Job Discussion Forums

[thibs23]

Hi everyone, can I start with thanking you for any and all information that you give me. Any bit is appreciated, and furthermore I have fairly thick skin so you guys do not have to sugar coat anything.

I am 20 year old junior at the University of Maine, expected to complete both my B.A. in Education and B.A. in history in the May of 2011. Upon this completion, I will also receive my teaching certificate from the state of Maine. Next spring I am heading to Spain or Italy to complete my student teaching abroad for one semester. As of right now, I am contemplating my future.

I know you guys may want some specific areas that interest me, but I am very open to location. What areas would I be able to get jobs in? I know Europe is extremely difficult because I am American. Asia, the ME, Africa, and LA all interest me.

Upon graduating Im looking to explore a few different options. I am looking to begin some kind of a career in education, either in History or ESL. The first option is to continue my education somewhere and to look at getting my masters in either history or education. I was also looking at getting a masters in ESL. What does this entail? Another option, I was hoping to explore through this message was teaching overseas. With my resume, after graduation, what would be my next step. Would I need to bolster my resume? In the next year what can I do to bolster my resume?

Even after reading many posts, I am still having a bit of a hard time understanding the numerous amounts of courses, like CELTA and TESOL, available in ESL. Because this may end up being my career path, what would the best course of action be, not to skimp out on experience and education right? I was looking at the ISS, would International schools be an option. Also as my passion is with history, how would I go about looking for a job teaching history??

It is very overwhelming, excuse me for my ignorance, but what are my options?

I was thinking of taking some Spanish language courses this summer would that help my resume. Any other ideas, maybe tutoring next school year or doing some substitute teaching this year.


Thanks again, Zach

[Chancellor]

[thibs23]

I figured I would leave something out, my education degree is in Secondary Education, that was the age group I was hoping to teach, children from 12-18 however I would be open to other options if they present themselves.

What do you mean add ESL to my teaching certificate, sorry if I sound like a newbie, would that be a course or....?

As far a the Intensive Spanish course goes, I am 95% going to Spain in the Spring of 11" to do student teaching at a secondary school there. I figured if I take a few classes in spanish before, then go to Spain for a semester, that will be a good immersion.

[denise]

Are you leaning more towards teaching English or history?

For English, you can start with a certificate. Any course that is 100ish to 120 hours, including several hours of observed practice teaching on real EFL students, should be good--CELTA, Trinity, and SIT are some top name-brands, but they aren't the only ones. This certificate + a BA will qualify you for entry-level jobs in countries where you can work legally--still ruling out Europe, unfortunately. If you decide to make a career of it (I'd recommend teaching for a year or two to make sure that you like it!), then you can look into MAs, although they would be more advantageous for university jobs, not secondary.

For history, international schools are the way to go. Generally, to qualify for the good ones, you need a credential, which you will have when you graduate, and a couple of years of experience--so try to get a job in Maine or elsewhere in the US and then start exploring your options abroad.

Good luck!
d

[Glenski]

With just your teaching license and no teaching experience, a lot (most?) of international schools will not hire you, whether to teach English or any other subject. Get 2 years of experience back home first if you want to go this route.

Many / Most countries will hire fresh college grads with any old BA degree. The work is usually entry level, meaning conversation school or ALT at a public school. Put in a year or two of that, and you can move up a bit.

[Chancellor]

[Chancellor]

[denise]

Yes, I know that--hence my comment about MAs being better for university work than secondary schools.

d

[Chancellor]

[denise]

[Chancellor]