Job Discussion Forums

Edna-May · Joined: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Atlanta

I'm moving to Mexico in 12 months due to family reasons. I'll need to find a job. I currently teach French in a private school in the USA, and have been employed as a French teacher in public & private schools for 15 years. I have a BA & MA in French, although English is my first language.

This is where I need some advice from those with experience:

I would ideally like to find a position teaching ESL in a University setting.

I'm wondering if I should get a CELTA (or other) TESOL certificate to add to my resume before beginning the job hunt? I hate to spend the money and time if this will not be a significant factor. I actually have 9 graduate credits in TESOL and worked as an English Language Assistant in France, but I've never completed a course or degree.

Thank you!

Tretyakovskii · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 462 Location: Cancun, Mexico

Sounds to me like you're good to go, to teach either French or English, in any university that feels they need you. The masters degree and all those years of teaching experience should give you a big leg up. Surely a TEFL would be unnecessary icing on the cake, but others may take a different view.

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

Your qualifications will get you a job teaching French at a university. If they also teach English there, which is more than likely, then they'll have no problem giving you English classes as well, since they're hiring you as a French teacher (as immigration will see it). I've been able to do it the other way round (hired as an English teacher then given French classes - I just have a C1 cert in French).

You may need a tefl cert if you're just hired as an English teacher (this is usually for the benefit of immigration, but it may also be a requirement of the school).

It's also worth mentioning that a TKT or ICELT will usually work in place of a CELTA as these qualifications, while not really aimed at native speakers, are becoming more widely accepted in Mexico.

Edna-May · Joined: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Atlanta

Thanks for your thoughts on the the CELTA and my personal situation. I'm leaving behind a good teaching job here to move to Mexico and I really appreciate the feedback as I plan for next year.