Job Discussion Forums

[Mark-O]

I apologise if this has been covered previously. I have perused some of the previous topics and gathered that a Postgraduate qualification of relevance and *some* experience is essential before embarking on the Middle East TEFL scene. I am looking into the KSA, UAE and Qatar.

What I would like to know is whether a Masters is preferred? I am looking into TEFL in the ME for in a few year's time (i.e. once I have acquired some experience), though I shall have a British PGCE in General Primary Teaching. Does this fact go against me for seeking the 'better' jobs? Is a Masters preferred by Employers?

I'd appreciate your views and experience.

[dmb]

MA is not essential in Qatar

[veiledsentiments]

Mark

For the best tertiary jobs and the best pay (and isn't that what we all want?), an MA plus at least 2 years (more is better) experience after it will open the most doors.

If - and that is a big IF - you have truly outstanding experience - perhaps in CALL or publications - a CV that can impress someone in academia - you may be able to squeeze into a couple of places with just a BA and CELTA.

If your interest is in international secondary schools, the British based or American based or International Bac based set up their own requirements. I've never really dealt with this level, so hopefully someone can point you in the right direction.

VS

[ak_hope]

dmb,

Any suggestions about schools I could apply to in Qatar?

Thanks!

[Mark-O]

Thanks DMB and Veiled Sentiments for your contributions.

The Postgraduate Certification in Education (PGCE) gains you qualified teacher status in the UK and most other commonwealth countries, I think. It is not equivalent to a Masters, but requires that you have a degree before embarking on it. It takes one academic year to complete.

Is this qualification recognised in the aforementioned countries or is it purely Masters degrees that are only considered? By the way, I should have stated that I was more interested in teaching in the International Schools.

[Stephen Jones]

The PGCE does not give you qualified teacher status. You need to do a year's probation (extended in exceptional circumstances) in a State School to get that qualification.

A PGCE is for teaching in schools. A Masters is more likely to be a drawback than an advantage. On the other hand a PGCE will not count as more than a BA for teaching in Tertiarly Institutes.

Now, bearing in mind the alarming similarity in the behavior of Saudi teriiary students and British Secondary School students, you may find that your PGCE and appropriate Secondary School experience will be looked on highly favourably if somebody such as me is doiing the hiring.

Do remember that you can't do a PGCE by distance learning.[/code]

[Mark-O]

Many thanks for that, Steven.

I am aware that PGCEs are not distance learning qualifications, and I intend to take mine home here in the UK. I will not be gaining QT status in the UK as I couldn't bear to waste yet another year in this country. I hope this won't go against me(?)

I understand your point about Second/Tertiary School students, but my PGCE would be specialising in the 5-11 year old age group. Presumably, Primary School teachers are still needed in the Middle East? Or is it purely Secondary/Tertiary teaching?

[Stephen Jones]

There's a big shortage of male primary school teachers in Saudi - they even roped me in to work as one for four years (told me it was "good practice for having children", which only served t remind me how little of that I was getting).

The problem is that schools that deal with Western Expats are having a difficult time, since many families have left the Kingdom after the May 12th bombing which was in the same compound as the British School in Riyadh. Also they would ask for qualifeid teadher status.

Why do you want to come to the Middle East. Salaires in International Schools in more interesting areas are not a great deal less now that the dollar is low.