Job Discussion Forums

willwillwillwilll · Joined: 06 Jul 2009 Posts: 1 Location: Indonesia

Just looking at grad school and wondering about the difference in terms of pay between getting a masters in linguistics and education vs a teaching certification from the United States. I am in Indonesia now, and am pretty sure both wouldn't mean that much of a pay raise where I am (many of the teachers there don't have BA's) but how much of a difference would I see in terms of higher level jobs in other countries with those credentials?
I know this is a broad topic with lots of differnt sorts of factors, anything you guys can think to tell me would be really appreciated.
Will Sanders

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I think it depends quite a lot on the kinds of schools you want to work in. Universities normally want the MA (at least in the part of the world where I am) while international schools typically prefer certified teachers.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

If you plan on going back to the States in the future a teaching qualification will get you a job more easily than an MA in TEFL

scintillatestar · Joined: 19 Oct 2009 Posts: 74 Location: New York, NY

As a previous poster stated, most universities ask for an MA and most international and public schools require a teaching certificate. An MA is typically also a requirement for DOS and teacher trainer jobs. Most positions requiring the cert are with younger learners, while the MA is a req for working with adults. Which age group are you targeting?

Right now, it's probably easier to get a high-paying job at an international or public (K-12) school. There are many international schools, as well as government-sponsored programs (Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi) that recruit English teachers for well-paid public school positions. The trend is to teach English sooner rather than later. Plus, many foreign students wish to study at universities in English-speaking countries, and need prep for the IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, etc.

I don't see as many university positions advertised, except for the Middle East. Maybe ESLCafe is not the right site for this, though.

I'm actually getting an MA with teacher's certification. I would recommend a program like this if you can find one.

natsume · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 409 Location: Chongqing, China

Chancellor · Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 9:50 pm Post subject:

And if you ever decided to return to the States and work in New York State public schools, you'd need both a state teaching certificate and, within a short time after getting hired, a master's degree.

scintillatestar · Joined: 19 Oct 2009 Posts: 74 Location: New York, NY

scintillatestar · Joined: 19 Oct 2009 Posts: 74 Location: New York, NY

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Oftentimes an MA can be done by distance, but MOST teacher cert courses have to be done on campus, something to consider.

markcmc · Joined: 18 Jan 2010 Posts: 262 Location: Taiwan

A state recognized teaching certificate will give you more flexibility to work in more parts of the world, including your own country should you wish to. Only go for the straight masters if you only want to work in universities.

The mixed masters + certificate may also be a good way to go.

gratefulgal · Joined: 28 Feb 2010 Posts: 9 Location: The land of green

Hi,

I went back to university four years ago after teaching in China and Thailand for nearly a year (folks on Dave's pretty much convinced me it was my only option if I was serious about teaching legally). So I am happy to say I just completed my last exam on Friday, and barring any horrific surprises, I now have my BA (Theology and Philosophy) Smile

So, my question is along the lines of many others: what to do now?

This MA TESOL that includes a teaching qualification is definitely what I would love to do. I am in the EU currently, but I also have Canadian citizenship. Could you recommend some specific places? I am having a hell of a time wading through all the various MA possibilities......

Much appreciated,

M.

(I am an oldie, I will be 40 this summer)

avasconcellos · Joined: 05 Jun 2010 Posts: 6

I am just completing my MA in Eng/TESL from St. Cloud State University. It was done completely online. The curriculum was rigorous but I missed the grad assistant and classroom interaction.

The rule of thumb is that MAs make 33% higher earnings than BA and Ph.D makes 33% higher earnings than MAs.

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

evolving81 · Joined: 04 May 2009 Posts: 135 Location: Tampa

Even with an MA in TESOL I keep getting asked if I have a certificate. Anyone else experience this?

michgreen · Joined: 16 Apr 2010 Posts: 27

What kind of jobs are you applying for and what type of certificate are they asking about. Your MATESOL should have included a practicum/ observation component or some type of internship/ observation.

If you have an MATESOL and no teaching experience, they will assume that your degree was more theoretical than practical and that is probably why they are asking about the certificate. If you have proof of teaching experience then you don't (shouldn't) need to get the certificate.