Job Discussion Forums

[overhere]

First of all Let me apologize for a long post. But if you care to take the time to read it I would really appreciate it.

I work for local government and have been tossing around the idea of a career change for awhile now... Even though I came close to making the change last year I decided to stick it out here because I can start drawing a pension in 6 more years and well I like the idea of having a base income

So here is the deal...I am 49 years old, divorced, no kids, native speaker with a few advanced degrees although none directly related to TEFL or education.

I have 10 years experience as a Trainer and Training manager. I have also worked in the area of career development and vocational counseling. I have taught a few general business courses at a local college and have taught ESL as a volunteer for a local non profit.

Since I am stuck here in Ohio (rather cold here right now by the way) for a few more years I have decided to make the best of it and prepare for my second career as an English Teacher. So I have developed a plan and was wondering if you could offer some feedback or suggestions:

I would like some formal training/degree in a related field. I know I can probably land a job without one but I really do want to know what i am doing and also I imagine I will have the age thing working against me, so I want to be as attractive as I can be in the job market..I do have a couple non related masters. Specifically, I am looking at these two distance learning programs at Indiana University.

The first is a M.S. in Adult Education
http://scs.indiana.edu/grad/prospective/prosstudents.html

although it is not directly related to EFL/ESL there is an EFL Teaching certificate you can obtain and the credits count towards your degree
They also offer a graduate certificate in EFL Teacher Training

http://education.indiana.edu/langdist/EFLESLCertificateProgram/tabid/5878/Default.aspx


What seems to be a more closely related degree is a Masters of Science in
Literacy, Cultural and Language Education

http://education.indiana.edu/langdist/DegreeRequirements/tabid/5876/Default.aspx

The ELF/ESL Certificates are also available through this program as well.

Both programs can been completed through distance learning and total tuition runs about $12,000.

To be honest, I am leaning towards the M.S. in Adult Educatioin just because if my career overseas does not pan out I may be able to put the degree to work here in the U.S. to some capacity (training if nothing else)

But I would really like to know what you think? does either degree seem relevent in the ESL world? If so, would one be an advantage over the other?


In addition to pursuing a masters I plan to continue to serve as a volunteer ESL teacher and continue to gain experience.

Prior to retiring I also plan to take a CELTA course. Maybe in Vietnam but it really depends on what the job market is at the time.

I am aslo trying to learn Spanish first through Rosetta Stone and then through formal college coursework. I also plan to learn a third language (perhaps Chinese or Korean?) . Hopefully this will give me some prespective to what it takes to learn a second language. Again hopefully this will make me more attractive in the job market.

I realize there is no guarantee of success starting an ESL Teaching career at age 55. I know there are age limits on visa requirements and ofcourse age discrimination. To be honest the age thing is my biggest concern/fear. I mean I am motivated to gain the knowledge and experience needed for a career in this field. What I can not control is my age (believe me I would if I could ) The good thimng (I guess) is that I only need ONE job! Also I won't need to make a ton of dough since I will have a pension.

Basically, I want to teach, live in another culture and enjoy a peaceful quiet life overseas.

My preference is Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Korea or China) but I would also enjoy S. America as well or even Russia.

If the teaching career doesn't pan out (i.e. I can't land a job because of my age) I will give the Peace Corps or WorldTeach a go...worse comes to worse I will just move to Thailand or the Phils and open up my own free school. LOL

Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated. I have been following these boards for some time and the thing I enjoy the most about it is how sincere people are in their efforts to help a newbie.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or ideas!

Tim

[idiggs]

Getting a CELTA is only going cost you $2500 and from what I'm reading it seems like you can afford it. A CELTA can get you a good paying job quickly (most of their programs are 4 weeks). You can start looking for work as soon as you complete your CELTA. I am assuming that you already have a bachelor's degree if you are interested in masters programs. I wouldn't worry so much about getting a masters in TESOL (unless you are looking for a director or teacher trainer position).

To qualify for 90% of TEFL/TESOL jobs, all you need is a CELTA and a bachelor's degree. And you would be at a better advantage since you stated that you have taught ESL as a volunteer.

Some schools care about your age and some schools don't.

It is never too late to start. Go for it!

[tomstone]

[Sadebugo]

[overhere]

Thanks for the responses so far! Yeah I plan to hang in there with my current job until I can retire. I would prefer going now but I know sticking around a few more years until I can draw a pension will give me more options later on.

So do you think a masters at this point in the game would be overkill? Should I just get a CELTA only?

I want to have a solid foundation but also realize that getting a Masters and starting a teaching career at age 55 might not result in a very good return on investment.

I forgot to mention my preference is to teach older children or adults.

I have been visiting Dave's for a few years now..seems the market changes quite a bit..maybe it's impossible to plan a TELF career six years out. Like I said if I have to I will just volunteer my time when I retire but it would be nice to bring home a few dollars just to defray costs. I am OK working in a language school but would prefer an university setting,

Thanks again...look forward to more excellent advice!!!

[AjarnIam]

IMO, I would find a 8-9m week CELTA and see how you feel after they pull you out of that ringer. However, don't assume what they put you through in CELTA is what life in the classroom will be, it's much more pleasant than that. I know what CELTA is trying to do, they are trying to train you for worst case teaching scenarios. What they fail to do is recognize that everyone has different personalities and every classroom is going to be different. So grab what you can from it, and take it with a grain of salt. Then, start teaching! Decide where you want to teach and at what age level you prefer. At 49 you might consider skipping high school and jumping into a decent university, teaching ESP. The problem with Uni, is you'll never want to teach high school. It has a lot of little perks, like usually 3-4 months vacation, sweet overtime, and some really interesting students. If after 3 years you are loving it, but maybe not the money, slide into a distance learning MA, keep working, and get a degree that will open up doors all over the world and really illuminate your career options. ...again..IMO...good luck

[Sadebugo]

[santi84]

If you are stuck in Ohio for a bit, volunteer with a local ESL organization/community services. Those programs are usually starved for volunteers and you can really get some good experience (if you are planning to go into ESL as a career, the instructors will likely allow you to instruct a few classes after volunteering for a while).

[overhere]

Thanks everyone! I think a CELTA first approach does sound like a good idea.

Santi - Good idea! I am volunteering for a local non profit right now and enjoy it quite a bit. I have taught small classes (6 to 8 students) as well as, one on one. I will continue to teach there and may volunteer at another local non profit or two in the area just to gain as much experience as I can. I done corporate training for years so I am comfortable in front of students (although I know EFL has it's own unique challenges).

Ajarm = how long have you been in the LOS? I visit there every couple of years and love it. Ofcourse I realize visiting a country and living there are two different things

I would be open to China but does sound like the job market is more challenging there than it was just a few months ago. I am also open to korea but seems it is a younger person's land of opportunity.

I will apply any and everywhere. Just hoping my age will not hinder me too much. I am in good health and hope to stay that way.

Thanks again for your replys!!!

[AjarnIam]