and international schools--they also offer the best salaries and benefits.

Here's one possible career arc: start with entry-level qualifications, work for a couple of years to see if you enjoy it, go back for an MA, get into a university, and then... you can branch out--curriculum design, assessment, management, teacher training, etc.

I think most people leave the field after a couple of years because they never intended to make a life of it--it is a fairly easy way to experience a new culture, have a bit of adventure, and get paid.

d

[naturegirl321]

1) Easy, just hard to find good jobs that you want to stay at.

(2) Any and all, I'd say.

(3) Language school, primary or secondary school, university, DOS, etc.

(4) burnout, annoying parents, stress, overworked, underpaid, underappreciated.

[norwalkesl]

Just like any other career if you work at it, get credentials, network, have soft skills, are professional, and present yourself well, then you can climb high, quickly.

So many ESL instructors are not serious that it takes just a bit of effort to stand out.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

[basiltherat]