Job Discussion Forums

b-boy · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 10:17 am Post subject: Working in an FE College

Hello all,

I've been in the UK for almost two months and I'm starting to get on my feet.

I was able to land a job at an FE college teaching EFL. Starting out I was only getting 13 hours a week, but at 21 pounds an hour it was a lot better than the 8-12 pounds being paid by private language schools for 30 hours a week. Now that I've been there for a bit I've been able to pick up an additional 5.5 hours and am making enough money to live on.

I found this job because a friend gave me a tip that they might be looking for someone. But I've also seen some advertisements recently on the guardian website http://jobs.guardian.co.uk/browse/education/index.jsp.
Be aware that there have been some jobs that were not published in the Tuesday Educational Supplement of the Guardian. Also some of the closing dates for positions are also incorrect.

It's a nice working environment but there's a considerable amount of paper work. Also, many of the teachers are not full time, and since this FE's EFL department closes for the summer, I've got to look for something then, and possibley something more permanent elsewhere.

With a DELTA and an MA there seem to be quite a few opportunities at language schools, sometimes as teacher trainers in training, and occasionally there are jobs at FEs. The one area that I've had the least amount of luck in has been the presessional tutoring work for some of the Universities in London. They seem to be short posts-- 8-12 weeks at the most, but at over �500 a week and 20 contact hours they look good.

Perhaps I should start a new topic with this question, but can anyone tell me anything about ESOL? What qualifications or knowledge and experienc are needed?

Thanks all,

b-boy

SueH · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 1022 Location: Northern Italy

hi b-boy,

I work at an FE college too or rather 2 of them and at an Adult E college teaching Italian plus as a relief support worker at a hostel (hurrah no prep).

Don't get me started on the subject of ESOL. I'll try and give some info later, but I've finished for the week, it's my birthday today and I can't be ar***ed.

But do remind me and I'll vent about the sometimes stupid distinctions the educational consultants make about the difference between ESOL and EFL.

Sue

Ixchel · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 2:02 pm Post subject:

Will. · Joined: 02 May 2003 Posts: 783 Location: London Uk

Hello there b-boy and welcome, belated though it may be, to UK or as it is locally pronounced YUCK.
Sounds like you landed on your feet. Straight into an EFL job and No ESOL link. The paperwork can be a nightmare in ESOL as I am sure SueH will agree. Like her, I too, am teaching in the tertiary sector.
Where are you based? In London?
See my pm for info on summer jobs.

Halcyon · Joined: 14 Jan 2005 Posts: 3

Just looking for advice because I am looking into coming to the UK for next year. Already I am glad I came here because I was looking into private company hiring.

essentially, I am looking for a permenant Drama/English position at the secondary level. Lay on the advice!

Especially hoping to hear from China Dan.