Job Discussion Forums

[Jeff Mohamed]

I am researching overseas job possibilities for people with MA TESOL degrees.

I am particularly interested in finding out to what extent job prospects are affected if someone with a MA TESOL does not have classroom teaching experience.

I would welcome any information, advice, anecdotes or whatever on this topic.

Jeff

[tttompatz]

[Glenski]

Pick a country or 2, Jeff, and it will be easier to explain.

[naturegirl321]

If you have no experience, you'll be passed over in favour of those who have experience. BUt above those who just have a TEFL cert and experience, maybe. Depends. Sorry, but you're going to have to be more specific.

[fluffyhamster]

I thought that most American MA TESOL programmes had a required and reasonably substantial practicum, whilst British unis usually require that one have at least a few years' teaching experience (i.e. an MA TESOL is a different kettle of fish to a PGCE ESOL in the UK). And I guess that most halfway-respectable distance MAs (if one agrees that at least some might be halfway respectable) also have some sort of entry requirement about one having some sort of background or interest in TESOL already. How then would one be able to commence let alone complete an MA TESOL really anywhere without having or (in American unis) in the process gaining any classroom experience? Do you perhaps mean actual paid work experience teaching/an employment history, as opposed to simply "classroom experience teaching (i.e. -training)", Jeff?

I'm not trying to be funny here, just simply wanting to find out more about the variety of MAs around the world is all!

[tttompatz]

[holoholo girl]

Before I came to Tunisia, I had just received my MA TESOL & had no teaching experience outside of practicum & some time spent at the Int'l Center in NYC while in school there. I applied for quite a few jobs and received many answers/offers for work. To me it seemed it was entry-level pay regardless of my MA. It came down to 2 offers I was interested in w/1 being from Saudi Arabia at a public university, and another one here in Tunisia. I chose the job with less $, but more freedom. I believe that my work doesn't really care that I have a MA (my pay is reflected by this) as I make the same amount as people who only have certificates & have more teaching experience than me. What I do know though is that after this stint, I will be in a good position to find something more suitable to my needs- like paying off hefty student loans... Hope this helps you Jeffrey

[Jeff Mohamed]

[quote="tttompatz"]
It means you start off in a classroom like everyone else and get some experience.
There are ALWAYS 2nd tier universities who will accept you with a shiny new MATESOL. Put in your time and look for something better. Move up as you go.
.[/quote]

Actually, the info isn't for me. I've been teaching ESOL for 40 years.
Jeff

[Jeff Mohamed]

[quote="Glenski"]Pick a country or 2, Jeff, and it will be easier to explain.[/quote]
The teachers in the MA TESOL program where I teach are thinking of different areas, mainly Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Gulf.
Jeff

[Jeff Mohamed]

[quote="holoholo girl"]Before I came to Tunisia, I had just received my MA TESOL & had no teaching experience outside of practicum & some time spent at the Int'l Center in NYC while in school there. I applied for quite a few jobs and received many answers/offers for work. To me it seemed it was entry-level pay regardless of my MA. It came down to 2 offers I was interested in w/1 being from Saudi Arabia at a public university, and another one here in Tunisia. I chose the job with less $, but more freedom. I believe that my work doesn't really care that I have a MA (my pay is reflected by this) as I make the same amount as people who only have certificates & have more teaching experience than me. What I do know though is that after this stint, I will be in a good position to find something more suitable to my needs- like paying off hefty student loans... Hope this helps you Jeffrey[/quote]
That's helpful. Thank you!
Jeff

[Jeff Mohamed]

[quote="fluffyhamster"]I thought that most American MA TESOL programmes had a required and reasonably substantial practicum, whilst British unis usually require that one have at least a few years' teaching experience (i.e. an MA TESOL is a different kettle of fish to a PGCE ESOL in the UK). And I guess that most halfway-respectable distance MAs (if one agrees that at least some might be halfway respectable) also have some sort of entry requirement about one having some sort of background or interest in TESOL already. How then would one be able to commence let alone complete an MA TESOL really anywhere without having or (in American unis) in the process gaining any classroom experience? Do you perhaps mean actual paid work experience teaching/an employment history, as opposed to simply "classroom experience teaching (i.e. -training)", Jeff?

I'm not trying to be funny here, just simply wanting to find out more about the variety of MAs around the world is all! [/quote]

I believe that all MA TESOL programs prefer to take applicants who have taught. But, to the best of my knowledge, all MA TESOL programs - whether in the UK, the USA or elsewhere - are very willing to accept people who have no previous teaching experience.

Most MA TESOL programs in the USA now include a practicum for students choosing the "teaching option". (Some people choose a research option which does not have a practicum.) However, the practicum may be largely (or totally) unsupervised: i.e., you arrange some volunteer teaching and report back to your supervisor on how the teaching went.

Jeff

[Jeff Mohamed]

[quote="tttompatz"]
For the most part, people with a MATESOL are headed for post secondary institutions as lecturers
[/quote]

So it is your experience that these kinds of positions in non-English-speaking countries involve lecturing to large classes, rather than teaching smaller classes? That's depressing!

Jeff

[tttompatz]

[Jeff Mohamed]

[/quote]

No, usually still smaller class sizes (15-30 students) but the visa status is usually lecturer (non-tenure track); professorships (and related visas usually) being for those with an ABD or PhD.

.[/quote]

That's not so bad then. At least people can teach rather than lecture.

Jeff