Job Discussion Forums

Flicka · Joined: 22 Mar 2010 Posts: 68

Hi all,

I was just reading a thread about a website (ESL judge or something? suggestion it doesn't exist anymore was also on the thread but anyway) and people were saying that TEFL isn't really a profession because any white monkey can get jobs doing it.

So I was just wondering how many of you on here have made it a profession, developped, progressed etc and how you went about it, oh and how it's worked out for you and how many have just done it or are just doing it as a travelling stop gap.

Just out of interest!

Perhaps there are two branches and one is the professional branch while the other is the casual-just-want-to-travel-not-fussed-about-career branch?

Cheers,
Flicka Smile

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 1:30 am Post subject:

This one comes up with some frequency- have a search around, and you'll see quite a few threads on the topic.

My own view is that I'm a professional EFL teacher. (10 years in the field, decent training, decent job prospects.)

A lot of people do it in ways I certainly would call professional.

The "any white monkey can get a job" end of the profession certainly exists, and most people don't make a profession at that end! Just as about anybody can get job at McDonalds, but very few make a career out of working at McDonalds.

Folks who work at McDonalds don't go around saying "there's no way you can make a career out of working in restaurants" to my friend Xavier, who is a cordon bleu kind of chef.

In any line of work- you want to make a career out of it, you put things into it. Most folks you'll hear say "this isn't a profession" have entry level certs, if that. Most folks who say you can started with entry level certs, then moved on and invested in diplomas , MAs, etc...

Best,
Justin

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Well said, Justin.

I've also made a career out of it. I started, as Justin said, with just a TEFL certificate, and my first job was in a private language school. A decent one, thankfully, but still a job that is inherently on the lower end of the career/professional spectrum. I went back for an MA and have since then, with one notable exception, had university jobs that generally aren't open to the traveling/backpacker types.

d

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Been at it since 1998 myself. Went from conversation school to private HS to university (all FT jobs). If that isn't a career, I don't know what is.

Despite that, there are those who flit about and make the profession look bad with their vagrant ways.

Want to make it a career? No problem!

johnslat · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 12:32 pm Post subject:

I TEFLed from 1978 to 2003 in Iran, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. I got to see every place in the world that I'd ever wanted to (well, OK - not Antarctica, but I'll get there yet), saved a lot of money, and had a wonderful time.
No regrets whatsoever.

I'd call that a "career," and, in my opinion, a MUCH more interesting one than staying in one place for twenty-five years.

We get only one chance (to the best of my knowledge) to see this world; what amazes me if how so many people apparently don't care to do so.

Regards,
John

Sugar & Spice · Joined: 11 Feb 2010 Posts: 73

Pretty good. Inspiration comes to mind. Thanks.

What a crazy day. I sang and danced and then kicked my own ass.

Yunqi

TwinCentre · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 273 Location: Mokotow

Some very interesting responses.

For me, for what it is worth, 'Making A Career' out of TEFL meant to start my own business in TEFL, not a school but more of a training operation.

I think if you are entrepreneurial, TEFL holds a fair amount of opportunities. I would urge more teachers to consider gaining a few years experience working for schools then branch out on their own.

It is not for everyone, but being your own boss can sometimes make it all worth while Smile

www.eflentrepreneur.com