Job Discussion Forums

[cafemocha]

Hi,

I teach EFL in the Middle East, and will be moving to the States after a few months. I was wondering how different is it teaching ESL in the States from teaching EFL in the Middle East?

Also, what are the minimum qualifications required to teach in a language institute in the States, and/ or in an ESL dept of a university/college?

I'd love to have some feedback from people who have experience teaching in both places, or even one place.

[fraup]

Teaching ESL/EAP in a community college: you will likely have students from many different countries, speaking a variety of languages. I have speakers of Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Urdu, Thai...the list goes on and on. Teaching pronunciation will mean you have to focus on different problems, rather than just the ones you see in a class where everyone has the same L1. And of course, your students will be hearing the English of other students, so you may have to gently wean them away from using "like" and "you know". English will be the only way for the guy from Brazil to talk to the pretty girl from Japan, or for the Russian woman to commiserate with the woman from Kenya about how their kids correct their English, so in a sense your job will be easier.

Qualifications: can vary with the institution, but a master's in something language-related is generally required. Mine's in German, but I have a CELTA and overseas experience. English, linguistics, other FL are all good to have, plus some kind of ESL certification. However, be warned that some colleges have hiring freezes, informal or formal, and will give part-timers extra classes rather than hire new people. Also, it's a safe bet that you won't get a community college job unless you're already IN the community, so do some research and find an area that has several likely prospects. If you have friends teaching in the U.S., even better.

If you don't have a master's but want to get one, you might get a teaching assistantship at the university you're attending. Once you're in a community you can usually pick up a few extra hours tutoring, especially if you're in an area with a lot of non-native speakers in the workforce.

Or you could look into the various programs to train teachers for the public schools. Each state has its own set of hoops you have to jump through.

[cafemocha]

Hmm...I dont even have a first degree, but i've done CELTA. I'm teaching at the British Council at the moment. Is there any chance of getting a job in a private institute? I know working at a college or university is out of the question without a Masters.

Would my chances increase if I did a diploma in ELT management skills?

[spiral78]

Without any degree at all, I doubt even private language schools would consider you for management positions.

I'm actually surprised that the British Council accepted you with just a CELTA and no degree.

You might really be best off to pursue a BA in something applicable, if you want to work in the US

[cafemocha]

the Brit Council accepts ppl with CELTA's because they know its not the degree that matters...so many people teaching here have degrees in something or the other, subjects that don't help in teaching English. It's CELTA and other qualifications like that that equip a person to teach EFL. A person may have a BA or whatever degree, but that doesnt make them a good teacher. However, I digress...that's another topic

I'll look into community colleges; I can't afford to pay international tuition fees at an American uni...

[Chancellor]

[spiral78]

I agree that a degree doesn't imply that one can/can't teach. Yes, a CELTA is directly applicable. However, yeah, in many work contexts a degree is simply considered basic for a teacher - perhaps the implication is that if you weren't a 'successful' student at some point in your live, you won't be a credible teacher...

[cafemocha]

well then, thank God that some people can look beyond the degree...people should learn from Bill Gates and other successful people like him... also at those who didnt have degrees yet managed to do amazing things...or at the very least, excel in their field...

even here though, a degree is very important...i'm just glad that the Brit Council overlooks it and only requires the CELTA.

[moonshine]

unless you have something waiting for you, you will find it extremely difficult, if not impossible - jobs here are very very scarce - your competition will likely be way ahead in both edu and experience -

[evolving81]

It seems only logical that in order for you teach at a community college or university you would have had to first attend one.

[anyway]

I think your best bet is a large metro area or at least one large university with lots of international students. Those students often want extra tutoring or bring families who do. I've had (limited) luck with sources like craigslist, etc. Some regions like SoCal seem to have lots of private tutoring services...

Then there is always online tutoring. One outfit called Eleutian, based in Utah, has even opened its own call centers in Wyoming (Idaho?) and employs only locals who must go to the center to teach. Not sure of their requirements.

Have you thought about related jobs like sales/training for educational products. Check out Auralog...

Another avenue I've always wanted to check into is the homestay business. I know it can be rather lucrative depending on where your students come from. It is a small but growing industry...

Cheers!

[cafemocha]

Anyway, thanks a lot for your ideas/suggestions...i have some q's though:

what's SoCal?

and what exactly do you mean by a 'homestay business'? are you talking about making money online or something?

i'll look into your suggestions...

thanks once again...

[anyway]

Southern California...of course, living on a tutor's wages is another story...

Homestays = when students are placed in the home of local family for more exposure to and practice with a language. Some of them offer only a small stipend (for a high school exchange student, for example), but some are more of a placement for a 'student' attending a language institute or on a tourist visa. I believe this practice is more common in the UK but is catching on stateside.

I would check with EF. You could coordinate one of their summer programs in the states (any location within reason) which entails two positions - organizing the homestays/transport/outings and teaching language classes. Another lead might be the outfits which offer short-term 'work visas' to international students...sorry, but no names off the top of my head...

I would also recommend checking out Americorps programs (like Peace Corps but stateside) for their education stipends as well as the idealist.org website, lots of cool teaching gigs with social services and orgs which may have more lenient requirements (but I doubt it)...

[mitsui]

yes Americorps is a good idea. You won`t make much but it is a good program, and the education award helps. NCCC has free housing at four campuses. But in NCCC you have to try a variety of things.